Americans: If the UK had a supreme court..

[MikeH]

It's not a matter of doing something illegal, it's to do with treating suspects/victims etc. differently because of their race.

[Imran Siddiqui]

And with something as esoteric as racism how can you tell if it's affecting their job or not?

Like DD, what about avowed Communists. How you can you tell with something as esoteric as class if it is affecting their job or not?

[MikeH]

Are you using the example of US anti-Communist purges to support my argument or arguing with me?

[Imran Siddiqui]

I'm arguing with you. I don't think anti-Communist purges were the correct course of action (unless there was knowlege that they were, in fact, spies); do you?

[MikeH]

No, but I thought the point was that 'this kind of thing couldn't happen in the US 'cause they have a bill of rights'.

[Imran Siddiqui]

And you see what happens when in the past we decided to ignore that document. We realize it now and the Supreme Court ain't going to let it happen again.

[MikeH]

So, you'd have to allow someone who was openly part of a radical muslim group with sympathies similar to Al Qaeda into, say, the New York Police department, if they met all other criteria, and not do anything about them until they actually shot some of their colleagues who were trying to prevent some kind of terrorist emergency?

Isn't that a bit stupid?

We have to let these BNP idiots join the police and keep an eye on them until they incite a massive inner city race riot and then throw them out?

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Spiffor
to the UK police.

An employee should never be fired for their political beliefs. However, they could be fired if their political action interferes with their mission.

Exactly my thoughts. Only if they actually violate the law or policy they disagree with should they be fired.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by MikeH
Why should people be allowed to be in antisocial, violent racist organisations that promote civil disorder and rioting?

You're right. The Communist Party should be banned.

[MikeH]

Funny, because in China the Communist party is totally against civil disobedience and rioting. Must just be wherever you live.

[Solly]

"We have to let these BNP idiots join the police and keep an eye on them until they incite a massive inner city race riot and then throw them out?"

The BNP can do this all on their own?

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by DanS
Yeh, but you have to demonstrate that you can't treat people fairly within the law before being fired. You're taking a mental shortcut that is ugly from a freedom of association standpoint.

Not true. For many positions in the government, esp. those related to security or intelligence, there are long standing rules wrt to the types of persons that can be hired so as to avoid breaches and leaks.

For example, the CIA would vet the background of applicants.

[MikeH]

Right. I forgot. In Park Avenue's 'fair' world our racial minorities should be expected to allow themselves to be taunted with racial abuse by BNP marches through their streets, be beaten, have their windows broken, faeces put through their letter boxes etc. etc. and do nothing about it other than report the crimes to the Police. And the fact that the policeman they are reporting to is a paid up BNP member shouldn't affect their confidence that their complaint will be taken seriously at all.

I'm glad I don't live in your world.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
How can you allow admitted commies, Republicans, Labour/Tory members?

Communists weren't allowed into MI5. That much I know.

[Kuciwalker]

There's a slight difference when irreperable harm will ensue from the first violation of the rules... like in the intelligence business.