in being disgusted with Oxford SU inviting Marine Lepen???

We need to differentiate between stating an opinion, no matter how objectionable, and inciting to hate.

If an atheist avows their atheism and criticises religion that is acceptable. If they incite their listeners to show their hatred of religion by attacking believers and destroying their places of worship that is incitement and is unacceptable.

Maria Le Pen's views are objectionable, but she has a right to proclaim them. If she then incites people to go out and attack people of other races and religions that is not acceptable.

I dont fear thatbags' atheism. I dont fear anyone's atheism.
If my faith is not stronger than that, it is not very strong at all!
[not sure why atheism has been mentioned].

Because it was given as an example of people's views, that's all!

I have not been on this forum for that many months.
It is going to take me a while to hopefully come to the conclusion that no poster is a member of a dangerous or extremist organisation.

Tricky – it depends on your definition of extremist and also on what you consider to be dangerous and to whom. Once you have decided, how will you know who is a member of such an organisation? And what about anarchist and nihilists who, by definition, are not going to be members of any organisation. soontobe I think you're worrying unnecessarily. This is Gransnet, for goodness sake.

Elegran is a dab hand with the semtex.

You will only know for sure when they try to recruit you for the organisation.

Chortle!

Jings don't mention the semtex or I'll have to stab you with my umbrella!

You may have a point S2B I strongly suspect some GNetters of being members of the WI.

U3A is all I'm saying...

The WI

My friend was there when they slow handclapped a certain ex-prime Minister. Scary.

I bet they carry a hatpin and a box of pepper when they go out.

I don't yet - but if I carry on being a member much longer I may find it 'catching'. Please somebody shoot me first...

Can I at least make it smoked paprika?

You may need to take both to your next meeting janer

Ps it is not for eating. Smoked paprika indeed!

I confess to being a fully paid up member of the RSPB.

Complete with binoculars.

And egg sandwiches...

"And if they demand your user name, don't give it them, Pike! (what do you mean you've forgotten it anyway? )
Matron!!!

Leesten carefully. I shall say zees only once . . . . . . . .eef ze colonel asks for ze flying helmet and ze stick of celery, make sure you ask heem for ze diamond necklace first . . .

in fact LOL

Well done comrades!

That should convince anyone reading this thread that we are what we say - simply great-haired old dears who are a danger to no one ( except themselves)

до свидания

Perhaps I'd better not mention that I'm a member of the human race! someone probably would think I'm therefore subversive,

I think we are being wound up here - not that this isn't fun! But soontobe has made some very provocative comments.

I mentioned atheism because I was looking for a non-contentious, non-political issue to use as an example. I could have done it the other way round or possibly used brussel sprouts as an example, but I wasn't sure that humour would make my point.