FinishMySong Blog

It's been hard to get myself blogging over the past couple of days for a few reasons. For one, Blogger is undergoing some fairly major upgrades that have resulted in an interruption to its normal, regularly interrupted service! I've also been so busy, what with giving lessons and attending various rehearsals all over the place. A shame, really, because this weekend has definitely been one for reflection on so many issues from the remembrance services around the world to thoughts on the principles of freedom of speech following BNP moron Nick Griffin's acquittal.

Well, I guess I can try to cover these two main issues in one blog because it seems pretty obvious that they're very much related. It's clear that many people in the armed forces gave their lives (and continue to do so) because of their belief in a free society where people have the right to express themselves openly without fear of persecution. And, as much as I totally disagree with what Griffin and the BNP hooligans have to say, I think we must stand by our principles that they have every right to their views and to air them. The idea that the British government is thinking of changing the law in order to lock up Griffin for his viewpoint is another link in a seriously worrying chain of events - yes, Griffin's views are abhorrent but we can not put him behind bars simply because we disagree with him. This kind of cowardly behaviour was not what thousands of young men and women fought the Nazi's for.

Many on the far left believe that it is wrong to grant the BNP a platform on which they are able to stand to spread their distorted version of the truth. My personal view is that we really have two choices: to counter the arguments made by Griffin's cronies in a rational, clear and honest way that leaves no doubt that the BNP are nothing more than National Front thugs in suits, or simply to ignore the British National Party altogether; don't make it illegal for them to speak or to hold meetings but also don't report anything about them in the national and local press. Treat them as the thick racists that they are - not worthy of serious debate or scrutiny. Of course, if Griffin or any other BNP member is suspected of carrying out any unlawful act, such as harassment or violent assault (as many of them already have) then come down on them with the full force of our judicial system. But, let's honour those who lost their lives in the two world wars (often against their own will) by standing up for the principles of freedom in our country. Let the racists say what they want but make sure they are not handed publicity on a plate by our newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations.