DEAR EDITOR—THE right to free speech is as important as life itself, well at least if you claim to be a democrat and to advance principles of democracy. This is an age-old argument and is indisputable among democrats.
Unfortunately, democrats, or some of those people fighting for democracy in Zimbabwe have been at the forefront of denying others the right to that free speech.
Lately, we have seen journalists added onto the sanctions list by countries purporting to be democratic or fostering democracy. I have also witnessed a lot of intolerance amongst people who claim to be fighting for democracy in our country.
The latest issue concerns Caesar Zvayi’s deportation from Botswana and his addition onto the European Union sanctions list, moves by ‘democratic nations’ that want to hear what they want to hear.
There is also now a common argument that those who criticize the West should only do it from Zimbabwe, a pathetic argument to say the least. It’s like saying those who criticize President Mugabe and Zanu PF should only do it from the West. The implication is that they should be deported from Zimbabwe to somewhere, maybe the West.
That means all of the opposition elements in the country should be ‘deported’ to somewhere, presumably the West, where there are people who hold the same ideas as them with regards to the situation in Zimbabwe.
The same argument advanced could mean all those journalists working for The Independent or The Standard newspapers, or any other paper that criticizes the government should do so from outside Zimbabwe.
I find this argument highly flawed, to say the least and shows a lack of understanding of the word “democracy”.
If those people who oppose the likes of Zvayi and Munyaradzi Huni are bent at promoting democracy they should lead by example and allow them to express themselves, otherwise they mirror the very system they purport to be fighting against.
The commitment to full and free political discussion and the resolution of differences through rational argument and political debate is a basic tenet of democracy.
Those people fighting for democracy should be forthcoming in providing that right to other people, regardless of those people’s weaknesses.
I hate to think of a kind of society these 'democrats' are trying to create.
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READER OPINIONS
CARABELLA, MANCHESTER • na. Subject: have your say Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:04:22 • Constructive Criticism is something we should all learn to accept. It is the best tool to assist us in carving out our characters and carving out a better future. Its only mature beings that dare accept and consider Constructive Criticism - that which gives proper direction for the benefit of all, but not criticism that merely undermines the Government of the Day, Criticism that is not supported by alternative constructive ideas and criticism that is merely demoralising and obviously downright rude is not acceptable in any Zimbabwe. We need to grow and move forward - not sit around opening our mouths and digging deep holes we cannot get out of -just for the sake of appearing to be a knowledgeable Critic. A knowledgeable Critic has appropriate and proper answers as well.
Mashudu • rashaid@webmail.co.za Subject: About Ceasar Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:26:59 • Tendai and the other people supporting you dont understand.We have no problem with anyone voting or writting in support of Mugabe and Zanu-PF.
Ceasar and Munyaradzi were blacklisted and Ceasar deported from Botswana because their writtings promoted hatred among Zimbabweans prompting other Zanu-PF lunatics to commit murder,rape and other crimes before and after the run-off.And non of you can refute that fact.
N/a • n/a Subject: n/a Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:35:42 • The article below by A Shallow Mind is indicative of the low depths of shallowness of mind this guy has sunk to. True democrats invite discussion and debate issues without being vindictive. What we see from MDC ignoramuses is that there is only one way, the MDC way, the way to death, that every Zimbo must follow if they are in countries that are controlled and run by the west. This is stupid as it seems to justify the beatings of Zimbos that took place during the election period. If that is the way to go, then do not mourn about violence as deportations of Zanu(PF) members is also tantamount to violence of the mind and soul which I think is more harmful than the physical violence yekusvuura magadziko nechitorobho as these heal!
Sadhaki Observer • n/a Subject: You`re Spot on Tendai! Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:34:23 • The problem with these so-called democrats is that they they mindsets of Niggers. They have been conditioned to see everything from the European point of view.
For the Europeans, democracy in Zimbabwe means wealth and freedom of speech in praise of the white man - never for the black peasant.
Ask yourself - under the so-called send them back campaign, why is it that Chelsy Davy, the daughter of a white Zimbabwean who is a close ally of ZanuPf bigwigs have not been deported from UK? Because she is WHITE. If the so-called democrats have the power of their own, not cosmetic, lets see them campaigning to have her deported from UK.
Its pathetic, Africans in general need to be de-colonised and learn not to self-hate themselves.
A shallow mind • N/A Subject: N/a Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:21:05 • How can a Zimbabwean be deported from Zimbabwe? This shows how shaloow your mind is. Those people who oppose are not opposing Zimbabwe, they oppose Zanu PF. So as far as you are concerned, Zanu PF is Zimbabwe? If you attack the West and praise Zimbabwe, while you are also Zimbabwean, then go to your country. Right now all foreign journalists who oppose Zanu Pf are deported from Zimbabwe. So the same should happen to people like you, come home.
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