I am sometimes asked “Why UKIP? Aren’t they just a one trick pony bleating about those evil Europeans?”
In order to answer this, I thought I would do a small analysis of some of UKIP’s policies. When I voted UKIP in the Euro Elections earlier this year, admittedly as a protest vote aimed at the Tory’s lacklustre stance on Europe, I decided to investigate their domestic policies as well. The website, while not as slick as some, is simple enough and I soon found some literature on UKIP policy.
What immediately struck me was that I agreed with 80% of what they stood for – I had never experienced anything close to that when looking at the Tories. I have an eclectic mix of conservatism, liberalism and socialism in my political make up.
I am not very ‘touchy feely’ about things, but I believe in social justice, a welfare state, some financial regulation and overwatch so boom and bust capitalism does not plunge us into periodic woes etc. I even support the ideas of trade unionism (though not in their present Labour-purse form). I think that state education should be the best available in a country, although I do not support dumbing down everything so it looks as if everyone is achieving great things at school. University should be free, but it’s not a right – it needs to be earned.
I don’t mind big government and a small loss in civil liberty for a large gain in personal security. I don’t even mind paying lots of tax, as long as the services I get provide value for money. I favour extremely close ties to the United States and NATO and favour the doctrine of humanitarian military intervention as long as there is a cohesive and intelligent after-action plan for rebuilding and aid. Military action, once ordered, should be supported at all costs – half-arsed policy and a lack of direction is worse than not acting at all in my opinion. I even support funnelling money to the developing world as aid, although I do think it should come ‘strings attached’ regarding human rights and good government. Fair trade is a moral necessity.
I think that the UN is a joke and should be downgraded to a centralized charity coordinator, and see NATO as by far the most important international organization that the UK belongs to, followed in a distant second by our place in the Commonwealth. I favour a fully elected upper house of parliament (now that Labour has neutered this ancient and noble institution) and a written constitution. I also think that we have grown beyond a ‘first-past-the-post’ electoral system and that it is time for proportional representation. I support the death penalty for certain crimes (serial/mass murder, repeat rape, paedophilia, treason) and sensible self-defence and home invasion laws – criminals forfeit some of their rights when they commit crime, and the victim should always be more protected that the criminal.
I am sceptical about human caused/accelerated global warming and am not persuaded by the science of its advocates. I resent the religious overtones of ‘believers and heretics’ that is bandied about when it comes to the environment. I support recycling for practical purposes (running out of landfill) and alternate energy to get us out from under dependence on OPEC. Other than that I could not care less. I think it’s ludicrous that we get all worked up about MP expenses in the UK yet ignore the fact that most of the EU is unaudited and that MEP expenses make duck ponds in moats look reasonable – if you want to see shameful waste of your tax money, look at Brussels before you look at Westminster.
I support immigration as essential to a vibrant economy, of both skilled and semi-skilled workers. I do think that there should be a minimum language requirement though. I also am fully committed to the end of the multi-cultural myth about coexistent societies. People can and should hold on to elements of their own culture, but if you live in the UK you should make every effort to become British as well. Within two generations that should be your primary identity, not a 3rd generation British born man who sees himself as Afro-Caribbean or Muslim first and British, if at all, a distant second. That means no teaching in state schools in Urdu for example.
Assimilation and integration should be encouraged, separatism discouraged. Any calls for Sharia law should be heard in the terminal of an airport from people being deported back to the countries they came from, countries that have Sharia law already and are in such a mess that the people in question wanted to come here to begin with. British born Muslims fighting allied forces in Afghanistan should be imprisoned for life if not executed. I admit freely to a dose of xenophobia and Islamaphobia in my make up, but do not consider myself racist.
With that nutshell portrait of my beliefs, let me tell you 12 reasons why I will be voting UKIP. I do not expect anyone to agree with everything that I wrote above, and hasten to point out that UKIP does not stand for everything that I have mentioned – they are far more centrist and main stream in some aspects, far more libertarian and free market in others. They do, however, come close enough to earn my vote, and a hell of a lot closer than any of the ‘Big 3’.
1) UKIP wishes to restructure the nature of the UK’s relationship with the EU. It does not currently advocate cutting all ties – it merely wishes a return to the relationship sold to the British people by Heath back in the 70s – one of free trade and movement.
