EastleighSoulBoy

Surely the message should not need to mention race or religion? Surely the message should be NO EXTREMISTS in any way shape or form? Which would, possibly, have alienated many who have infiltrated/aligned. The very fact that they mention Muslim Extremists makes it a very attractive proposition to the right wing extremists. Forgive me for being cynical but that's racist and, in my opinion, totally unsupportable.

As to it being a 'few comments' on an internet message board? They are hardly comments which meant nothing to you. If they were then you would not still be here arguing about them. What you need to understand is that both left and right want no terrorism. Unfortunately the Right tend to want no terrorism from people of other colours, although it's alright for some of them to attack anyone of a differing colour because they perceive all non whites as being terrorists.

So why, exactly, are you arguing in support of a group which is known to have members of the BNP aligning itself to it? Can you explain why, after the obvious furore, the Facebook group has become 'membership by invite only'? Ok, they are entitled to free speech. Surely though, when they resort to violence, they are breaking the law? How can you argue in support of a group which allows BNP members to align/infiltrate? That is why I think you are racist. If EDL was going to be true to what it's espoused principles are then they would ensure no affiliation to racist groups or allow racists to join. It's obvious that you don't understand my point, but if you could explain in a clear and concise way why you support a racist group such as EDL then maybe I could understand where you are coming from. At the moment all I can understand is that you are in support of a racist group. In my opinion that brackets you in with them. Likewise you would probably bracket me as a Left winger. You'd be right. I have no shame in that. But everyone on here knows where I am coming from and that I don't agree with everything my party says or does. Often it's what is NOT said that can lead to a confirmation of suspicion.

This does, of course, include those extremists who choose to align themselves with the EDL/BNP?

Not only latent but totally, utterly and blatantly oblivious to it. You knew full well what Chrisobee was referring to when he made mention of 'thousands'. Where do you get the impression that he meant terrorists? Your attempt at naivete/devil's advocate does not hide, in my opinion, your agenda. I feel that you are quietly sniping away at those who question the EDL or it's associations with the BNP. Most of your comments, only in my opinion, seek to protect the EDL (despite those connections) or repudiate the arguments against the EDL. Yet Ponty and Baj, who have also made that same connection, exposed it as based on blatant racism, get little or no disagreement from you. I believe that you, sir, are a closet racist. Although you may not want terrorism I believe that it might suit your agenda so that groups such as the BNP/EDL can flourish.

Clutching. At. Straws. DD, your freudian slip is beginning to show.

He's obviously not only been out and about but had his eyes and ears open at the same time! What people don't seem to realise is that there is such a thing as 'latent racism'. This is where the 'life and soul of the party/pub/workplace' starts off a racist joke with "Now I'm not a racist but have you heard the one about..........." Where the man on the street starts a conversation with "The trouble with/Why don't these people....." The ability to be racist lies within us all. It's down to the individual to rise above a pointless and irrational fear and see people as who/what they are. Just because a black man robs you doesn't make all black people thieves. Just because an Irish man does a stupid thing doesn't make all irish people stupid. Or maybe I should get out more? Or maybe my circle of friends (Asian, Muslim, English, homosexual, lesbian etc) does not offer me enough variety of views and experiences on life?

I think that the nutjobs are in control now Delldays. Which is probably what a lot of us were alluding to: Obviously all above board with nothing to hide? #-o

I have just spoken to Mark Abraham (Community Officer) at the club. He is gravely concerned not just at the misuse of the crest but also the 'aligning' of groups such as this to the Club. He has already, earlier this week, had contact with the council about this group and moves are afoot to distance the club from them.

Maybe it's time the club took out an injunction on the use of their property (the crest) ?

Like I have said previously, some sections of society that feels disenfranchised enough will sadly turn to violence to meet fire with fire. The root cause is the terrorists. We can but leave the government to deal with that, and our opinions may well differ on the methods used to achieve that. Immigration is a similar point in question. Like it or not, the vast majority of immigrants are here legally and live in a peaceful style. The problems come when certain sections decide to 'take up arms' ( a loose term and not meant literally) against innocent people. How long would any of us reasonably expect to tolerate this behaviour before fighting back? Furthermore how long before we would start to turn out at a right/left wing demonstration as a 'pre-emptive show of strength'? It's a very slippery slope, would you not agree?

Jesus H! A member of the London Assembly, representative of a very cosmopolitan population should really think before 1. Making such inflammatory statements 2. Making such stupid admissions, "hadn't actually happened yet" FFS!

I agree, it's almost as bad as singling out any Muslim in retribution/protest for the atrocities perpetrated by radicals/extremists/fundamentalists.

Well said sir. Although you just know you are going to be asked where the racist comments are etc. The very fact that some on here are talking of the EDL possibly having access to sensitive information through 'corrupt officials' sets alarm bells ringing once again. Although, admittedly, most political parties can gain similar access through 'corrupt officials' which would depend on the agenda those 'corrupt officials' may be following.

I see where you are coming from but I'm in a similar position as a Labour Party Member. It doesn't mean I condone everything they do. In fact, TBH, there's a lot I cannot condone about them right now as the current labour party is too centre/right wing for my liking! :smt103 But your point still has merit.

I learned that many years ago and often quote it. Example. I work in a hospital as an electrician. I was called to a ward where a wall mounted extension lead was not working. The nurse was rather embarassed when I pointed out that she had plugged it into itself.

He's back! (They must have won last night!) :smt050 Ho! Ho! Ho! it's magic!

May I refer you to Ponty's eloquent summation?

Some of us believe that the EDL is a vehicle for the BNP. An acknowledged racist/facist/nazi party. If it is not, as yet, then it may soon be. No matter how you dress up the aims of the EDL these sort of people will gravitate to that banner. Successive governments have failed in dealing with immigration and, latterly, the terror threats. Sadly, we have to leave it to them to do though. Those who already feel disenfranchised and take things into their own hands give more cause for equal or stronger action from those who they campaign against. Furthermore, there's a fair chance that level headed, innocent Muslim people who get attacked will themselves feel they have no choice but to turn to the extremists for their own protection. These people are probably already under pressure from their more zealous compatriots to take up arms.

Quite right, which is what some of us are saying while being accused of 'sticking our heads in the sand'.

But, as Verbal so eloquently states, we are not sticking our heads in the sand. Just because we are not joining the EDL, or any right wing fascist organisation, does not mean we do not seek a solution. It's just that we are trying to see a more reasonable approach to things. The EDL may not have, yet. Those who are infiltrating it for their own agenda may well have a bit more brick dust or flame accelerant on their hands though. I do believe that your attempt at either naivete or devil's advocate is actually quite revealing.

I think you have hit the nail on the head.

Which was my initial thought but you do know the subtle nuances which can be brought into play by a misplaced punctuation mark.

There are ways to raise concerns and ways not to do so. I think that generalising and attacking innocent Muslims, Asians is not the way to do it. In fact by disenfranchising the innocent you actually create a breeding ground for radicalisation. Which then leads to the far right feeling disenfranchised, thus feeding their xenophobic fuelled thoughts and all aboard the catch 22 express for a trip to hell. Someone, somebody, some people have to try and break this vicious circle. It's down to the government to do so and so we get back to Mighty Saints point. The Government does need to act, but it's not going to be palatable to either extremes of the UK political spectrum.

Was that a freudian slip? Or merely the wrong use of the brackets? I don't know for sure but I took it to mean radical Muslims, as in extremists? Perhaps MightySaints might care to clarify that for us?