Sunday 25 January 2004

UNIVERSITY TUITION FEES

Within the next week, MP's will vote as to whether tuition fees for university students should be retained in England. Some perceive an injustice since Scottish university students do not have to pay fees. Is this the right way though?

As a libertarian, I believe that all education should be privately funded. The only legitimate role of government is to protect its citizens from force and fraud and safeguard rights to person and property. Education can be adequately provided in the private sector.

It may seem 'unjust' for poorer families to pay large amounts of fees. But in a free market, who is to say that prices would NOT be competitive enough for less wealthy families to be able to finance higher education?

Thursday 15 January 2004

THE ROBERT KILROY-SILK BREW-HA-HA....

Within the last week, the BBC presenter Robert Kilroy-Silk was heavily rebuked for making 'racist' comments about Arabs. The Muslim Council of Great Britain and the Commission for Racial Equality condemned Mr. Kilroy-Silk for his 'bigoted' views.

Doesn't the 1998 Human Rights Act grant British citizens the right to freedom of expression? If so, why is Kilroy wrong in voicing his opinion? Is it 'wrong' simply because a group of Muslims have demonstrated their offence.

There is NO legal right (nor SHOULD there be) to be free from offence. The notion of offence in itself is VERY subjective. In that sense, it's would be near impossible to legislate against offence. Also, a statement, which labels Arabs as 'limb amputaters' and 'suicide bombers', does NOT violate ANYBODY'S rights within British society. It DOES NOT violate a person's right to person and property OR initiate force or fraud against ANY person.