Watch It Guys, We're On Hazel's Hit-List !

Thought we were safe now that the EU seems to have back-pedalled (for now) from blog regulation ? Wrong. ZaNu Lavbour are keeping their eye on us, and Hazel Blears doesn't like what she sees.

In a speech to the Hansard Society yesterday she said:

"...mostly, political blogs are written by people with disdain for the political system and politicians, who see their function as unearthing scandals, conspiracies and perceived hypocrisy. Until political blogging 'adds value' to our political culture, by allowing new voices, ideas and legitimate protest and challenge, and until the mainstream media reports politics in a calmer, more responsible manner, it will continue to fuel a culture of cynicism and despair."

Christ Almighty, I've heard some twaddle in my time but this really does take the trophy.

Blears talks as if bloggers owe the government something, as if we have a duty to be postive and to put a nice spin on what they do. She clearly resents our opposition and expects our meek compliance instead. She exemplifies ZaNu Labour's attitude to free speech; it's fine, as long as it's supportive of us.

Hers is an outrageous generalisation which illustrates just how intolerant this government has become of those who oppose it. Sure, there are blogs out there which like to unearth scandal among politicians, and a jolly good thing too. God knows politicians are watching us closely enough so why shouldn't we watch them ? But in the main blogs are written by people who care a great deal about what is happening in this country and who would warm to politicians if only they stopped telling us what to do the whole time.

Wakey, wakey, Hazel - blogging does allow "new voices, ideas and legitimate protest and challenge". Through technology, anyone can now put their opinions into the public domain, we are raising new ideas, we do protest and, too right, we challenge too. And that's just why she doesn't like us.

Clearly on Planet ZaNuLabour we're all supposed to sit around like zombies nodding sagely at the wonder and wisdom of our fabulous leaders. Those that don't can expect the wrath of those in office.

To those who find her strangely attractive, let's be clear; this woman is dangerous.