For our common humanity and democracy, oppose the BNP!

I friend of mine recently sent me a link to a YouTube video clip. Its essential message is the earth is a miniscule dot in an infinite universe; we should be much more aware that in order for us to advance as a species we all have to get on with one another, recognise our common humanity and sort thinks out collectively - because there is no where else we can go. It’s very moving and a powerful antidote to the hatred that is so common in our political life – particular the current racism and xenophobia peddled by the likes of the popular broadsheet press, the extreme right and the neo-fascist British National Party. Have a look at the clip at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7xj8xikyD8

Whilst I am on the topic of the British National Party, its of great concern that they are standing a candidate in a by-election in Wellingborough. This is the first time a neo-fascist party has stood in the area. They will, of course, be roundly rejected by the electorate, but nonetheless their particular poison has the ability to infect the body politic for a long-time – creating an on-going atmosphere of hatred, division and intolerance. There is also a real danger that they may use the election campaign to establish a base in the town, so they can peddle their poison for years to come. Some people may be tempted to vote for them as a protest vote against the government, the local council or whatever. There are however candidates standing representing all the major political parties in the UK (except Independent Socialists!). To vote for the BNP as “a protest” is unnecessary – there are plenty of alternative ways to voice protest other than voting for fascists. Some people may also be tempted to vote for them because they think the BNP offer seemingly simple and direct solutions to often complex problems. But if people think that the BNP offers “solutions” to anything they are serious misguided. Voting for the BNP is like voting to cut your head off because you have a headache!

At the end of the day, the BNP are an anti-democratic party; they are a racist party; they are fascists who would abolish democracy at the first sniff of political power; they stand for hatred, not hope; they stand for the scape-goating of groups for all sorts of problems which they have not caused; they create an atmosphere of violence and intimidation whereever they are active. They must be opposed by all people of goodwill across the respectable and democratic political spectrum. They have no place in our democratic political system!

If you want to get involved in the campaign to defeat the BNP in Wellingborough over the next three weeks e-mail me at: crofts121@btinternet.com
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