I don’t particularly feel my speech is any more limited here than back home, but I haven’t challenged it either. That’s part of the reason for my post; I was shocked at what the police had done.

I recently read in the Economist about all of the revisions to the Thai constitution since it was written and I realise that solely having one in writing doesn’t make it permanent. I’ve lost track of how many times the French have amended theirs.

Perhaps it is largely because I went to Journalism school, but the First Amendment is one that I hold in very high regard. It is first for a reason and it allows the rights and freedoms of all the others.

Thanks for commenting.

Funny thing is I have plenty of sunshine here - rather too much actually and sometimes I miss the cold!

Regarding written constitutions - Thailand has one and the government does nothing other than rewrite it at every opportunity. Whilst I think there are many things that I think need improving in UK, I don’t think that a written constitution would change anything - rather it would just increase the level of the litigation culture that we have gained from the US (sorry, had to get that oen in).

On freedom of speech: when the Olympic flame was doing its tour of Bangkok the Thai government declared that any foreigners protesting against China’s stance on Tibet would be arrested, deported and blacklisted. I reckon both the UK and US aren’t doing too badly for freedom of speech.

…”Yes, quaint and curious war is!
You shoot a fellow down
You’d treat if met where any bar is,
Or help to half-a-crown.”

Thomas Hardy

Just to clarify, Those two or three imams do not preach their beliefs via national television.

My contact with Americans was far from select. I was an military instructor in urban warfare back in the 70’s and trained many US personnel in that role. I found them to be warm and friendly, willing to learn and willing to share their experiences. Those Americans I have met outside of the military have shown equal measures in human kindness. The only ‘issue’ I noted was their collective belief that America is better than anywhere else. Not true I’m afraid. We all have our faults, and maturity allows us to explore them.

Have a great weekend.

Nevertheless, a 15-year-old would find it hard to get arrested for mouthing off about anything here (outside of a direct physical threat). He (or she) might get suspended from school, but that would probably be rescinded. I’m also puzzled that you defend your imans’ free speech but express horror at our “Bible thumpers.” That sounds a matter of distaste: the latter do not threaten anyone’s safety in the here and now; they only warn of the hereafter. And this touches on legitimate concerns about limits to speech (which I have a feeling are a concern in the UK as they are here). I don’t, however, believe that “legitimate concern” necessarily translates to suppression.

Despite all this, I’m glad you have enjoyed the company of all Americans you have met, select group though they may be. What have you enjoyed about them?