Freedom of Movement Lost?

All In London Forum
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Fanthony
Yesterday I discovered my uncle had died and my mother had been taken into hospital as a result. Prior to Tony's War I could have gotten a 'plane from Heathrow and gone home the same day. However, I don't have a passport (never needed one as I am on a low income and can't take foreign holidays) and now we need photographic ID to get on a 'plane. Of course, I can take a train, or bus, I know - but the 'plane was more convenient and fast and, in the circumstances, would have been preferable. Given that I now need a passport to travel in my own country, have we lost freedom of movement? Does it matter?
Posted: 2005-08-24 07:48:56
Victoria Barnett
Yes to an extent freedom of movement has been lost but not to such a great degree. The measures are actually in place so as to reduce the threat of terrorisim. One thing that rings in your mind is that if any Tom, Dick and Harry could jump on a short haul flight is there a possiblity that that freedom would be abused and could we have ended up with more devastation in London than what happened on 7/7 ?
Posted: 2005-08-24 09:28:54
Fanthony
I think it was Benjamin Franklin who said something like "He who would trade a little freedom for a little peace deserves neither peace for freedom". Personally I'm much more afraid of losing my freedom than of dying onboard an aircraft. Given the choice I'll risk the bombs - thanks all the same. Also isn't freedom an absolute? Isn't it the case that one is either free or not free? Is is possible for freedom to be 'reduced a little' and still be freedom?
Posted: 2005-08-25 13:33:46
Fanthony
That should, of course, have read '..deserves neither peace NOR freedom'.
Posted: 2005-08-25 13:35:29
Liv Kenningstone
I think Victoria Barnett would have been happy living in Hitler's Germany or communist Russia.

Our freedoms are being taken away one by one every day. Yesterday I was told that weekly tube tickets are being stopped in favour of oyster cards. So TfL (and any other government agency) will be able to keep track of every movement we make on the underground.

But hey, if you've done nothing wrong you've got nothing to worry about!
Confused
Posted: 2005-08-25 15:59:56
Fanthony
Also it's important to remember (those on the dole, take note) 'arbeit macht frei!'
Posted: 2005-08-25 18:12:17
Fanthony
I found the exact Benjamin Franklin quote:
Posted: 2005-08-25 18:15:52
Fanthony
Doh, hit the post button too soon. Quote reads:

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety" - Benjamin Franklin
Posted: 2005-08-25 18:16:42
Tommy Kennedy IV
Hey...

I just wanted to send you this link to an online petition on Petition Spot, Make Politicians History.

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/Anarchy1 posted
Posted: 2005-08-30 17:11:29
Victoria Barnett
OK Liv, I think that that comment was a bit out of line, I resent it and demand an apology
Posted: 2005-08-30 22:20:24
Victoria Barnett
For the record Liv, I was simply putting the point forward that no legitimate person should have to fear the law, for it is in place to protect their rights and liberties as citizens.
Posted: 2005-08-30 22:23:34
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