European & Local Elecation

[Mike]

Nick Griffin has provided some comedy moments though, it has been ages since I have seen someone egged! John Prescott was the last politician that has been done for, his reaction was rather 'rough' though.

[BarcelonAl]

I hope that everytime that odious little cretin raises his slimy head from behind whatever rock he lives under that someone covers him in egg or paint or manure...

On this note, why not sign up to this petition: Nick Griffin - Not In My Name? Over 50,000 people have already signed it since Monday!

[johnriley1uk]

This raises an interesting point - surely democracy means that we can all state our point of view and that the voters then vote to decide which argument they want to go along with.

Do we pelt someone with eggs because we disagree with them? Or do we make our counter arguments so that all positions are clear?

In some countries unwanted opinions may mean you disappear for good, but we don't behave like that here.

The weakness of my argument is that this means that any opinion, no matter how odious, could be paraded, but we don't have to believe what is being said. Or do we have to put up with it all because not to do so is to deny the democracy that we are promoting?

Just idle thoughts...

[Mike]

I understand your dilemma but ultimately we can not support things like this. Their comments can be freely said but a few wars in the last century proves the danger of people like this being in positions of power. As long as the politician is not in fear for his life then this is an acceptable protest in my humble opinion.

PS I signed the petition!

[BarcelonAl]

I agree John, the whole concept of our democracy is rightly based around the notion of free speech and the chance to decide for yourself what you personally stand for.

On the other hand you can hardly say that the BNP's stated policy of allowing foreign nationals to 'voluntarily' repatriate themselves to their country of origin hardly stands square against the idea of free will?

I believe that the protests will show Griffin publicly that he's not wanted in UK politics and will prevent him sneaking into the European Parliament quietly. That said, organisations such as Searchlight (behind the 'Hope Not Hate' campaign) will undoubtedly continue to protest in more traditional means (petitions, leaflet and advertising campaigns etc).

[Mike]

Thanks for the Document Hibbert'o, will read that and let you know what I think!

[Andy]

No problems matey. Most of it isn't probably that interesting or relevant to you as it is mainly aimed at parents and putting their minds at rest. It is fairly informative though and it does contain another viewpoint/angle on the BSF issue that many will probably not have considered.