Post by Patrick on Apr 18, 2009 14:55:03 GMT
Interesting letter from the Gruaniad's letter page;
"This year is the 175th anniversary of the rally and march to parliament in support of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, opposing their transportation. The martyrs were released by the government, rather than being sent to Australia, following a demonstration of 100,000 protesters. There is a commemorative event here in Islington on 25 April in Caledonian Park, where the original assembly gathered.
How different things would be if that march were to happen today. First, the organisers would have to apply for "permission" to march. Second, the police would "contain" the march, keeping the protesters in a confined space, and refusing any of them permission to leave until a time of the police's choosing. At that point they would have to provide their identities. But the major difference is that the government of 1834 listened to and responded to the will of the people. This government, by contrast, as the million-strong march against war in Iraq proved, would remain indifferent, perhaps drawing up a dodgy dossier of "evidence" against the farm boys to justify their decision. I hope those celebrating the success of 175 years ago will also reflect on how much freedom we have lost since then."
"This year is the 175th anniversary of the rally and march to parliament in support of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, opposing their transportation. The martyrs were released by the government, rather than being sent to Australia, following a demonstration of 100,000 protesters. There is a commemorative event here in Islington on 25 April in Caledonian Park, where the original assembly gathered.
How different things would be if that march were to happen today. First, the organisers would have to apply for "permission" to march. Second, the police would "contain" the march, keeping the protesters in a confined space, and refusing any of them permission to leave until a time of the police's choosing. At that point they would have to provide their identities. But the major difference is that the government of 1834 listened to and responded to the will of the people. This government, by contrast, as the million-strong march against war in Iraq proved, would remain indifferent, perhaps drawing up a dodgy dossier of "evidence" against the farm boys to justify their decision. I hope those celebrating the success of 175 years ago will also reflect on how much freedom we have lost since then."
