While I don't agree with him, Courtney is clearly a thoughtful and rational bloke about what he believes in. But let's try and apply some rationale to what he's saying here about "fringes taking over". 1/ https://twitter.com/jimhamilton4/status/1297597612481273858

He makes the point that voices from the centre are not being heard. That's mainly because the centre doesn't really have to speak given it is in charge of and has the power to make decisions about absolutely everything. 2/

National & Local govt, large corporations, the major media outlets, schools and academic institutions and, of course, rugby union football.

Lawes states that he didn't want some stuff in rugby because the "fringes taking over". But evidence is that is not true at all. 3/

Rugby's response to #BLM was a classic centre-ground fudge. Scarcely evidence of fringes being in charge.

The trans issue has seen rugby become so far the only sport to consider a ban. This is in the face of what many characterise as a "fringe" concern for inclusion. 4/

This is hardly evidence of a "fringe" takeover is it?

Which brings me on to, what does he actually mean by "fringe"?

Well, in general terms I think he means left-wing or socially progressive causes. 5/

Again, if you look at our political landscape for the previous five years, then this is patently untrue based on all evidence.

But an amplified voice of protest on social media and recent marches in his eyes somehow means it's a takeover? 6/

Also, are the views really so "fringe"? I remember being surprised when I found out that large parts of the US mid-west are not in fact in the west of the continental USA, and I can't help thinking a lot of views people think are "fringe" are not really that at all. 7/

Asking all to take a knee as an unified picture of anti-racism is not ringe view. Disagree, by all means, but don't characterise it as something it isn't.

In fact, could argue that loudly proclaiming you only kneel for God is more fringe in an every more secular society. 8/

Stating that fringe views are taking over - however untrue - plays very well to a base of people in the centre who will all applaud at how correct he is and his much vaunted "common sense"

All the while the centre continues to run literally everything.