Skip to content or view screen version

Thomas Thompson RIP

Ad Nauseum | 04.07.2003 11:47 | Social Struggles

Thomas Thompson, an eleven-year-old anti-war activist died on Wednesday night after an apparent suicide attempt.



Though I only met Thomas once, his death has hit me really hard.
Firstly, he only lived about ten minutes walk from my house.
Secondly, I was also a victim of heavy bullying when I was about
eleven, and seemingly for most of the same reasons. But the third
reason only struck me when I saw his photo on the front page of last
night's Echo. It was he who I had spoken to on the day the war broke-
out, during the direct action. I told him then that I was so pleased
to see so many people his age taking action against the war, and
that I wished I had been as rebellious when I was at school. As the
police blocked The Strand to protect the Ministry of 'Defence', it
was he who shouted "Whose streets? Our streets!" into the megaphone.
The best thing we can do in his memory is to remember that message,
and work to put an end to all bullying - in the school playground
and the political playground.

Ad Nauseum

Comments

Hide the following 2 comments

Thanks

05.07.2003 23:12

Thank you very much for posting this message, Thomas was my nephew and I will miss him terribly, we went through so much together over the last few months I can now believe he's gone, but I don't think I will ever except it.

He was my only friend in life, I don't know what I'm going to do now without him being around, but he looked at peace when I saw him and if he's in a better place now, then I'm glad for him.

He was an Angel in life, he’ll be an even better Angle in heaven.

Rest in peace my beautiful sweet Thomas.

Stuey
mail e-mail: stuey@surfanytime.co.uk
- Homepage: http://users.surfanytime.co.uk/stuey

Thomas Thompson RIP

08.07.2003 14:45

Outside the Northwest Labour Party conference in Southport, I saw 11 year old Thomas for the first time as he took the loud hailer to lead the picket of cabinet ministers inside. In Liverpool city centre, he was to be found at the forefront of anti-war protests often leading the chanting or calling out to urge passers-by to join in. Brave and impassioned Thomas outshone the seasoned activists and inspired first time demonstrators many times his age. He really stood out in the crowd. Firm in his convictions he would stand up to the police. Quick witted and fearless, he would breach their lines by dint of his age and height.

Thomas was the kid that got up to speak at the St. George’s Hall. Taking the microphone he addressed the crowd of hundreds with a forthrightness and simplicity which left the panel speakers in his wake. Smart, brave, eloquent and passionate; the crowd rose to their feet in an ovation. In his short life Thomas shone so bright and connected with so many people. As his life was an inspiration his death is a tragedy.

We will remember you as we continue your fight, Rest in Peace Thomas.

Tony Harrison
mail e-mail: harrisonaj@btinternet.com