2) UKIP would cease paying the £27 billion a year in EU subs. We are one of the highest contributors to the EU yet receive almost no subsidies in return. Spain is one of the top 5 contributors yet is also one of the biggest receivers – how does that work? Without an enormous rural sector needed subsidies (Spain, France), a post-Soviet basket case of an industrial sector and economy needing rebuilding (Eastern Europe, Balkans), or somewhere like the former East Germany to drain our resources, the UK will always be a net loser when it comes to what we pay and what we get back. Saying that we will benefit from the emerging economies of our fellow member-states is not a good argument – there is no guarantee that said economies will succeed, and if they do there is no obligation for them to re-invest in us. This is where the 19th century doctrine of free trade failed and we are setting ourselves up to do it all again.
3) UKIP would streamline the tax system, including abolishing inheritance tax and tax on the minimum wage – both very fair ideas in my mind. I admit to being a bit fuzzy on the exact methods they would use to fund these cuts – but it’s no less obscure than Lab/LibDem/Con tax policy.
4) UKIP would freeze permanent immigration for a period of 5 years – which would give government a period of time in which to sort out the mess left by Labour, including the ghastly aftermath of the now confirmed decision by Labour to encourage mass immigration, intending to alter the social structure and socially engineer a multi-cultural country, and to rub the conservative portions of society’ “noses in it”.
5) UKIP would repeal the Human Rights Act. Hopefully this would be replaced by a UK specific bill very quickly, but in the short term it would allow us to deport failed Asylum seekers, political dissidents and illegal immigrants far far easier than we can at the moment. This would also help security concerns in the fight against terrorism.
6) UKIP would continue to allow skilled immigration in the long term as well as support genuine asylum cases.
7) UKIP promises referenda on major policy decisions. I would imagine this would not include security issues such as going to war, but I would think that it would and could include referenda that polls show are important to this country… 84% concerned about immigration, 54% in favour of the death penalty etc.
8) UKIP favours alternate energy research and not just knee jerk panic reactions to the evils of CO2. Hopefully this will include the next generation of nuclear power stations – the “greenest” realistic option.
9) UKIP will act to safeguard what little remains of our agriculture and fisheries sector, both of which have been hammered by EU regulation, and in the case of fisheries, being in the EU with its common fisheries policies has seen native stocks of fish massively depleted. Allow us to conserve and manage our own natural resources, and keep thousands in work.
10) UKIP favours tougher and longer custodial sentences for criminals. I would assume this means building more prisons to house them and ending the culture of “holiday camp” that some (not all I know) prisons foster.
11) UKIP supports the re-introduction of grammar schools throughout the country. Axed by Labour in a misguided class war act, their closure removed the best tool for social mobility through education in this country.
12) UKIP favour expanding the military and improving pay and conditions for serving and wounded members of the forces.
These 12 things will not sort out the country. They do however portray a political mindset in the party that means that they could be heading in the right direction. I know the chances of UKIP returning many, if any, MPs in May is slender to non-existent, but they really do represent our last hope for a repatriation of the powers that will leave this country when the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, which it will be as soon as the valiant Czech president succumbs to the current pressure he is under to sign it into law. By Christmas we will be a provincial part of a European Empire, that might even be ruled by Tony Blair of all people!
So, there is an explanation of why I will be voting for them on policy and preference as well as on the basis of their Euroscepticism. I hope that all makes sense and goes some way to persuading you.
Saturday 31 October 2009
Your Vote Next May - Think About It
I sent this out to just about everyone I have an email address for. For those of you who I dont, the copy is here... Comments as always welcome. Welcome to cut and paste and email it to whoever as well.
Sorry for the unsolicited email. This is something that I feel strongly about, so its something that I decided to email to you guys (all BCCed for privacy). Sorry if it offends you or makes you angry – not my intention at all. I really want to express my views on the general election next year.
Really, really look at what you are thinking of doing… getting Labour out is not enough. Exactly the same sort of social engineering and statist interference that we have endured these long years will be ensconced in our laws thanks to the Lisbon Treaty. Cameron will do nothing. The best case scenario is now for Cameron and the Tories to be forced to form a coalition with UKIP, a coalition that will be dependent on a Eurosceptic line and a return of British sovereignty. If you believe that Cameron will be able to deliver even a third of what he says he will, think again – he will have less power than a US state governor to mould this country anew and fix the mess left by Labour.
The only hope to rebuild Broken Britain is a re-evaluation of our relationship with the EU. No matter what aspects you personally think need to improve about this country, be you Liberal or Conservative, Socialist or Capitalist, Environmentalist or Consumer, you need to realize that your personal agenda will be submerged under that of the EU bureaucratic monolith and NOTHING will be in your hands to democratically decide ever again. We will pass from what is an admittedly flawed version of democracy in this country to a representative republic that makes the farcical and archaic political system in the US seem open, honest, streamlined and truly representative of the popular choice.
