A bit of a bleakoutlook, but perhaps all too true. There has for some time been a problem in this country with law enforcement. Successive governements have always relied on the punishment to deter would-be wrong doers (witness the calls for ever longer sentences for whatever crime is flavour of the month with the tabloids), rather than reaching the obvious conclusion that it is not so much fear of punishment that provides a deterrent, but the fear of being caught. And given the abysmal clear up rates that our police have (be that due to too few bobbies on the beat, over reliance on speed cameras or CCTV or whatever it may be), that fear of being caught has, I think, never been lower.
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues on behalf of Lawrence Serewicz
Sent: Thu 02/06/2005 10:34
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Re: [data-protection] Opinions sought - Planning Applications
I realise that I may be naive, but am I the only one who is concerned that
objectors fear for their safety? I realise that disputes between
neighbours can become "problematic", but these are disputes. The parties
know each other and each has equal access to the law to protect their
interests, including personal safety.
If an objector needs to remain anonymous because they fear consequences,
what does this tell us about the state of law enforcement and the ability
to act freely and equally in society? Again, I may be naive, but this also
suggests that democracy, the open debate of issues and the due process of
the law, are weaker on the ground than we imagine. When witnesses and
objectors can be intimidated, where is the law? Such behaviour suggests
that might makes right or in the words of Thucydides "The strong do as
they will, the weak do as they must. "
How can we talk of "data protection" when we cannot even assure "physical
protection"?
My view is that the information should be public, on the web, so that both
sides of an issue can know where they stand. If I cannot put my name to
an objection, then why am I objecting? If I cannot object without fear of
consequences, why do we have a planning process?
Yes, I may want to know about a swimming pool being built in China, if I
live in the US and my property in China is next to the property proposing
the swimming pool. Do I have to make the 18 hour journey to the planning
office to read the document?
Lawrence Serewicz
Lawrence W. Serewicz
Scrutiny Manager
Management Support Unit
Wear Valley District Council
01388-761-985
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