Honest political discourse through whatever medium depends on genuine debate and the right of challenge, be it the challenge to opinions, actions or statements that may be misleading. It’s difficult enough to have any meaningful political debate on serious questions or issues through the current accepted traditional mediums because there is so much spin and so many gatekeepers.

It was only a matter of time before the same people who want to control and mis-direst debate made a play to corral the political blogesphere.

And that’s what this is about. You, Henry, whoever you are, may or may not be a genuine member of the public with or without a political axe to grind on your own or someone else’s behalf. However, you won’t find yourself banned or prevented from commenting on blogs like this, Tims or similar sites. You won’t find yourself smeared and attacked for raising questions by teams of blogger groupies or ghost posters for having the temerity to raise questions or doubts about the points, opinions, actions, activities and interests of those you question.

It’s not necessarily a left/right thing – although that plays a part – its about free debate and honest discussion not tainted by the control freaks.

Yours fraternally

Dave Hansell
30 Ralph Ellis Drive
Stocksbridge
Sheffield
S36 1EW
email: chash@btinternet.com

I have a problem with some bloggers criticise the entire style and approach of another blogger, which Justin does.

Fascist.

I’m also sure that the left is just waiting until the right time to start its own internet TV station broadcasting five nights a week…Perhaps then he could broadcast his paranoid rantings about Iain Dale to the masses.

Then again, if I wanted to get the kind of content I find here, I could just buy The Independent

Henry: This is not a matter of ’style’, as you well know.

High traffic and advertising revenue, it seems. Personally, if I was interested in that, I’d ditch the blog and take a job as a salesman.

Perhaps I was proving my own point? Or perhaps I just meant to say that I think it’s great that people allow comments, they should. I have a problem with some bloggers criticise the entire style and approach of another blogger, which Justin does.

this would have a bit more credibility if you had written it somewhere other than the comments section of Justin’s blog.

but only a bit.

Henry: I’d have more time for you if what you say wasn’t refuted by clicking around this blog for five minutes. Still, why let the truth and evidence (do you have any?) derail your prejudices and intellectual shortcomings. Either that or you’re genuinely delusional.

Anyway, thanks for your illuminating contribution. Hurry back.