You may loathe the Thatcherite mould of UKIP. Hell, UKIP may disappear completely soon if they cant find some more funding, but the shocking short sightedness of people just focused on getting Brown and his loathsome bunch out of power needs to be rectified. The EU is already planning an income tax on the people of all of its constituent states in addition to local taxation – think about that. A Tax imposed by a political edifice that has NEVER BEEN VOTED for by the populace of the EU member states – the EU parliament is NOT a legislative body as is in the case of the parliaments of most independent nation states. It is only a debating society who gets out their rubber stamps to approve endless reams of legislation and laws neither designed nor debated over by a single elected person. A vote for UKIP sends a message to the big three parties that people will not be silent on this issue.
One of the single defining characteristics of an independent state is its abilities to decide its own trade, legal and foreign policies. These decisions will pass from Westminster, and thus from the hands of anyone even vaguely electorally accountable, when Lisbon is ratified. Which it will be. At that time we become a province, a state with no more real power to decide our own destiny than an English local county council government.
Again, think about it. This is the greatest con and political coup in the history of Europe, a con perpetrated by Federalists, generally Liberal idealists, eager to create a kinder, gentler superstate to show the crass Americans and evil Chinese how it should be done. It was a stupid idea when it was first thought of, and it continues to be so now. Do not let the matter lie once Labour’s betrayal is complete when the Treaty is ratified in the next few weeks – we must have a vote, a referendum not only on implementation of the treaty, but of our relationship with the EU as a whole.
If Cameron adopted even 50% of UKIP’s Europe policy, I would vote for him, but he won’t. I never trusted Cameron and he has proven me right. The Tories are not the solution to the real problem here – we have a country that is broken socially, economically and politically. It needs a strong hand to fix, and while I fully acknowledge that UKIP is probably not the best domestic answer to these problems, they are the ONLY option in re-establishing the sovereignty and ability for the UK government to sort out the mess that 12 years of Labour has left us in. That’s not to say that UKIP’s domestic policies are bad – some, most are actually very sensible and practical to my mind.
If you agree with even a small part of what I am saying, please forward this to those you think would listen. I know that not everyone sees the world the same way that I do, but that is not the point. I know that not everyone is the same mix of conservative and socialist that I am. The point is that, no matter HOW you see the world and what you think is important, the EU and the Lisbon Treaty are a danger to your democratic right and ability to make your view heard, and through your vote, to influence those in power over your lives and those who spend the taxes extracted from you.
None of the major parties will do what is necessary without prompting from smaller parties or the electorate – they are all terrified of alienating the left and centre left voter who wants a strong EU for a variety of reasons. I would even encourage voters for regional national parties like Plaid Cymru and the SNP to seriously think about the repercussions for the future when casting their vote next year – regionalism is encouraged by the EU to make manipulation easier – smaller states are easier to steamroller into compliance.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is crucial that you vote (if you can – I know some ineligible people will be sent/reading this out interest alone). Remember, you do not have a right to complain about the country in which you live if you don’t participate in its political procedures.
Sorry for the unsolicited email. This is something that I feel strongly about, so its something that I decided to email to you guys (all BCCed for privacy). Sorry if it offends you or makes you angry – not my intention at all. I really want to express my views on the general election next year.
Really, really look at what you are thinking of doing… getting Labour out is not enough. Exactly the same sort of social engineering and statist interference that we have endured these long years will be ensconced in our laws thanks to the Lisbon Treaty. Cameron will do nothing. The best case scenario is now for Cameron and the Tories to be forced to form a coalition with UKIP, a coalition that will be dependent on a Eurosceptic line and a return of British sovereignty. If you believe that Cameron will be able to deliver even a third of what he says he will, think again – he will have less power than a US state governor to mould this country anew and fix the mess left by Labour.
The only hope to rebuild Broken Britain is a re-evaluation of our relationship with the EU. No matter what aspects you personally think need to improve about this country, be you Liberal or Conservative, Socialist or Capitalist, Environmentalist or Consumer, you need to realize that your personal agenda will be submerged under that of the EU bureaucratic monolith and NOTHING will be in your hands to democratically decide ever again. We will pass from what is an admittedly flawed version of democracy in this country to a representative republic that makes the farcical and archaic political system in the US seem open, honest, streamlined and truly representative of the popular choice.
You may loathe the Thatcherite mould of UKIP. Hell, UKIP may disappear completely soon if they cant find some more funding, but the shocking short sightedness of people just focused on getting Brown and his loathsome bunch out of power needs to be rectified. The EU is already planning an income tax on the people of all of its constituent states in addition to local taxation – think about that. A Tax imposed by a political edifice that has NEVER BEEN VOTED for by the populace of the EU member states – the EU parliament is NOT a legislative body as is in the case of the parliaments of most independent nation states. It is only a debating society who gets out their rubber stamps to approve endless reams of legislation and laws neither designed nor debated over by a single elected person. A vote for UKIP sends a message to the big three parties that people will not be silent on this issue.
