Your right to disagree !

It seems that big business and politics have two objectives in common.    When they hold public meetings any hint of disagreement must be instantly curtailed.

The issue of gay marriage was an emotional issue at this weekends ALP conference at Darling Harbour.  Some official speakers opposed extending traditional marriage  to same sex couples and these were tolerated.  What was not tolerated was heckling from the floor of the conference.

When Penny Wong claimed that " equality would not undermine conventional marriage ", a man who stated that he was a Labor party member shouted  " You are wrong ! ".    He was promptly grabbed by site security and " invited to discuss the matter outside ! "

There are similar scenes when big business holds annual general meetings.   These days there are often angry shareholders at these AGM's who wish to protest and vote down moves to vastly increase the pay of CEO's - and to increase the rewards paid to company directors.

In many cases this largess is despite the company declining to pay a dividend because of losses.  It is galling to those who have invested their money and who disagree with the course the CEO has followed, to be prevented from using the meeting to demand a change of course and a better use of resources.

It is all a matter of accountability.   Traditionally, in both business and politics items such as the AGM or an annual conference were the time when those running the organisation were held accountable and had to endure criticism.   They were " servants " -  subject to the directions of those who held voting power.

That no longer seems to be the case.   In politics, the " factions " totally ignore the masses.  Power is an ever changing exchange of favours with others to advance the " factional credos " that govern their lives. Big business is no different.

It seems that the right to disagree has been curtailed - and if you dare express an opposing view at such meetings - expect a tap on the shoulder from the security people, and an enforced exit from the auditorium.

The law may grant you free speech - getting it is an entirely different matter !