TrixieLox

In the UK, the home secretary of the opposition party has resigned in protest at the decline of civil liberties in this country. It's pretty big news here (as well as Alex from Big Brother being a SKANK and Wayne Rooney getting married!)

Anyway, back to civil liberties. His decision was brought on by the Government voting in a 42-day detention limit for suspected terrorists.

Now, I'm usually all for a bit of tough crime and punishment for those who deserve it. But I'm getting incredibly worried by how countries such as the UK and US are using (or generating?) the fear of terrorism to pass through some pretty draconian and 'Big Brother' type measures. Isn't this what the terrorists want? To change previously democratic and liberal countries into draconian states?

Am I the only one who's concerned? Am I being too nansy pansy liberal?

Or is this an utterly boring and dull topic and should I go back to slagging off Alex from BB? x

marley2580

I agree, it's starting to get a bit scary that all the govt has to do to infringe on our civil liberties is say 'it's to prevent terrorism'.

rafwife

Living on an air force base, we are made aware of impending threats and given a colour state at all times. Living on a front line base when there is a heightened security state is no fun. My husband is made aware at work, and we have a rapid reaction force in place to deal with certain types of 'hostility'. Of course, terrorism takes many forms, however small.

Given that the average person (myself included) hasn't the faintest idea what sort of intelligence is gathered before making such a decision on whether or not to detain someone under terrorism laws, no, I don't think it's draconian or unnecessary and I certainly don't think they are infringing on my civil liberties.