Woe betide anyone thinking of standing for Parliament with traditional views. Especially if these views touch on the subject of homosexuality. If any candidate so much as squeaks, the politically correct hyenas pounce. Conservative candidate for North Ayrshire and Arran, Philip Lardner, has been suspended for what are considered "deeply offensive and unacceptable" comments about homosexuality. He apparently posted them on his website. I haven't seen them so don't know how "deeply offensive and unacceptable" they were. But what I do know is that there is an insidious undercurrent of Stalinist put-downs every time someone of traditional values expresses an opinion on the subject.Catholics are portrayed as being a suitable target for shutting up. If David Cameron believes so much in the family, why on earth try to silence people in such a manner. The people of North Ayrshire and Arran can make up their own minds. If they vote for Mr. Lardner, what will Cameron do with him? Put him on the naughty step, so all and sundry passing through the Palace of Westminster can see what happens if you speak your mind - and that mind is out of favour with the liberal elite?
This is very worrying. Are those who feel they have a contribution to make in public life to be silenced if their views are contrary to others? Homosexual practices are not acceptable to many as an ideal basis for a lifestyle. Are they to be pilloried for thinking this way? It is all rather Stalinist. I find it distasteful.
David Cameron gave some wishy-washy response to a question about the Pope's visit. So did Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg. They didn't exactly embrace weasel words, but I guess a fox wouldn't find such sentiments unhandy. If this instant attacking of traditional values doesn't stop, we will end up in some sort of 1984 mind state. Thank goodness for the internet. Some of us can speak up.
When Julian Lewis was attacked by that pompous prig Alan Johnson, his opinions were traduced big time. Johnson just abused the airwaves with something he thought passed for democratic comment. It was nothing of the sort. It was just plain bullying. Alan Johnson has the veneer of a nice man but essentially he comes across as a political bully. Julian Lewis made some points about homosexual relationships. Immediately he was pounced upon. Now everyone is entitled to speak their mind in a free democracy so long as it is not unlawful or inciteful. Also, I would add unpleasant. I can't see anything as such in what Mr.Lewis said. He went on to say "On the other hand (though no-one seems to have noticed), I voted in favour of the civil partnerships bill". Alan Johnson didn't notice.
No, Johnson seems to be an anti-Catholic, anti-Christian, anti-free speech former trade union official who is far more comfortable trying to belittle his opponents by besmirching them than he is protecting their democratic rights. This election is certainly proving to weed out the political pharisees.
