CHELMSFORD: Stand up for free speech
TODAY the Essex Chronicle makes an impassioned stand for freedom of speech.
On Saturday we're transforming part of Chelmsford High Street into the county's first ever Speakers' Corner – complete with soapbox.
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SPEAKERS' CORNER: Show you support free speech by visiting our soapbox in the High Street on Saturday
As a newspaper, we're passionate about freedom of speech.
But an incident in the town centre last Friday, in which police stopped a pavement preacher in full swing as he loudly harangued the Government, moved us to take action.
Alan Geere, editor-in-chief at the Essex Chronicle, said: "Newspapers have a long and proud tradition of providing a voice for the voiceless and speaking up for the silent majority," he said.
"Now we're giving everybody a chance to speak up for themselves.
"In this helter-skelter world of multiple communications channels, how refreshing to say goodbye to the email, cheerio to the text message and hello to simply standing on a box and saying your bit.
"The Essex Chronicle welcomes all shades of opinions and strives to represent all parts of our community.
"The soapbox is another way to get readers involved and, hopefully, keep us on our toes."
Our soapbox will be placed next to the Tottenham Hotspur shop from 11am for two hours.
We have already invited a cross-section of the community, including Government ministers, church and business leaders and the like to take their stand and have their say.
So long as the views expressed do not break the law or contain offensive language – which goes without saying – they are very welcome.
19 Comments
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by kaine, chelmsford
Sunday, March 14 2010, 4:07PM
“i understand every one has the right for freedom of speach but what about the peaple that dont want to here it im not picking but not every 1 wants to here that kind of stuff because 1 they dont understand as much as we do and wont look that far into it why dont u make some thing so all of use can discuss his to each other. Theres churches for chritsians/ churches for musilms they all have the power to speak for themselves but they pefer to do it togeva coz they all WANT to understand”
by Mark, CHELMSFORD
Tuesday, December 22 2009, 9:04PM
“IM NOT SURE IF THIS IS A GOOD IDEAR OR NOT AS THINGS COULD GET OUT OF HAND BUT IF YOU SAY WHAT YOU ARE ALLOWERD TO SAY THEN YES ,AS I WOULD SAY ABOUT OUR LOCAL COUNCIL”
by Steve, Chelmsford
Saturday, November 28 2009, 9:56AM
“I don't understand why we need a speakers corner. Historically such things have been vitally important in communicating to the masses but the system has been superseded many times over and by more efficient systems at that. Until very recently we had Usenet. This is now dying but in it's place we have blogging. Blogging reaches out all over and allows for personal interaction. It allows the timid and shy to also have a voice. It allows all to have an opinion and share it.
Yes, blogging will run it's course but as always, something even better will come along. Who knows, maybe newspaper forums such as this are the future (only kidding).”
by just fed up with poorly run shop, north springfield
Saturday, November 07 2009, 10:18AM
“i just like to let everyone in chelmsford know that one stop springfield is poorly run! by manger bernie collions , she lets her family meber katie hobbs who works there steal money from the till , bar who ever she doesn't like , serve alchol to underage kids, rude staff will not change ten pound notes, more conecernd about talking to each rather than serving customers, money always goes missing. it's time we did something about it thats my stand up for free speech”
by Gary, Maldon
Tuesday, October 13 2009, 11:24AM
“Dear News editor.
My last post was tongue in cheek!
But thanks for confirming,
as suspected, that it is very quiet outside/inside that shop!”
by News Editor, Chronicle Newsdesk
Monday, October 12 2009, 3:21PM
“Unfortunately Gary, that is the only place Chelmsford's town centre management would allow us on Saturday. If and when we do this in the future, we will do our best to find a more prominent location.”
by Gary, Maldon
Monday, October 12 2009, 1:33PM
“Why was this event placed next to a shop that has few, if any customers?
Was it a dastedly plan to make that team look popular?
Or you knew a big crowd blocking that shop doorway wouldn't matter?”
by Anon, Chelmsford
Monday, October 12 2009, 10:28AM
“Speakers' Corner caused quite a stir in the High Street on Saturday, congratulations to the Essex Chronicle for allowing people with some pretty controversial things to say to stand up and speak. It was policed really well. I just hope the Chronicle follows this up properly and makes it a permanent fixture in the High Street.”
by martin, chelmsford
Saturday, October 10 2009, 11:31PM
“Hi just wanted to say that thought Speakers corner is a good idea, reviving a worthwile tradition, its healthy that free speech is being encouraged, hopefully speakers corner will grow and catch on, disagreeded with some of what the speakers said but good to hear different ideas.”
by Keith, Chemsford
Saturday, October 10 2009, 4:23PM
“Great stuff from the Essex Chronicle but if you really support free speech then I hope you haven't forgotten to invite the BNP. It's said the NUJ has a policy of trying to deny them a voice so it would be a great opportunity to prove otherwise.”