Democracy or Dictatorship?

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Democracy or Dictatorship?

Far be it from me to defend the BNP in any way, but I am alarmed at what seems to be happening in our, so called 'democratic' country!

It has been reported that steps are being taken to make it illegal for teachers to be members of the BNP. This adds another group of public employees to be added to the list of workers barred from BNP membership, in addition to police officers already similarly banned..

Whether we like it or not the BNP have elected members sitting in local government and now in Europe. They have been allocated time on TV and like it or not they are a legal political party, at least for now.

Are these bans in themselves legal? or healthy politically?  This sets a dangerous precedent. Why not ban a party that supports gay rights? Why not ban any party that the current Government cannot find common ground with?  

Far-fetched kite flying? Perhaps it is, but the precedent is there for others to follow!  We did it for the BNP why not for…………..?

I am reminded of Pastor Martin Niemoller's words, that seem as relevant today as when they were written:

“First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out - because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out - because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left to speak out for me.”

And this famous quotation from Voltaire:

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Don Blow