One of the single defining characteristics of an independent state is its abilities to decide its own trade, legal and foreign policies. These decisions will pass from Westminster, and thus from the hands of anyone even vaguely electorally accountable, when Lisbon is ratified. Which it will be. At that time we become a province, a state with no more real power to decide our own destiny than an English local county council government.
Again, think about it. This is the greatest con and political coup in the history of Europe, a con perpetrated by Federalists, generally Liberal idealists, eager to create a kinder, gentler superstate to show the crass Americans and evil Chinese how it should be done. It was a stupid idea when it was first thought of, and it continues to be so now. Do not let the matter lie once Labour’s betrayal is complete when the Treaty is ratified in the next few weeks – we must have a vote, a referendum not only on implementation of the treaty, but of our relationship with the EU as a whole.
If Cameron adopted even 50% of UKIP’s Europe policy, I would vote for him, but he won’t. I never trusted Cameron and he has proven me right. The Tories are not the solution to the real problem here – we have a country that is broken socially, economically and politically. It needs a strong hand to fix, and while I fully acknowledge that UKIP is probably not the best domestic answer to these problems, they are the ONLY option in re-establishing the sovereignty and ability for the UK government to sort out the mess that 12 years of Labour has left us in. That’s not to say that UKIP’s domestic policies are bad – some, most are actually very sensible and practical to my mind.
If you agree with even a small part of what I am saying, please forward this to those you think would listen. I know that not everyone sees the world the same way that I do, but that is not the point. I know that not everyone is the same mix of conservative and socialist that I am. The point is that, no matter HOW you see the world and what you think is important, the EU and the Lisbon Treaty are a danger to your democratic right and ability to make your view heard, and through your vote, to influence those in power over your lives and those who spend the taxes extracted from you.
None of the major parties will do what is necessary without prompting from smaller parties or the electorate – they are all terrified of alienating the left and centre left voter who wants a strong EU for a variety of reasons. I would even encourage voters for regional national parties like Plaid Cymru and the SNP to seriously think about the repercussions for the future when casting their vote next year – regionalism is encouraged by the EU to make manipulation easier – smaller states are easier to steamroller into compliance.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is crucial that you vote (if you can – I know some ineligible people will be sent/reading this out interest alone). Remember, you do not have a right to complain about the country in which you live if you don’t participate in its political procedures.
Monday 26 October 2009
An Old Fashioned Angst Filled Rant
http://eureferendum.blogspot.com/2009/10/dangerously-myopic.html
From the superb EU referendum blog – my first stop every day on the blogosphere tour. Hits the nail right on the head on so many levels, and highlights why even getting Labour out will matter little for this country in the long run – it’s the EU we need to look at. The linked articles within the piece are worth a look too. Scary scary stuff.
Why compete with America? Why do we have to try and create another superpower? What possible good will it achieve to create and a large, inefficient welfare state blinded by the twin fallacies of peaceful multiculturalism/dialogue/co-existence and the new environmentalist creed (and yes, I now will only refer to Environmentalism as a religion since it has fully adopted all the trappings)? Is this not the sort of post-colonial reduced power and influence angst that the UK all too often gets labeled with, but whose true standard bearers are, and always have been, the French? A Federalized EU with power to “compete on the world stage with America and China” would be a paper tiger, ruled by an optimistic oligarchy of internationalists who believe that diplomacy and dialogue can always achieve the desired solution and who will doubtless cluster around spewing surprise and apologism when the fruits of their naiveity and complacency are harvested, be that harvest of Chinese, Korean, Iranian or Islamic origin.
I think the comments are also spot on ref the dangers of Islam – why compete with the one power willing and able to preserve the institutions of Western Civilization and Culture against the insidious presence of the “Religion of Peace”? The Yanks are not perfect – far from it. Even less perfect now under the Sainted One than they were under that illiterate imbecilic cowboy in my opinion, but come on – we have far more in common, historically, socially, culturally, financially, legally, and militarily than we have with most European countries – the US is not the enemy. This smacks of European snobbery and jealousy towards the US yet again at a time when we need them as an ally way more than we need an ineffective European Superstate that, even if it was a homogenized Federal entity, would not begin to approach the military and security strength of the US – strength that we desperately need if we don’t want to see Helmand in Hampshire.
