To help us rationalise the complexities of the world around us, we often look for 'handles' on which to base assumptions. It's human, we all do it to some extent, the difference between us is only in the degree of assumptions we are prepared to make. So we can deduce certain things from one's membership of, or candidacy for, a party. But how far are we prepared to carry these assumptions?

We can safely deduce that George supports the BNP policies, including their racism, the totalitarianism of their political thinking and their preparedness to resort to violence. But how much more can we deduce safely? Would she be a bad mother? Would she steal? Would she give to charity? Would she be a bad driver? Would she be a bad singer? Our own differing tolerance levels to some of these acts, and our different thresholds of acceptable assumptions, is what makes us different from each other.

I remember my parents (Greek Liberals, i.e. Centre-Right) often marvelling at the 'wonder' that their best friend was a staunch Communist. But that incongruity led them - and me - to beware of too many assumptions and generalisations.

There is such a thing as Totalitarian Thinking, to which even the most democratic and liberal-minded people can be prone.