Letter to Gazette - 13th Sept 2009

The Editor
East Kent Gazette/Sheppey Gazette

Dear Madam

Ashley Wise asks in this week's Gazette what opposing political correctness means to me. Let me tell him.

I believe in freedom of speech, but unfortunately this is a concept that is being eroded. Whenever somebody says something that is disapproved of by the guardians of political correctness they are pilloried. Politicians in particular are increasingly frightened to say what they think for fear that the media will distort their words and that they will be forced to resign.

We recently had the ludicrous situation where Dan Hannan was censured for criticising the NHS. On this occasion I don’t agree with Dan, but I believe he has every right to express his opinion. That he faced such hostility is a symptom of a political correctness that is stifling freedom of speech and of which I disapprove.

Of course, disapproving of political correctness does not mean that I oppose equality for minorities, as Ashley would have your readers believe. Far from it; I happen to believe that we are all equal, irrespective of race, religion, creed, gender or sexual orientation.

However, I do oppose the way in which “equal opportunities” has been allowed to grow into an industry that entrenches negative views of the very minorities supposed to be helped by that industry and, in some cases, discriminates against the majority.

Take travellers as a prime example. A traveller who builds on land without planning permission is treated far more leniently than a settled person who breaks the same rules. Just ask residents in Upchurch and other communities across Swale.

Favourable treatment for “minorities” simple fuels the resentment on which feed extremists, such as the BNP. Those of us who represent the main political parties ignore that growing resentment at our peril.

Yours

Gordon

GORDON HENDERSON
Conservative Parliamentary Candidate
Sittingbourne & Sheppey