This is a bit sensationalist.

Also freedom of speech is still governed according to the law and has always had boundaries. This is not a new thing. How they're enforced is the problem, I'd agree there. But if you're suggesting Free Speech = Say anything you like without repercussion = traditional free speech then as you know you're wrong according to the law. But I suppose it doesn't suit the anti-establishment narrative/moany sensationalist thought police orwellian dross. When google gets embedded into our brains sometime this century then you might have a point.

Where I agree is what was done is in no way illegal. Anyone with a rational brain and a basic grasp of the law knows that. Ignorant, feckless and disgusting, yes. Contrary to your belief, you are most certainly able to offend and be an idiot without being investigated. Pretty much everyone on this forum does it all the time.

Do it in public with witnesses, or share something offensive on social media though? Then you're the real idiot.

What is illegal is the sharing of the material over social media. The sharing of names in the papers is not great either, but once it's in the public domain... Karma is a bitch.

If the racist element is either present or proven then they are definitely in the s***. Some of the soundbites coming out from their relatives do make me laugh. Much like the old 'but one of my friends is black' trope. 'He's such a good boy'. Everyones a w***er in private.

Purely circumstantial but talking about 'the ninja is going to get it in a minute' doesn't help matters. You're free to be as idiotic and racist as you like in private, so long as you're with likeminded people and you don't share s*** on the internet, or do it in public in a way that will offend others.

One enlightening fact is that under section 4A of the public order act, if there are two or more people witness to the event then it is prosecutable under the 'displaying a visual representation which is insulting', even if it's in your own home. However they're unlikely to complain about each other. Or maybe they will. That would be amazing.

Will be interesting to follow this as a test case for some of the enshrined views by people on this forum on both 'sides' – my assumption is that they will get off with a fine or warning.

The person that shared the video may get in more trouble with the law, and probably with their group as it's the only reason they're being exposed. The person who revealed their actual face rather than their public face with the 'ninja' comment could also be in a bit of s***.

Other than that, on current evidence I can't see who else would get slammed. If they all get jailed without trial or evidence I'll craft my own special tin hat made from the very finest bacofoil.

And they might have to move out of Norwood. Probably for the best.

I've so far found that not being a prick has served me well in life.

I've missed nothing, I simply answered the rather silly question.

As for consequences, I have no issues with 'reactions'.

'Reactions' have been what we have always had.

It's only recently that the state has changed the law and enabled state involvement over 'opinion'. You appear to support them.

I have massive issues with state involvement over opinions. Indeed many of these views were commonplace and are commonplace.....We are talking outright suppression.

Never mind, when the cycle changes and it's people like yourself who find themselves focused upon you'll no doubt see it differently. I'll still support your freedom of speech.....but I'll remember your hypocrisy.

Edited by Stirlingsays (07 Nov 2018 2.04pm)

I've so far found that not being a prick has served me well in life.

Willo bought the matches.