BBC NEWS 24

[Brian Gladman]

From: "David Hansen" <davidh@spidacom.co.uk>
To: <ukcrypto@maillist.ox.ac.uk>
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2000 1:49 PM
Subject: Re: BBC NEWS 24


> On 20 Jun 00, at 9:02, Brian Gladman wrote:
>
> > But it is somewhat hysterical. Maybe this is inevitable since both
> > sides are seeking to appeal to emotions.
>
> I'm not sure that I would agree.

I certainly agree that there is no equality in this since we get no evidence
at all in what Charles Clarke says, just propaganda and often, sadly,
misrepresentation of what the Bill actually says. At least the other side of
the debate has both emotion and logic!

> The right side in the argument is the side which is opposed. I don't
> see any particular appeal to emotions, that arguments are well
> thought out and, if the media will allow, presented to the public in a
> sober way.

You are right that the press is doing well - having just watched Newsnight,
I was really reflecting more on how the television has approached this,
which seemed to me to miss much of the real argument. Theri heart is in the
right place but they still seem to be having some trouble working out the
right message.

> There are emotions involved, but these are personal. I am very
> emotional about the Home Office wanting to give every government
> official the power to seize *MY* keys and to prevent me from
> discussing this with anyone. I hope that I never become cynical
> enough not to be emotional about such an apalling prospect,
> especially as the Home Office are completely wrong about its effects.

And I support you all the way. I am very emotional about this too!

     Brian