Very good post, Chippy. I too hope we don't have to lock this one down so let's keep it in order. Racist crap of any kind will be deleted.Chippy wrote:Looks like things have got out of hand over there. Lets not let it happen here or we'll have to lock it.
My 2p worth. We need to differentiate between the politics of the situation and respect for the dead. I think both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are a disgrace but that is not the soldiers' fault. They are just doing their duty, and making the ultimate sacrifice.
In a democracy we must have the right to protest. In this case the people to protest against are the politicians, so these guys should be marching on Westminster. It seems to me that trying to do it in Wooton Basset is just being deliberately provocative.
As I said keep it in order and remember this is not a political forum but we do occasionally go off piste.
I believe whole heartedly in the right to protest and in freedom of speech but these extremists are being provocative and I find it offensive for them to do it there. It's all about context. If they want to protest then as Chippy says do it at Westminster, not in a town paying tribute to dead young soldiers.
I've always said that if you live in a foreign country with a diferent culture then you must adapt to that country - the country shouldn't be expected to adapt to you. You must respect the culture and society of your host when you are a guest. If you have grown up there then there is no excuse - you know what is culturally and socially acceptable.
Personally I am against all extremists whether they are Christian, Muslim, Jewish or racist. But by an outright ban you play into their hands, you fuel their rantings and their claims of being excluded, victimised and discriminated against.
So you call their bluff. The proposed march is a protest against the war? To bring attention to dead innocents? Not just a ruse to create controversy or insult the families of the dead? Okay, have your march at Westminster.