Proving once again that JD Vance was correct when he scolded the Europeans for their abandonment of the principles of free speech, a Swiss court sentenced a writer to 60 days in jail for calling another journalist a "fat lesbian."
Freedom of speech does protect assholes. (And, note to MAGA extremists: due process does protect criminals.) Both are basic to a free society. I’m actually shocked that France has come to this.
Old Europe has been trending authoritarian for decades. I'd say the first bad move was the formation of the EU. That created a ruling class that is so far removed from the voters that it can ignore them.
I've been chewing on the "due process" matter for a while. Absolutely, everyone deserves due process, but what due process should be applied? Is it sufficient to prove that someone is not a citizen or legal resident before deporting? Does each deserve a trial by jury? There are many more questions.
I’d be content with proving (to a judge) that they are here illegally before deporting. As for sending people to horrible prisons in third countries, that should (1) just not happen; and (2) absolutely require a full trial by jury.
Hypothetical question - is it up to America to put someone on trial if they are here illegally and charged by another nation's government with a crime? Or do we verify that they are here illegally, deport them, and leave it up to that other government to try them for crimes they are wanted for in that nation?
Well said.
Damn skippy on this one!👏
That law enforcement has nothing better to do with its time than prosecute schoolyard insults is another side of this issue.
I'm certain that this is directed from the top. I doubt the cops there are keen on this sort of stuff.
Freedom of speech does protect assholes. (And, note to MAGA extremists: due process does protect criminals.) Both are basic to a free society. I’m actually shocked that France has come to this.
Old Europe has been trending authoritarian for decades. I'd say the first bad move was the formation of the EU. That created a ruling class that is so far removed from the voters that it can ignore them.
I've been chewing on the "due process" matter for a while. Absolutely, everyone deserves due process, but what due process should be applied? Is it sufficient to prove that someone is not a citizen or legal resident before deporting? Does each deserve a trial by jury? There are many more questions.
Due process isn't a yes-no thing.
I’d be content with proving (to a judge) that they are here illegally before deporting. As for sending people to horrible prisons in third countries, that should (1) just not happen; and (2) absolutely require a full trial by jury.
Hypothetical question - is it up to America to put someone on trial if they are here illegally and charged by another nation's government with a crime? Or do we verify that they are here illegally, deport them, and leave it up to that other government to try them for crimes they are wanted for in that nation?
Depends on whether we have an extradition treaty.
Never thought I would see a hypertext link to *asshole* 🤭
Did you click through?
Not yet but will do now. 😁👍
Well stated, Peter! Just think how powerful hypertext links are for research and context 😁👍