Anthony Barnett (London, OK): It seems that Liberty have published a new report on surveillance and privacy with an important new poll on public views about it. Liberty seem to be rubbish at publicity. It came out a few days ago but the first I knew about it was in Henry Porter's column in today's Observer. The report is not on-line. The sooner a copy gets to OurKingdom the sooner we can report on it.
Henry says "A revolution of thought needs to take place". Because,
The personal information of innocent people, their digital footprints, their movements, as well as the things consenting adults get up to must not be allowed to become the property of the state.
Right on! - as we used to say.
Two points, first to Henry, a revolution even in thought needs to be organised. Or rather, as I know he knows this, I make the point to everyone else who agrees, especially Sunny who seems to be trying to do something about it.
Second, Henry's column is mainly a protest at criminalising men who seek prostitutes. The fundamental point about rights and liberty which is implicit in it is that to be morally responsible humans we must have the right to do wrong. In ye olde religious terms, which are momentarily coming back into fashion, we must be free to sin. This is not an argument in favour of taking drugs, buying sex or committing sins. It is an argument in favour of humankind.
