Makes you proud to be British

[nikalas]

Local politics aside, as well straight bananas, surely the 'lesson from history' argument is a little strained now. Horribly true though it is, the far right is famed for one regime in one country, once; the death toll was horrific and unforgettable but, how many of us went happily on holiday to Spain under Franco? More importantly, how many of us have cheap consumer goods made in China - probably all of us, and how democratic was the 'Cultural Revolution'?
Lets be honest, the BNP candidates won a democratic election but we don't like it, tough, that is democracy; it is not democratic to then try to limit their airtime or distort their message.

I don't think it can be ever be "a little strained". Extremist/Racist/Nationalist politics have not been limited to one regime in one country. The atrocities in the former Yugoslavia, Somalia etc all stem from the "our country for our colour/race/religion,tribe" mentality.... I agree totally about China etc and no-matter what the political leaning (extreme left or right) good things won't come of either... communism is as dangerous as fascism.

Yes, the BNP did win as part of a democratic process and as such they do deserve as much airtime etc as any other party. However, I can't help thinking/hoping that if people had been reminded of their true colours (BBC Panorama documentary etc) then they would have though twice about crossing that box.

[jodg]

I see your point, Lola, but I'm quite prepared to have double standards on this one.

Mainly because the BNP are Nazi scum.

Funny isn't it? In times of relative prosperity etc these sorts of parties seldom get a look in. Once times get hard (i.e. jobs at risk etc) it's time to get the foreigners out...

Don't we learn anything from history?

[nikalas]

I have been sitting on the fence watching this thread, but I get the general idea that some of the main stream followers are suggesting that any BMP voters are of inferior intelligence and deserve to be subjected to a (moral) violent attack (kick up the Arse). Is that because they do not conform to your way of thinking? If so, that makes you no different to the aforementioned party of hate.

My area now has one of the BMP Euro MP’s. In an interview on last nights local news the reported did nothing but verbally attack a party representative , if anything, the tone of the whole article was more likely to drum up further support!

The "kick up the arse" referred to the people who didn't bother to vote or thought not voting was a protest.

[Witton Park]

... To be honest it reads like a Daily Mail editorial.....

You've just highlighted what I tried to say in an earlier post.

Your flippant remark at the Daily Mail is in line with the comments made by many socialist politicians that have tried to demonise parties such as the Tories and UKIP and in some respect brought the BNP votes.

The Daily Mail may be right wing, but it isn't racist or it would have been closed down. The law would not allow it to operate.

[Man from Del Monte]

surely if anyone wanted to make a protest then it would be better not to vote than give the vote to the BNP. i cannot see why someone should be forced to vote if they cannot see anyone they want to vote for. just going to vote for a minor party as a protest surely has the opposite effect if the minor party then gets voted in.

[Witton Park]

I'm no fan of the current Government, but, as a white, heterosexual, able-bodied male, I don't feel discriminated against.

Lucky You!

As a similar male I do feel discriminated against.

I work hard, pay proportionately more tax than most, do voluntary work, abide the law and respect all others.

I have no NHS dental care, I have had to put my 2 kids in to private education as I was offered a school that was not even an option - and given no leave to appeal.
(I would have had if my kids would have been disfunctional - in fact if they were statemented I could get some benefits from the State!)

In fact I am probably in one of the few sections of society in which everywhere I go that has the involvement of the State, I am at a disadvantage to the majority of the population.

[nikalas]

You've just highlighted what I tried to say in an earlier post.

Your flippant remark at the Daily Mail is in line with the comments made by many socialist politicians that have tried to demonise parties such as the Tories and UKIP and in some respect brought the BNP votes.

The Daily Mail may be right wing, but it isn't racist or it would have been closed down. The law would not allow it to operate.

I was only really referring to the whole "euro-barmy picked upon grocers" argument... but you're right it was a bit of a flippant cheap shot...

How come though the BNP can be racist (no ethnic minorities allowed to join) and allowed to operate?

[nikalas]

I see your point, Lola, but I'm quite prepared to have double standards on this one.

Mainly because the BNP are Nazi scum.

Well said Mud.... what I was really pussy footing around but you actually had the balls to say!

[Hanneke]

How come though the BNP can be racist (no ethnic minorities allowed to join) and allowed to operate?

I wondered that too...

Mind you, I stay out of the argument, as I am Dutch and therefore only vote in local elections in the UK... I still vote in the Netherlands for Euro and National elections.

[Richard Head]

Sir Robert Atkins, the North West Tory MEP described Nick Griffin's election as a sad day for British politics. This is the same Robert Atkins who used his parliamentary expenses to pay his travel and hotel bills when he flew to his son's wedding in America in 2006 and has employed both his wife and son to 'work' for him in Brussels