(edit title) Comments Not Available In Some News Articles Options

[Mib]

It seems that free speech is an illusion in the media and political world unless it fits in with the politically correct, mundane views that offends no-one and bores everyone else in the carefully crafted words from people who fear controversy, conflict or peer pressure from people with money/power.

The news article where 2 people were refused entry to a court due to their clothing hiding their faces is one example and many other articles where comments appear to be allowed. Why? Of course you get the usual oredictable racist, ignorant bigots, but that is why you should have moderators to remove offensive and potentially illegal comments.

In my opinion, regardless of religion/beliefs, the law of the land supercedes. In terms of why women would want to dress from head to toe is a choice for them to make. However, the idea that it removes the potential for someone to lust over them is more to do with Men's own insecurity which leads to them not trusting their partners to walk away if approached by another man. In fact it shows how weak their own religion/beliefs are that a woman dressed in casual clothes will lead to temptation. That a man does not have to wear clothing head to toe shows the hypocrisy of the whole concept. It works both ways! But hey, despite their devout brliefs they still do not trust theirpartners to not stay faithful or have tje ability for them to walk awsy should someone approach them.

If the women like wearing that clothing, then fine. It's a free country. However, if you have been given the privilige of a better life in a Western country, you should try to integrate, otherwise you should move to a country that fits more with your beliefs. That goes for everyone, regardless if you're born here, emigrated here, white, black, man or woman.

[Svensksmith]

My problem with the burka is that is represents female oppression. Plus it's ugly. Who wants to live in a world where all the women walked around in Muslim garb or nun's habits? What would us men look at?

[Grant___]

In Sweden there are exceptions to freedom of speech, hate speech against race or ethnicity is one of them.

So you could argue that by blocking comments on articles which are 100% going to draw racist comments they are actually ensuring the law is adhered to.

[Gamla Hälsingebock]

"that is why you should have moderators to remove offensive and potentially illegal comments."

Nobody should be able to stop any ideas or thoughts if somebody thinks them offensive.

Some people think they are doing the right thing by stifling free speech as deemed by... WHO????

What if the politically correct (yeah right!) got the same treatment...then what????

If Breivik had an outlet for his thoughts maybe he would have acted differently.

Speak and debate, but don't deny that right.

[Grant___]

Problem is moderators can only take away comments after they have been made.
By then its too late, people have already posted their hate speech, moderators do not work.

The only way to be safe would be to have every message checked before its published, and stop any that contravene the freedom of speech exemptions, which is probably worse than blocking it as it will take so long..

the Local has a huge amount of racist posters here only to offend and nothing else. I'm still surprised its got comments on any story with the filth that's on here most days!

[calebian22]

I get irritated when I see western women wearing a niqab, hijab, burka, whatever. Hello?! You grew up free and you are voluntarily relegating yourself to second class. That being said, the judge did the right thing sending those women packing. As for the Local getting rid of the comments, no surprise there. Heaven forbid someone gets offended by the ugly truth.

[lewni]

I'm surprised they even covered this story, unless they're hoping that people will call the one who chose to deny them entry racist.

[Smiling Canuk]

Sure its a free country but the burka and hiijab is offensive to women's rights by western standards. We've had a few cases of Muslim immigrant women in Canada show up for their driving license photos insisting their faces be covered for the photo and yet they are coming from countries where women aren't even allowed to drive. We've told them - no facial photo then no license. They can't have it both ways.

The big question is beyond "freedom of choice " and rather to ask if Islamic culture is actually compatible with western values. I personally have come to believe that is not, but you have a much bigger challenge in dealing with this in Europe that we do.

[Rick Methven]

Problem is moderators can only take away comments after they have been made.By then its too late, people have already posted their hate speech, moderators do not work.The only ... (show full quote)

Problem is moderators can only take away comments after they have been made.
By then its too late, people have already posted their hate speech, moderators do not work.