Obviously, I do not think that war is the best answer, and should certainly not be the first solution looked for, but it is an inalienable part of the human state of being, and no amount of hand wringing and social engineering is going to change that. War happens – and for us to have any real expectations of being able to survive a proper one of any type, we need to be partners to the US, not setting up something to compete against them…
Gaaaaa so frustrated at the world and everything this morning. How long does it take to process papers to Canada again? I don’t know how practical and desirable it will be living in the province of Europe formally known as the United Kingdom in years to come, over taxed, under-protected, Islamified, and force fed a social and environmental agenda that I find insane on so many levels. I know Canada is heading in this direction too, but its doing it slowly enough that they might just be able to pull back from the brink before its too late…
From the superb EU referendum blog – my first stop every day on the blogosphere tour. Hits the nail right on the head on so many levels, and highlights why even getting Labour out will matter little for this country in the long run – it’s the EU we need to look at. The linked articles within the piece are worth a look too. Scary scary stuff.
Why compete with America? Why do we have to try and create another superpower? What possible good will it achieve to create and a large, inefficient welfare state blinded by the twin fallacies of peaceful multiculturalism/dialogue/co-existence and the new environmentalist creed (and yes, I now will only refer to Environmentalism as a religion since it has fully adopted all the trappings)? Is this not the sort of post-colonial reduced power and influence angst that the UK all too often gets labeled with, but whose true standard bearers are, and always have been, the French? A Federalized EU with power to “compete on the world stage with America and China” would be a paper tiger, ruled by an optimistic oligarchy of internationalists who believe that diplomacy and dialogue can always achieve the desired solution and who will doubtless cluster around spewing surprise and apologism when the fruits of their naiveity and complacency are harvested, be that harvest of Chinese, Korean, Iranian or Islamic origin.
I think the comments are also spot on ref the dangers of Islam – why compete with the one power willing and able to preserve the institutions of Western Civilization and Culture against the insidious presence of the “Religion of Peace”? The Yanks are not perfect – far from it. Even less perfect now under the Sainted One than they were under that illiterate imbecilic cowboy in my opinion, but come on – we have far more in common, historically, socially, culturally, financially, legally, and militarily than we have with most European countries – the US is not the enemy. This smacks of European snobbery and jealousy towards the US yet again at a time when we need them as an ally way more than we need an ineffective European Superstate that, even if it was a homogenized Federal entity, would not begin to approach the military and security strength of the US – strength that we desperately need if we don’t want to see Helmand in Hampshire.
Obviously, I do not think that war is the best answer, and should certainly not be the first solution looked for, but it is an inalienable part of the human state of being, and no amount of hand wringing and social engineering is going to change that. War happens – and for us to have any real expectations of being able to survive a proper one of any type, we need to be partners to the US, not setting up something to compete against them…
Gaaaaa so frustrated at the world and everything this morning. How long does it take to process papers to Canada again? I don’t know how practical and desirable it will be living in the province of Europe formally known as the United Kingdom in years to come, over taxed, under-protected, Islamified, and force fed a social and environmental agenda that I find insane on so many levels. I know Canada is heading in this direction too, but its doing it slowly enough that they might just be able to pull back from the brink before its too late…
Saturday 24 October 2009
The BNP on Question Time - My Thoughts
Being a busy father, the 10:35 slot for Question Time last night was a little too late for me to watch live. I recorded it on my Sky box and have just finished watching it now. Overall, my impressions have not changed significantly from those I formulated while scanning the papers and web this morning.
In my opinion, the biggest loser of the night was actually Jack Straw, who came across inarticulate and evasive, as well as mindlessly optimistic about the damage that the exposure would deal to the BNP. The panel and audience were so combative and aggressive towards Nick Griffin that I think there will be a real sympathetic feeling amongst many people who feel politically marginalised – the impression was very condescending and dismissive, an elite made up of the intelligentsia picking on the common man who only got a 2:2 in his undergraduate history degree.
The big winner for me though was Baroness Warsi, who came across professional, articulate and more grounded and realistic than anyone else on the panel – the Tory party have selected their Shadow Communities Minister well with her. American Bonnie Greer is bright and also very articulate, but was so patronising and condescending in her Afro-centric view of evolution and history and dismissive of Griffin’s efforts to define what an indigenous British person was that she would have alienated more people than she persuaded. I guess I am not immune to xenophobia in wondering what on earth an African-American playwright is doing as deputy head of the British Museum? Seems a bizarre fit for that role, but I can’t deny that she is scary bright and knows her stuff.
