Dave's Progress. Chapter 81: Post Script: The Right Lose the Fight.
A short while ago I wrote a blog entitled, "Fear and Loathing in Stoke-on-Trent". It was in response to a recent seeming rise in support in Stoke-on-Trent for political groups and parties like the EDL (English Defence League), who led a, it must be said, fiercely opposed, demonstration in our city centre, and the BNP (British National Party), whose leader, Nick Griffin, also visited Stoke with his suitably yob-looking entourage.
I pointed to a various number of circumstances, such as the decline in our local industry and years of social and economic deprivation, as the apparent causes of this rise in support, leading to, I think, seven BNP representatives being elected to our local council.
I am glad now to report, however, that despite the attempts of such groups to take a strong-hold in Stoke, with Nick Griffin even turning up in our local council chambers to launch the BNP's manifesto, at the last election the people of Stoke-on-Trent did me proud by not supporting such right-wing groups, whose ostensibly reasonable arguments about lack of representation for your average Brit hide their virulent racism.
There were fears, then, that Stoke could have become a new stamping ground for the extreme right, and this was obviously felt by the groups themselves, who seemed to hone in on Stoke-on-Trent as possible fertile ground for their thoroughly unpleasant ideology.
Fortunately, though, our fears about fear and loathing coming to our locality have been allayed, and the groups which peddle it have been roundly defeated. In this instance, thanks to our local populace, who appear, as one opposition banner at the EDL's demonstration suggested, to prefer oatcakes to racism, the right, at least this time, has lost the fight.
That's all for now from your normal, average delusional and paranoid man.
I pointed to a various number of circumstances, such as the decline in our local industry and years of social and economic deprivation, as the apparent causes of this rise in support, leading to, I think, seven BNP representatives being elected to our local council.
I am glad now to report, however, that despite the attempts of such groups to take a strong-hold in Stoke, with Nick Griffin even turning up in our local council chambers to launch the BNP's manifesto, at the last election the people of Stoke-on-Trent did me proud by not supporting such right-wing groups, whose ostensibly reasonable arguments about lack of representation for your average Brit hide their virulent racism.
There were fears, then, that Stoke could have become a new stamping ground for the extreme right, and this was obviously felt by the groups themselves, who seemed to hone in on Stoke-on-Trent as possible fertile ground for their thoroughly unpleasant ideology.
Fortunately, though, our fears about fear and loathing coming to our locality have been allayed, and the groups which peddle it have been roundly defeated. In this instance, thanks to our local populace, who appear, as one opposition banner at the EDL's demonstration suggested, to prefer oatcakes to racism, the right, at least this time, has lost the fight.
That's all for now from your normal, average delusional and paranoid man.
Comments
Guess what; he lost his deposit rather ignominiously and ALL of the BNP's Council members lost their seats.
I think he has been exposed as a sinister thug!
Indeed. And it is nice to know that in such areas sanity has eventually prevailed and hardly anyone seemed to vote for them.
What worried me about the BNP was their ostensibly clean-cut image and specious arguments which, I think, made them appear less of a threat than they actually were. But as you say, their more sinister side has now been exposed.
Yours with Very Best Wishes,
David.
Great follow-up posting. The good and decent folks of Stoke have done us proud. Oatcakes every time, my friend.
BNP which could easily mean 'Bigoted Nonsense Party'. EDL which could mean, 'Easily Deluded Losers'.
With very best wishes, Gary.
I like your interpretation of what BNP and EDL might actually stand for. Thank God the people of Stoke have lived up to my faith in them!
Best wishes your way,
David.