On Nick Griffin and the wretched state of British democracy
Francis Sedgemore, Monday 7 September 2009 at 20:57 UTC
Whatever the rights or wrongs of the BBC’s decision-in-principle to invite the recently elected fascist MEP Nick Griffin onto its Question Time programme, public reaction has given rise to some deep soul-searching, and in some cases intelligent debate about free speech and public service obligations in liberal democracies.
With the ‘British National Party’ representing a sizeable constituency of British public opinion, the BBC’s decision was in my view inevitable.
The thought of Griffin appearing on Question Time makes me feel very uneasy. Those in favour argue that Griffin’s appearance would expose his and his party’s bigotry for what it is. Wrong. The problem, as Chris Dillow notes, is that the BBC’s primetime political panel game is:
“… a zoo in which soundbites are vomited into an audience who clap like hyperactive seals.”
Given that Griffin has long been puking his opinions into the public arena, on Question Time the BNP leader would be in his element. Griffin could get away with playing the populist card, as do many of the more legitimate politicians and commentators who appear on that show.
As well as capturing the wretchedness of Question Time, Dillow has neatly articulated my own thoughts on the sickness in British democracy. That is, we have no infrastructure or culture that can underpin public political discourse. To this I would add that the formulaic public service obligations of the BBC (and ITV) make for a popular debate that is largely devoid of depth.
Another problem I have with the expose-the-BNP thesis is that few of our politicians have the moral integrity, credibility and intellectual capacity necessary for the job.
Fascism feeds on the decaying bodies of failing bourgeois democracies.
Feed the writer! 
Wednesday 9 September 2009 at 14:32 UTC
Oh well, Francis, let’s not exaggerate (I am referring to the last sentence). I don’t believe that BNP, no matter how worrying is its ascent, is a serious threat to British democracy. When push will come to the shove, it will be no contest – for the right people, I mean.
I blame the excess of political correctness that, on one hand, allows creeps like that one, spout their shit in public and, on the other hand, prevents other people from answering in the more, how would I say, muscular way.
But the time will come.
Wednesday 9 September 2009 at 17:30 UTC
The threat is real enough, but it arises not from the BNP itself, but rather the political vacuum resulting from the mainstream parties’ unwillingness or inability to engage with the people of Britain. They are so up their own arses, the political class. All of them.
Thursday 10 September 2009 at 10:25 UTC
The threat arises from too many immigrants coming in and the government not listening.Its not the vacuum its the government.Where i live there are masses of immigrants,no jobs no houses etc etc.yes they do come first on the housing lists ive seen it myself.people have had enough and the BNP seem to be the only party taking any notice thats how they have done well.People with jobs nice houses money and live in nice areas dont have a clue how the rest of the country feel.What its like to have nothing and loose everything you have.
Thursday 10 September 2009 at 10:39 UTC
Jill – the world – or at least the EU/EEA – is your oyster. If you’re not happy with the way things are here, you could always up sticks and find a nice job and house elsewhere.
Following their country’s accession to the EU, Poles – you know, good honest white folk – came to England in large numbers, and made a huge success of doing jobs that native Englanders of the lazy white folk variety sniffed at. And as far as I’m concerned my Polish brothers and sisters are most welcome here, as are our darker-skinned brethren.
Poles and other eastern Europeans came to Britain in such large numbers that it led to a major labour market crisis back at home. I believe this still exists, so as long as you don’t delay, you could do very well for yourself in Gdansk or somewhere similar.
On yer bike, Jill!
Thursday 10 September 2009 at 10:43 UTC
Have i said they arent honest nice people.I agree with you on that.Why should i pick up sticks as you say.Thanks a lot yes make me move out of the way.You just dont see it as it is to people do you.I have nothing against colour or nationality.I am saying whats right.Our country is taking in far too many.I dont and never have hated anyone.
Thursday 10 September 2009 at 10:52 UTC
Another thing about me picking up sticks,how dare you tell me to move for a start,and how the heck could i if i wanted to.What would i move with fresh air.I have no money to buy a nice house,im all but losing the one i am in.See what i mean.When i say you dont have a clue about the real people and how they feel.We are poor and we are struggling,and the government isnt helping letting all the immigrants in.thats my opinion.Sorry if you dont like it,but when then housing list gets to over 100 yrs as a waiting list and people coming in are getting houses then something is very very wrong.Obviously you cant see it because you have never been in the same situation,sadly there are more an more people becoming like us than like you.
Thursday 10 September 2009 at 11:04 UTC
Taking in far too many? What does this bizarre statement mean, and what evidence do you have to back up this belief? Too many folk per square metre? Do you all of a sudden feel like a battery hen?
If you don’t want to move, Jill, why not use whatever creative talents you possess and launch your own business? Word of advice, though: employ some eastern Europeans. They work hard, and do so without whingeing their lives away.
We should be scrapping all immigration controls, as argued yesterday by Philippe Legrain.
And yes, I have been in the same situation. In fact, with the media gone tits up in the recession, I’m not doing too well right now. Maybe I should go over to the dark side, and work as a public relations copywriter. The BNP need not apply to retain my services.
Thursday 10 September 2009 at 11:21 UTC
Youre being really nasty why? I make a statement and now i have to start my own business.Thank God youre not running the country thats all i can say.Yes why not open the doors the gates what ever you will let them all in.See how long we would last,we are sinking fast as it is.All you can say as a soloution is start your own business and employ Europeans.You dont have a clue.I wont write again i think youre best left in your own silly world.No i dont think the BNP would want you either.Not that i know that much about them.At the least they seem to have a brain.Its your blog get on with it.Make sure you dont let anyone disagree with you though.Still you could always tell them to move or go away i guess.
Thursday 10 September 2009 at 11:28 UTC
Please, Jill, if you think I’m being nasty here then you really haven’t a clue. Perhaps you would be better spending your time commenting over at spEak You’re bRanes or the Daily Heil.
Saturday 12 September 2009 at 21:35 UTC
Jill.
These people can talk. As you state, they have never gone through the experience of watching a father come home and announce he had no job to go to the next day. Or a mother staying up half the night sewing wonders into a worn out garment for a child going to school in the morning.
There are somethings they will never understand.
Saturday 12 September 2009 at 22:01 UTC
Jesus wept! Fascism meets Victorian melodrama.
Tuesday 15 September 2009 at 23:38 UTC
Jill, things are in a state, and poor people are suffering, because many people – rich and poor – are lazy and selfish. Immigration has feck-all to do with it. The BNP and their thugs always use hard times as an excuse, just like Hitler and others throughout history. If you want to be a willing cheerleader for those evil people that’s your funeral but i’ll stick to British principles of fair play and hard work thanks very much. Your grandparents’ generation will be turning in their graves.