This post is to show solidarity with Colonial Viper and millsy who have bowed out from commenting at The Standard, apparently due to pressure from the Labour hierarchy to ‘cease and desist’ from commenting.

I haven’t shared many discussions or opinions with either but CV in particular, while being a prolific commenter CV is on a different planet, but at least he promotes his views reasonably and without abuse and rancour.

But there’s a major principal here of the right to free and open speech and expression of opinion. This should be protected by political entities, not abused.

Politically pressured censorship is one of the worst abuses of power. As a cross blog commenter I condemn what seems to have happened and hope the freedom to speak is restored to them both, and any others who may have shut up more discreetly.