With regards Nick Griffin himself, I think he was flustered and did not come over very confident – which may have actually been his plan. He has come out of this a man victimised by the panel, harassed by the audience, persecuted by the demonstrators, and today demonised in the print press. What better way for the BNP to drum up sympathy and support from their core support – the white working class who feels politically marginalised and endlessly patronised by multi-culturalist social engineers and the political elite. Griffin’s subsequent formal complain to the BBC as to his treatment on the show seems to bear this evaluation out.
As a personal reaction to what Nick Griffin actually said, I have long been sceptical of the BNP’s new image, as well as aghast at the naivety and foolishness of what they call policy. I do however think that he was right about a couple of things – perhaps more than a couple, especially his explanation for his views on Islam. It is a shame that, as always, the right wing, extreme conservative, perhaps even indigenous/nationalist view point always ends up with such odious people as its advocates, and that those willing to speak out and who attain a public platform to do so align some clear, legitimate view points and concerns (immigration, multiculturalism) with some of the most ridiculous rhetoric and ideas and some of the most disgusting ideas (holocaust denial, David Duke support) imaginable.
The BBC was right to invite Nick Griffin – his party got a million votes in June. However, despite the objectionable views of him and his party, I think that the forum they set up, the demonstrations, the audience attitude, will all contribute to a feeling of sympathy towards the BNP from some quarters and a jump in their membership. I will finish with saying that the controversy over his invitation was extremely hypocritical when you consider that Question Time and the BBC have repeatedly given a forum for the views of the only man more reprehensible in British politics than Nick Griffin, and that is the revolting George Galloway. Think about what is more objectionable and dangerous – an inarticulate racist (Griffin) or a cunning, devious traitorous bastard (Galloway) before getting all irate about the BBC doing this show.
In my opinion, the biggest loser of the night was actually Jack Straw, who came across inarticulate and evasive, as well as mindlessly optimistic about the damage that the exposure would deal to the BNP. The panel and audience were so combative and aggressive towards Nick Griffin that I think there will be a real sympathetic feeling amongst many people who feel politically marginalised – the impression was very condescending and dismissive, an elite made up of the intelligentsia picking on the common man who only got a 2:2 in his undergraduate history degree.
The big winner for me though was Baroness Warsi, who came across professional, articulate and more grounded and realistic than anyone else on the panel – the Tory party have selected their Shadow Communities Minister well with her. American Bonnie Greer is bright and also very articulate, but was so patronising and condescending in her Afro-centric view of evolution and history and dismissive of Griffin’s efforts to define what an indigenous British person was that she would have alienated more people than she persuaded. I guess I am not immune to xenophobia in wondering what on earth an African-American playwright is doing as deputy head of the British Museum? Seems a bizarre fit for that role, but I can’t deny that she is scary bright and knows her stuff.
With regards Nick Griffin himself, I think he was flustered and did not come over very confident – which may have actually been his plan. He has come out of this a man victimised by the panel, harassed by the audience, persecuted by the demonstrators, and today demonised in the print press. What better way for the BNP to drum up sympathy and support from their core support – the white working class who feels politically marginalised and endlessly patronised by multi-culturalist social engineers and the political elite. Griffin’s subsequent formal complain to the BBC as to his treatment on the show seems to bear this evaluation out.
As a personal reaction to what Nick Griffin actually said, I have long been sceptical of the BNP’s new image, as well as aghast at the naivety and foolishness of what they call policy. I do however think that he was right about a couple of things – perhaps more than a couple, especially his explanation for his views on Islam. It is a shame that, as always, the right wing, extreme conservative, perhaps even indigenous/nationalist view point always ends up with such odious people as its advocates, and that those willing to speak out and who attain a public platform to do so align some clear, legitimate view points and concerns (immigration, multiculturalism) with some of the most ridiculous rhetoric and ideas and some of the most disgusting ideas (holocaust denial, David Duke support) imaginable.
The BBC was right to invite Nick Griffin – his party got a million votes in June. However, despite the objectionable views of him and his party, I think that the forum they set up, the demonstrations, the audience attitude, will all contribute to a feeling of sympathy towards the BNP from some quarters and a jump in their membership. I will finish with saying that the controversy over his invitation was extremely hypocritical when you consider that Question Time and the BBC have repeatedly given a forum for the views of the only man more reprehensible in British politics than Nick Griffin, and that is the revolting George Galloway. Think about what is more objectionable and dangerous – an inarticulate racist (Griffin) or a cunning, devious traitorous bastard (Galloway) before getting all irate about the BBC doing this show.
