Making dissent a crime

In recent days I have heard two commentators on radio refer to pushes in Britain and Australia to make written attacks "on Western civilisation" illegal.

Keep your eyes on this one, as it's likely that Patriot Act-style legislation will make it not only illegal to promote terrorism, but to criticise the governments or cultures of the West. It hasn't happened yet, but some influential people are talking that way, and there can be little doubt that there are many politicians who are happy that some more vocal people are flying the kite. Bush, Blair and Howard have already shown their colours.

No one has talked this way since King George III, except perhaps Joseph McCarthy, but now it's being placed on the public agenda. A concerted effort of opposition, and close scrutiny of draft legislation, are esential to impede today's juggernaut of social control.