Free speech and a free Western world my ARSE ..

We are free to speak as long as we agree with that muppet (which your british leader then of course does as he's so terrified he's wouldn't be Bush's favourite lapdog anymore).

So we don't get killed when we say no to Bush ... we're still not getting heard either. Freedom of speech is only good if you're actually being heard. Now I don't like immigrants or muslim fanatics, but believe me the biggest evil is currently president of the States .. I hope some crazy muslim blows himself up whilst holding tight to that crazy trigger happy cowboy. THAT would be the first act of "turrr" that would actually make me smile

finished

Brain washed - that's the majority of americans believing that Iraq and September 11th is connected.

Brain washed is thinking Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.

Brain washed is believing Bush was democraticaly elected.

If going on a protest is showing youngsters that not everyone in responsiblity is always right - and that our fair nation is based upon 1 vote for each - democracy, and that by talking (not bombing) we get things done - then, hell, if a kid misses half a day of school and their eyes are opened up, it's worth it.

Old Chap initially made a good point. The spectacle of cute little kids in pictures of demonstrations distracts from the important message that the demonstrators are trying to get across, and puts a slant of emotional blackmail onto the issue, which will lessen the chance of serious debate being provoked.

By the same argument Penge is right as well: too many demonstrations - whether you agree with the subject matter or not - are populated these days by rent-a-rabble types or kids out for a good time while bunking off school. The message will not reach them, I fear, because their reasons for being there in the first place are wrong.

Goodness is what you do. Not who you pray to.

God I love sweeping generalizations.

Even the liberal press in the US, accepts that Bush was elected. Whether I like it or not, he won in the first past the post system. Which is based on our system. The multiple recounts held after the election backed the result up, even if they were not 100% conclusive. Finally, Gore accepted the result of the vote in Florida.

As regards brain washing: most people did not believe the government claims, therefore how can they have been brainwashed?

I think taking kids on peaceful demonstrations is not so sinister as is being made out. Sure, if there is a chance of trouble then it's a bad idea. But showing them what you believe about Iraq is no different to taking your kid to church or getting them christened before they are old enough to choose their religion.
Some parents will not take their kids to McDonalds, others (like me) will drag them there and hope the Mad Cow Disease is as unlikely as being struck by lightning.
I agree with a bit of what Bexter said about families spending time together and getting kids off playstations.
We influence our children's lives everyday from taking them to football, to inflicting our music on them. When they are old enough they will form their own opinions but I don't think it is emotional blackmail - more likely a lack of babysitters

You fed me, you bred me, I'll remember your name.

They prefer the toys at McDonalds!
And anyway I'm not that heartless I get them the "chicken" as opposed to the Mad Cow.

You fed me, you bred me, I'll remember your name.