British National Party

[Skyumpi]

What I don't understand is how commentators seem to be saying that the BNP are benefitting from the "protest votes" of those disaffected with the main parties.

What sort of protest is voting for the BNP???? If it's anything other than a protest against johnny foreigner or those uppity coloured types then I suspect that these protest voters are very much mistaken.

 

As low an opinion as I have of racists and xenophobes, at least I can start to understand what their position is. Voting for the BNP because you think Gordon Brown didn't handle the global recession well or that some Tory MP's have been claiming chandeliers and butlers on their expenses is, quite clearly, bonkers.

[Talpa]

Yip, passing it off as a protest vote is sticking our heads in the sand. Fascism will thrive if the reasons why people are drawn to the BNP aren't tackled head on and difficult issues are ignored.

 

It's dangerous to dismiss the BNP rise in the North of England as a 'protest' against Labour but people living there are probably better placed to resolve the well-documented issues in their communities that give rise to such extremist policies and support for these policies.

 

But, here? What is it? Why? What is appealing to someone in Shetland about the BNP? What it is you like?

[JustMe]

 

But, here? What is it? Why? What is appealing to someone in Shetland about the BNP? What it is you like?

As it happens I was chatting to a Lerwick resident on Saturday and despite this being someone I have never considered in any way to be racist they were talking about the way "foreigners".......mostly East Europeans......were able to arrive in Shetland and get jobs and social housing to the detriment of Shetland residents. Now I happen to know that this person did not vote for the BNP or indeed anyone else but this is the sort of person who can so easily find that the BNP is able to target with a few well chosen words on the lines of "we know, we understand, we will help"

 

Now this is my personal thoughts. BNP is really an English Nationalist party and should, God forbid, they ever get into power one of their first acts would be to send the Scots, the Irish and the Welsh back home.

[Baron Farkoff]

"send the Scots, Irish and Welsh back home"

Let 'em try.

I go where I please, and the Devil can't stop me, even on his best days.

 

 

 

However, If he was captain of the ferry, he may improve his odds somewhat.

[Talpa]

Both the BNP and UKIP want out of Europe and call (amongst other things) for an:

 

"immediate halt to all further immigration" BNP

 

"a five-year freeze on immigration into Britain" UKIP

 

Shetland is interesting in this context as this would mean, for example, EU nationals could not move here but Scots/ English/ Welsh/ N.Irish could (and take Shetland jobs/ houses or contribute to the economy/ culture depending on your take on immigration)

 

What is the difference? Logically the 'halt on immigration' should extend to UK non-Shetland immigrants as the arguments against immigration are the same for both groups of immigrants (UK/ non-UK), unless you are willing to accept that the only distinction is race?

 

If you accept that the distinction is based purely on race then - Do you not want people from other races living in Shetland? Is it that simple? If not, why not? Do you not like people from other races?

 

If you don’t accept that BNP/ UKIP policies are racist then logically the policy should extend to all immigrants to Shetland, including UK ones. Is that OK? Maybe it is...just curious!!

[Baron Farkoff]

What, like "everybody stay where you are..... and breed"?

[Queenie79]

I would love to speak to some of the people that voted BNP! I wonder if they would want me to "go home". As an English person married to a shetlander I hope I contribute to the community and embrace the Shetland way of life and people. Do you oppose me being here?

 

I sincerely hope you never decide to emigrate anywhere! Actually thinking about that I hope you do, because I'm sure you'd be welcome into a different culture and not experience the small mindedness that you're currently voting for!

 

Seriously think people please!

[Talpa]

I would love to speak to some of the people that voted BNP!

 

Me too, it's useless just going "you're insane/ a crazy rascist - whatever". There's something real going on in folk's heads that make them choose that vote. What is it and what are we going to do about it? Just dismissing it makes people defensive, marginalised and probably more extreme. It takes balls to speak up for a BNP vote (where are you?) but unless folk feel they can it'll just fuel the whole thing.

[Queenie79]

I would love to speak to some of the people that voted BNP!

 

Me too, it's useless just going "you're insane/ a crazy rascist - whatever". There's something real going on in folk's heads that make them choose that vote. What is it and what are we going to do about it? Just dismissing it makes people defensive, marginalised and probably more extreme. It takes balls to speak up for a BNP vote (where are you?) but unless folk feel they can it'll just fuel the whole thing.