The only way to be safe would be to have every message checked before its published, and stop any that contravene the freedom of speech exemptions, which is probably worse than blocking it as it will take so long..

the Local has a huge amount of racist posters here only to offend and nothing else. I'm still surprised its got comments on any story with the filth that's on here most days! ... (hide full quote)

The most probable reason why comments have been blocked on this story is because it came out late on Friday. TL staff and moderators like the weekend off, without having to monitor posts, because they know from bitter experience that such stories DO attract the trolls who's only aim is to create internet mayhem.

The Stockholm news online paper does pre-moderate, and the comments box is prefaced with this:

All comments are reviewed by the moderator before they are posted. Only comments in English written in a respectful tone will be published.

This leads to a delay in comments being posted and loses the spontaneity on live debate but it does keep the trolls away.

There are rules regarding the content of posts on TL that are there to protect TL from prosecution as well as stopping illegal posts being made, but a hardcore of posters deliberately ignore the rules and make posts that are designed to stir up trouble. Aftonbladet & Expressen have moved to a system where posters have to login via their facebook account which makes the poster more accountable and a bit more traceable. This has reduced the number of inflammatory posts.

As to everybody being 'free' to post whatever they like however offensive, that is a recipe for anarchy. There must always be line that is not crossed in any society or the whole fabric of the society is in danger. Those who advocate the right of complete freedom of speech, actually want their freedom and would deny the same freedoms to those with contrary views.

[hongkongdanchang]

I this site really a credible news site?? I do not think so at all.

[jvtx3232]

In Sweden there are exceptions to freedom of speech...

Many people would say that "freedom of speech" with "exceptions" is not really freedom of speech at all. That it is actually patent anathema to freedom of speech.

Who gets to decide what the "hate speech" is? Only the self-appointed PC Police? Some people would say that the PC Police labeling others as "racist" or "islamaphobe" is in fact the hate speech. Because who the hell do they think they are to pass judgement on others? If you follow me.

When it comes right down to it the only universally-accepted exception to freedom of speech is the proverbial "yelling FIRE! in a crowded theatre" argument. That type of thing.

[Grant___]

Many people would say that "freedom of speech" with "exceptions" is not really freedom of speech at all.

Yes, EXACTLY that was the whole point.
Yet still people keep moaning that their freedom of speech is being denied, even when there inst freedom of speech in Sweden or indeed most of the countries in Europe anyway!

How can anyone be denied something that doesn't even exist!!!! duh...

[jvtx3232]

So are you applauding or lamenting the violation of the fundamental human principle of Freedom of Speech in Sweden?

[Rick Methven]

Who's freedom of speech?

[Abe L]

My problem with the burka is that is represents female oppression. Plus it's ugly. Who wants to live in a world where all the women walked around in Muslim garb or nun' ... (show full quote)

My problem with the burka is that is represents female oppression. Plus it's ugly. Who wants to live in a world where all the women walked around in Muslim garb or nun's habits? What would us men look at? ... (hide full quote)

I could point out a few that could do with obligatory wearing Burka's. Otherwise fully agree with your statements regarding fit women.

I get irritated when I see western women wearing a niqab, hijab, burka, whatever. Hello?! You grew up free and you are voluntarily relegating yourself to second class. Tha ... (show full quote)

I get irritated when I see western women wearing a niqab, hijab, burka, whatever. Hello?! You grew up free and you are voluntarily relegating yourself to second class. That being said, the judge did the right thing sending those women packing. As for the Local getting rid of the comments, no surprise there. Heaven forbid someone gets offended by the ugly truth. ... (hide full quote)

At least they made the choice for their selves and where not forced to wearing such clothing. I can see the silliness in it as well, but everyone should be free to wear what they want and from any religious belief.

Otoh, I'm personally getting very tired of any negative views regarding minorities to be labeled racism. It's really only racism if you discriminate based on racial groups, while often people dislike these groups not because of what racial group they are from but because of the way they act and behave. Which is completely valid, as you would dislike people from your own racial group misbehaving as well, though then it's usually completely acceptable.