Some links for you
Been off work for a week and have just caught up with the internetz…
Coverage and commentary from some of my fave blogs ref Question Time and the BNP
http://eureferendum.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-are-they-worried-about.html
http://eureferendum.blogspot.com/2009/10/appalling-bad-judgement.html
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100014461/question-time-is-that-panel-really-the-best-they-can-do/#
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100014107/im-glad-that-the-bnps-nick-griffin-is-appearing-on-question-time/
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100014462/the-bbc-is-right-for-once-the-bnp-cannot-be-banned-from-the-airwaves/
I have sent these two to some of you already
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/politics/domestic_politics/factcheck+bnp+on+question+time/3397297
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/politics/domestic_politics/who+voted+bnp+and+why/3200557
And some cool ones not about the BNP/Question Time
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100012752/inconvenient-kids-tell-the-eco-fascists-where-they-can-stick-it/
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100013074/obamas-won-the-nobel-peace-wtf/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/oct/21/labour-europe-kaminski-poland?showallcomments=true
And a very annoying one which clearly shows why Labour stabbed us all in the back ref the EU – they know they will lose the election here, but their sights are set higher. First Tony, now David…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/oct/22/david-miliband-europe-foreign-minister
And a more annoying still blog that actually made me angry today… democracy my arse…
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100014239/vaclav-klaus-the-last-european/
And here is one for all those who point out how sell-out, self-interested and corrupt scientists skeptical of AGW are
http://taogovernment.blogspot.com/2009/10/nasa-goddard-climate-scientist-charged.html
Coverage and commentary from some of my fave blogs ref Question Time and the BNP
http://eureferendum.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-are-they-worried-about.html
http://eureferendum.blogspot.com/2009/10/appalling-bad-judgement.html
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100014461/question-time-is-that-panel-really-the-best-they-can-do/#
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100014107/im-glad-that-the-bnps-nick-griffin-is-appearing-on-question-time/
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100014462/the-bbc-is-right-for-once-the-bnp-cannot-be-banned-from-the-airwaves/
I have sent these two to some of you already
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/politics/domestic_politics/factcheck+bnp+on+question+time/3397297
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/politics/domestic_politics/who+voted+bnp+and+why/3200557
And some cool ones not about the BNP/Question Time
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100012752/inconvenient-kids-tell-the-eco-fascists-where-they-can-stick-it/
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100013074/obamas-won-the-nobel-peace-wtf/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/oct/21/labour-europe-kaminski-poland?showallcomments=true
And a very annoying one which clearly shows why Labour stabbed us all in the back ref the EU – they know they will lose the election here, but their sights are set higher. First Tony, now David…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/oct/22/david-miliband-europe-foreign-minister
And a more annoying still blog that actually made me angry today… democracy my arse…
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100014239/vaclav-klaus-the-last-european/
And here is one for all those who point out how sell-out, self-interested and corrupt scientists skeptical of AGW are
http://taogovernment.blogspot.com/2009/10/nasa-goddard-climate-scientist-charged.html
Saturday 3 October 2009
The Irish "Yes" Vote
Needless to say, I am very disappointed by the result. Its surreal that I find myself on the same political page as Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein about this! Wonders never cease. How will this affect politics in the UK? Well, as predicted, Davey Boy is hedging his bets
http://blog.conservatives.com/index.php/2009/10/03/there-will-be-no-change-in-our-policy-on-europe/
from the above, I quote
“I want to make one thing clear: there will be no change in our policy on Europe and no new announcements at the Conference. There will be no change in Conservative policy as long as the Lisbon Treaty is still not in force. The Treaty has still not been ratified by the Czechs and the Poles. The Czech Prime Minister has said that the constitutional challenge before the Czech Constitutional Court could take 3-6 months to resolve.
I have said repeatedly that I want us to have a referendum. If the Treaty is not ratified in all Member States and not in force when the election is held, and if we are elected, then we will hold a referendum on it, we will name the date of the referendum in the election campaign, we will lead the campaign for a ‘No’ vote.
If the Treaty is ratified and in force in all Member States, we have repeatedly said we would not let matters rest there. But we have one policy at a time, and we will set out how we would proceed in those circumstances if, and only if, they happen.”
What does that mean? I have no idea. I think it means that he has given himself an out – the Lisbon Treaty will become law before Christmas if the final hurdles that the Czechs and Poles have placed in its path are overcome. Since May is the next General Election here, David will have 5 months of fait accompli to hide behind when he decides to do nothing at all. I fear that, since the full implications of the Lisbon Treaty are unlikely to be noticed by the British sheeple until one of our 40 vetos that are being removed becomes relevant, or the new EU Foreign Minister dictates UK foreign policy whether we like it or not, I predict that Cameron will decide that nothing needs to be done in the short term and will save the EU card for when he needs to divert attention from some cock up or other in his administration.
