Take a Good Look at These Comments. I'm Furious.

Aftenposten publishes a passionate op-ed by journalist Ken Andre Ottesen, who decries the toxic state of public political discourse in Norway. Ottesen shares deeply disturbing comments from an online forum, which include vile personal attacks, threats, and even references to historical executions directed at AUF leader Gaute Børstad Skjervø. He describes the online environment as a "puddle of hate, contempt, insults, bullying, and outright threats." Ottesen argues that this level of vitriol not only harms individuals but also stifles youth engagement and ultimately threatens democracy itself. He directly challenges the Norwegian public, urging them to break their silence and actively confront hate speech and threats online. "Freedom is not free. Freedom is something we must fight for. Freedom is something we must defend. And it costs something. SPEAK UP!" he implores. This piece reflects a growing concern in Norway about the degradation of public debate and the need for citizens to actively participate in defending democratic values against online extremism.

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This is the level of free-ranging political debate in Norway today. It is a puddle of hate, contempt, insults, bullying, and outright threats. We cannot stand idly by and watch.