If Radio 1 do play that wretched song.....

You used the word 'moron' to describe those who have purchased/enjoy the song because we are indeed glad that the witch, Maggie Thatcher, is dead.

As I openly admit to enjoying the song for that very reason it would seem that I must be included amongst the that group.

I simply wish to know which definition of the word 'moron' you were using.

No. Not self righteous.

I find censorship far more depressing than a bit of mockery. A healthy society can cope with mockery but not with censorship. Ergo, ours is not a healthy society!

Do you mean 'stupid'?

Do you mean to use an unacceptable term for someone with learning difficulties?

Do you think I'm George W Bush posting in the guise of an English grandmother?

j08 So what is it with the #highhorse – or do you think using the hashtag means it doesn't count?

Bags I agree. Political censorship (and so much of it is) in particular.

23.49. 52. see post of, VQ

j08 I do so enjoy an intelligent discussion with subtle argument and debate. Do try it some time.

#porridgecalls

Lots of argifying on the threads at the moment. Must be the spring rush of blood to the head.

I'm not at all sure what argifying is but I would suggest that there is not so much arguing going on as puerile insult.

#letitallgo

I think the BBC have fudged this somewhat, just playing a few seconds linked to a news story. I think they should have just played it without comment.

Whilst I think the fact people have downloaded this song linking it to the death of an elderly lady is a bit distasteful - as I said before I am against censorship as it could be the start of a very slippery slope.

There are some books/films/TV shows which I find tasteless but if others enjoy them who am I to try to ban them.

But the Beeb did censor other songs. Sex Pistols, etc.

Just saying.

I think this compromise is wet. Obviously this DG has no more balls than previous ones.

I don't think the BBC can win. As in life, Maggie has split a lot of people into two definite camps. Whether the BBC ban the record or play it they will be accused of taking one side or the other.

If they simply reported that it was number whatever in the charts, and play it if that is the usual thing to do in such cases, there could be no reasonable complaint of bias. Or if the report is usually made of chart numbers and they are not played, they should have stuck to that. The fact that they've taken a 'stance' on it is the problem and is biassed.

But, then, the Beeb quite often is biassed on several subjects, so I'm not surprised really, just saddened.

j08 I think the Sex Pistols were censored because the song itself was regarded as offensive or obscene. That may or may not have been the right call but the reasoning was clear. In this instance, however, the song is perfectly innocuous; it is the use to which it has been put that offends people.

I couldn't care less about the stupid song and am really annoyed that it has trivialised an important political issue and stifled sensible debate.

But once we start interfering with these sorts of things, we are not really in a position to criticize other countries that censor what people listen to, read, look at, etc.

Exactly the point I was trying to make Eloethan

So, they banned the sex pistols one so as not to offend sensibilities re sex. But this one is ok because it "only" offends moral sensibilities?

How can you call this an "important political issue"? I object to it on grounds of decency, and consideration to grieving family and friends. The is nothing g politically this.

The Sex Pistols record was banned some years ago - society has moved on since then (for better or worse), you can't judge things done yesterday by today's standards.

Nothing political about this. (Post went wrong)

No. Indeed. We have to set standards here and now.

I agree with jings that we need to set good standards now – of no censorship of news even if there is a risk of someone taking offence. The offence-taking doesn't change the reality of what is at the top pf the charts.

BTW, I agree that the 'joke' is tasteless and would prefer that what has happened hadn't happened. But it has. The Beeb's job is to report, not to judge.

Who's standards should be set? Yours, mine or someone else's.

I don't think the joke is 'tasteless' but I accept that others do. That doesn't mean it shouldn't be played. One man's standard setting could be another man's censorship.

I didn't like what was said in the Conservative Party Political Broadcast last night but I wouldn't expect it to be censored.