HarleyThe difference is largely one of presentation. Both organisations would deny basic rights, including the very right of citizenship, to tens of thousands of residents of our borough, but one claims it would do it more nicely. So that's okay then.Sadly, you are right to say that the BNP is picking up votes. In some areas it has won council seats, in many others it has picked up votes in the region of 20-30%.However, the most telling statistic is the size of the actual membership. About 6,000-7,000 nationally if I am correct. Pitifully small, in other words.What all this would seem to suggest is that most votes recorded for the BNP are a cry for help rather than an expression of adherence to a racial ideology. The typical BNP voter is a million miles apart from the typical BNP member.It is worth noting that in areas such as Loughton, where voters have the option of supporting a non-racist community-based alternative to the old political parties, the BNP vote has been thoroughly routed as a result. This is something most "anti-fascist" organisations will not tell you, being as they often are New Labour front groups.People want change, unfortunately some want it so badly that they are prepared to vote for the BNP. But I don't believe that in the course of a few years we have turned into a nation of intolerant bigots. What is happenening is rapid demographic change alongside disengagement by the major political parties and now with the added factor of recession thrown in.Doubtless I'm biased, but in my view independent, non-political, grass-roots community action is the best defence against organisations such as the BNP making inroads.
Phil Andrews ● 6268d