 

Excellent point! Confronting denial with denial only serves to make it stronger. maybe offering a non judgemental place for people to air their views is the only way to get to the bottom of view points that we see as irrational!

[Ghostrider]

To be serious for a moment (if anything in politics can and deserves to be taken seriously), I didn't vote BNP, I didn't vote at all, never ever have voted, so can only surmise why those who did, chose the BNP. If I voted, and had I voted, the BNP would almost certainly not have gotten my vote in any circumstances, as it is all to easy to see behind their facade of reeling people in on "current" and "minor" issues while hiding their undercurrent of dangerous and mostly dispicable general ethos in the background.

 

Unfortunately a few people cannot, or choose not to see beyind the point of their noses, or what immediately affects them in their own back yard, and almost certainly some of those who at this moment in time harbour negative (and probably short term) feelings, for whatever reason, towards recent incomers to Shetland fell for the BNP spin hook, line and sinker. Add to that I would imagine a few "rebel" types teens who thought it would be "cool" to vote for the most controversial option, just because they could, and you probably account for the majority of the 92 papers.

[Talpa]

I didn't vote at all, never ever have voted

 

Oh Ghostrider - I'm gutted! you argue so beautifully and eloquently on so many topics on this forum. The thought you give to other points of view and the time you spend clearly laying out your ideas - you could write a stonking manifesto and lead your own party.

 

What is it? No party reflects your views?

 

Have you taken the hour or so it would take to read all their manifestos?

If so and still no-one does it for you, at least....

Spoil your paper (they are counted)

Go for a NO ta (None of the Above)

 

Or are you happy with the status quo? - like it or not - that what's a no vote supports and that's how the BNP and the far-right (note the Tories forging unholy alliances with other right-wing parties in Europe tonight) will continue to gain power. If your are against one thing, e.g. BNP policy, then voting for a party with an opposite opinion is at least a double counter-shot against it.

 

Or is it that you think that party politics are generally bollooocccks?

 

What's the alternative? I'm up for an alternative.

[Michael]

I doubt the majority of those who voted were teens, out of most of them I know, most didn't vote and those who did voted towards the left generally. Most people who might have cast a "rebel" vote in my experience didn't even realise there was an election on.

[Para Handy]

^Given that racism is born from ignorance... they probably don't know why

 

Maybe they just need to vote by numbers.

Just as they have to paint by numbers

There never a school bully around to nick there pens when you want one

[Baron Farkoff]

Wow, the blog on yahoo news entitled "a little fascist in all of us" exposes the feeling on the mainland, and it's ****ing scary. Pile in, warriors of freedom, it's hard going in the big pond!

[Mattie]

It's not surprising they got 92 votes in Shetland - I'm surprised there wasn't more!!

There are a good few racists and homophobes in Shetland - It would surprise you!!

One person I had dealings with - I won't go into details. They worked for NHS Shetland and referred to a Black person as a <uuh uhh anality!! moo! sproot!> in conversation. Which took me a back!!

It is rife everywhere whether in Shetland or the mainland. And the crux of it all (not in my opinion - before I get branded).. is folk are sick of the influx of immigrants to the Uk. They are fed up with them getting housing and benefits and stealing our jobs!! lol! While uk residents favour no special treatment and get nothing.

They are also fed up with how you can't celebrate Christmas, Easter, Halloween or whatever in this country now - without offending someone!!!

But at the end of the day it isn't the people flocking to this country to better theirselves and help their families at home's fault. They just see a good opportunity and take it - Don't we all?

If you want to blame anyone start with the British Government and the Voters that voted Tony and co in. Blair destroyed everything Labour stood for after the death of John Smith. It's a hard job Gordon Brown has clearing up everybody else's mess. No wonder the BNP are getting votes now.

At the end of the day.. It is the people of Britain that have put these people here to govern us.

And for a good number of years since dear old Thatcher departed and was replaced with John Major the British public have been apathetic to voting and to be honest have no-one to blame but theirselves!!

This is why Nick Griffin is now going to the Queen's tea-party and has now been elected to the European Parliament... Apathy of the People!!