Don't you see that all this does is give Griffin and the BNP a sheen of radicalism? It makes them seem like they're taking on the establishment. Real anti-fascism should expect nothing from the state. Look at the experience of other European countries where the more that the state has tried to pin down the far Right the more popular the fascists have become with disenchanted working class supporters.
I am unhappy about this, I didn't see the programme in question. But I think it is not right to ban political beliefs, no matter how repugnant after all who is to decide, suppose someone wanted to ban your beliefs?
I say let him say what he likes, people will either vote for him or not, and the same goes for any other extremist. We never sought to ban the Communist party, even at the height of the cold war and many citizens of Great Britain would have happily voted for that to happen. Fortunately at that time we were prepared to let them preach their point of view and put out trust in democracy. the same should be true of the BNP.
The evidence he collected includes one BNP member, Steve Barkham, confessing to a violent assault on an Asian man, and a prospective election candidate admitting to a campaign of pushing dog excrement through the front door of an Asian takeaway.
Another man is seen saying that he wants to kill Asians and attack mosques. Activists are filmed plotting to fire bomb a van being used by to distribute anti-BNP literature."
It's my personal belief that 'freedom of speech' should only be an option to those who want to speak about freedom.
perhaps the bnp are contenders with the current main parties, i dont care, all the parties are using the politics of fear to introduce draconian measures, anti terrorism, id cards etc.
I know one thing though, the bnp are one of the most likely parties to take, and get, advantage from fear politics. anyone who thinks that they are more than a shirt and tie away from NF & combat 18 needs to WAKE UP.
I know summat else as well - I saw the documentary - i saw prick griffin interviewed afterwards - i don't believe that the bbc forged the film and I dont believe i heard prick griffin apologise or distance himself from the nuckle draggers who boasted about their activities and intentiions
Whereever & whenever they meet people must be there to obstruct - it's not too long since people from all over said loadly and clearly what they thought about fascists rearing their heads -
I didn't say that the BNP shouldn't be resisted. Far from it, fascists need to be actively opposed. But that doesn't mean depending on the BBC, the police or any other arm of the state to 'defend' us from fascism. Fighting fascism from below is the only way.
Mr Bopper says 'It's my personal belief that 'freedom of speech' should only be an option to those who want to speak about freedom.' I'm sure Mr Bopper could censor his own sayings to comply with that sentiment, but who would do it for us less enlightened souls?
Personally I think Griffin will use his arrest to act the martyr again, droning on about how the state are censoring the voice of the poor oppressed white man or some such crap.
I don't think arresting him serves the anti-fascist cause much good at all, beyond the possible use of his arrest in propaganda, and to be honest I don't think that does much. If someone is going to vote BNP, they're not going to care if the fuhrer has a record for saying stuff they probably say themselves. Come on, they've got convicted bombers and a gang-rapist in their more prominent echelons, so a few racist remarks on TV are hardly going to tarnish their image any more are they?
More importantly, the fact he got nicked is only because of the threat he poses to the status quo of parliamentary politics and the fact that he was stupid enopugh to get caught on camera so the cops had to be seen to do something about it. Him getting nicked has little long-term relevance to working class anti-fascist struggle.
HOWEVER, it was fucking hilarious and I'd love to have seen his cross-eyed posh-boy face when it happened.
I'd like to know what his bail conditions were and whether they might involve some attempt to impede his canvassing in the general election in some way?
Comments
Hide the following 9 comments
already bailed
14.12.2004 18:06
addition
about time too
14.12.2004 18:20
althought, regretable he has been released on bail.
english and not proud
Don't you see...
14.12.2004 21:52
curious
Hmm not so sure.
15.12.2004 00:46
I say let him say what he likes, people will either vote for him or not, and the same goes for any other extremist. We never sought to ban the Communist party, even at the height of the cold war and many citizens of Great Britain would have happily voted for that to happen. Fortunately at that time we were prepared to let them preach their point of view and put out trust in democracy. the same should be true of the BNP.
Paul Reading
Not just incitement
15.12.2004 13:11
To put things into context, here is a link to the BBC website
"Undercover operation
The evidence he collected includes one BNP member, Steve Barkham, confessing to a violent assault on an Asian man, and a prospective election candidate admitting to a campaign of pushing dog excrement through the front door of an Asian takeaway.
Another man is seen saying that he wants to kill Asians and attack mosques. Activists are filmed plotting to fire bomb a van being used by to distribute anti-BNP literature."
Hmmm, nice respectable guys, eh?
Hermes
No, Don't you see??
15.12.2004 18:11
perhaps the bnp are contenders with the current main parties, i dont care, all the parties are using the politics of fear to introduce draconian measures, anti terrorism, id cards etc.
I know one thing though, the bnp are one of the most likely parties to take, and get, advantage from fear politics. anyone who thinks that they are more than a shirt and tie away from NF & combat 18 needs to WAKE UP.
I know summat else as well - I saw the documentary - i saw prick griffin interviewed afterwards - i don't believe that the bbc forged the film and I dont believe i heard prick griffin apologise or distance himself from the nuckle draggers who boasted about their activities and intentiions
Whereever & whenever they meet people must be there to obstruct - it's not too long since people from all over said loadly and clearly what they thought about fascists rearing their heads -
remember le pen?
Crolt Bopper
Don't you see (2)
16.12.2004 15:43
I didn't say that the BNP shouldn't be resisted. Far from it, fascists need to be actively opposed. But that doesn't mean depending on the BBC, the police or any other arm of the state to 'defend' us from fascism. Fighting fascism from below is the only way.
curious
Freedom of speech for me, not you.
05.01.2005 14:25
simon
ITS NOT GOING TO SHUT THE BASTARD UP BUT...
24.01.2005 23:21
I don't think arresting him serves the anti-fascist cause much good at all, beyond the possible use of his arrest in propaganda, and to be honest I don't think that does much. If someone is going to vote BNP, they're not going to care if the fuhrer has a record for saying stuff they probably say themselves. Come on, they've got convicted bombers and a gang-rapist in their more prominent echelons, so a few racist remarks on TV are hardly going to tarnish their image any more are they?
More importantly, the fact he got nicked is only because of the threat he poses to the status quo of parliamentary politics and the fact that he was stupid enopugh to get caught on camera so the cops had to be seen to do something about it. Him getting nicked has little long-term relevance to working class anti-fascist struggle.
HOWEVER, it was fucking hilarious and I'd love to have seen his cross-eyed posh-boy face when it happened.
I'd like to know what his bail conditions were and whether they might involve some attempt to impede his canvassing in the general election in some way?
YORKSHIRE R.A.S.H.