This means that UKIP might just pick up a few votes in the next General Election – all the main papers are quoting UKIP’s Nigel Farage’s response (suitably vitriolic but not actually that helpful). 80% of Tory voters are Eurosceptic according to recent polls – I know that those of you who vote Tory have reservations to some degree or other. How will you cast your vote next May though? Will you risk a 4th Labour term in power with the associated calamities that they will unleash upon our battered purses and society? Is UKIP enough of a threat to split the vote that much? Is there any realistic chance that UKIP will return enough MPs to force the Tories to act in concert with them in the commons? Or any MPs at all? Are the Tories so certain to win the next election that they will still see Labour out of power, relying on the centre, undecided, swing voters as well as the disillusioned social AND economic liberals fleeing Labour and Lib Dem ranks?
It is my opinion that the latter is the most likely – and I encourage all Tory voters who do not want an ever-so-slightly less left wing centrist party to take power next year to vote for UKIP. Again, here are the links to their domestic politcies to show that UKIP does have enough depth and substance to be a realistic alternative, not just a protest vote. Do not fear – Labour’s days are over, the Tories will get in, hopefully with a few of the 500 candidates being fielded by UKIP in the next election nearby to form a coalition with if the Tories do not get an absolute majority.
http://www.ukip.org/content/ukip-policies/1014-campaign-policies-euro-elections-2009
http://www.ukip.org/content/ukip-policies
Think about it seriously. Make this the election in which you consider which party's policies you agree with the most and give them your vote. Do not just, yet again, vote for those most likely to win who you disagree with the least.
http://blog.conservatives.com/index.php/2009/10/03/there-will-be-no-change-in-our-policy-on-europe/
from the above, I quote
“I want to make one thing clear: there will be no change in our policy on Europe and no new announcements at the Conference. There will be no change in Conservative policy as long as the Lisbon Treaty is still not in force. The Treaty has still not been ratified by the Czechs and the Poles. The Czech Prime Minister has said that the constitutional challenge before the Czech Constitutional Court could take 3-6 months to resolve.
I have said repeatedly that I want us to have a referendum. If the Treaty is not ratified in all Member States and not in force when the election is held, and if we are elected, then we will hold a referendum on it, we will name the date of the referendum in the election campaign, we will lead the campaign for a ‘No’ vote.
If the Treaty is ratified and in force in all Member States, we have repeatedly said we would not let matters rest there. But we have one policy at a time, and we will set out how we would proceed in those circumstances if, and only if, they happen.”
What does that mean? I have no idea. I think it means that he has given himself an out – the Lisbon Treaty will become law before Christmas if the final hurdles that the Czechs and Poles have placed in its path are overcome. Since May is the next General Election here, David will have 5 months of fait accompli to hide behind when he decides to do nothing at all. I fear that, since the full implications of the Lisbon Treaty are unlikely to be noticed by the British sheeple until one of our 40 vetos that are being removed becomes relevant, or the new EU Foreign Minister dictates UK foreign policy whether we like it or not, I predict that Cameron will decide that nothing needs to be done in the short term and will save the EU card for when he needs to divert attention from some cock up or other in his administration.
This means that UKIP might just pick up a few votes in the next General Election – all the main papers are quoting UKIP’s Nigel Farage’s response (suitably vitriolic but not actually that helpful). 80% of Tory voters are Eurosceptic according to recent polls – I know that those of you who vote Tory have reservations to some degree or other. How will you cast your vote next May though? Will you risk a 4th Labour term in power with the associated calamities that they will unleash upon our battered purses and society? Is UKIP enough of a threat to split the vote that much? Is there any realistic chance that UKIP will return enough MPs to force the Tories to act in concert with them in the commons? Or any MPs at all? Are the Tories so certain to win the next election that they will still see Labour out of power, relying on the centre, undecided, swing voters as well as the disillusioned social AND economic liberals fleeing Labour and Lib Dem ranks?
It is my opinion that the latter is the most likely – and I encourage all Tory voters who do not want an ever-so-slightly less left wing centrist party to take power next year to vote for UKIP. Again, here are the links to their domestic politcies to show that UKIP does have enough depth and substance to be a realistic alternative, not just a protest vote. Do not fear – Labour’s days are over, the Tories will get in, hopefully with a few of the 500 candidates being fielded by UKIP in the next election nearby to form a coalition with if the Tories do not get an absolute majority.
http://www.ukip.org/content/ukip-policies/1014-campaign-policies-euro-elections-2009
http://www.ukip.org/content/ukip-policies
Think about it seriously. Make this the election in which you consider which party's policies you agree with the most and give them your vote. Do not just, yet again, vote for those most likely to win who you disagree with the least.
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