You Can’t Stop the Signal
Freedom of political speech is essential to any liberal democracy, but this BBC article brings to light Japan’s tough laws against political web advertising during an election campaign.
Surprisingly, in a country with some of the fastest broadband speeds and a wide internet penetration, it is now illegal for candidates to create new websites or update existing web pages between now and election day, 29 July.
So instead, the loudspeaker vans are out on the streets again. The candidates sit inside, waving regally wearing white gloves, smiling and politely asking for votes.
Though perhaps not as extreme, Australia’s own laws are also restrictive when it comes to the Information Age, including the following rules:
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Libertarian Alliance Conference
The U.K. Libertarian Alliance Conference will be held in London on the weekend of 27-28th October this year. See the full schedule and book your place here.
Discussion topics include;
Why the Sea should be Privatised
Private Law Enforcement: Libertarian Ideas on the Future of Justice
Towards a Surveillance Society
Anarcho-Capitalism Versus the Minimum State
Thoughts on Building Campaigns for Liberty
At the conference, the winner of the annual essay contest will be announced. This year’s question is ‘Does the UK need a Libertarian Party‘?
The same question could be asked in Australia. The view from within the LA, apparently, is that there is no need for a libertarian party in British politics. Their approach to date has been confrontational, even hostile, to mainstream politics and politicians. I completely disagree with this approach and will be submitting my 2,000 word essay for the $2,500 prize.
Change is most effectively brought about by a combination of ideas (think-tanks and blogs), effective marketing of those ideas (funds) and power (seats). The same is true for Australia.
If you want to find out more about the Libertarian Alliance, contact Sean Gabb at sean@libertarian.co.uk
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