In the late 1970s or early '80s I remember John Peel playing a single (that didn't chart, sadly) by a band (who I forget the name of - sorry!) made entirely of unemployed people. The hook-line went, "Living on the dole is a pain in the soul, we want to work." JP said if you couldn't appreciate the sentiment of the song, "I think I know who you are".

I wonder if the same thing could be said here of those who seem to be baffled as to why this issue is so important?

If you are genuinely still in the dark about what BNP fascists are already planning and why it is important to stop them, try reading Nick Griffin's more than scary website, where he extolls the virtues of hijacking folk music and his supporters agree it is a great idea. You will also find a video from Great White Records. Now I wonder why they chose that name? I suppose this is an attempt at an acceptable face of racist music, the modern equivalent of Skrewdriver.

Or you could watch the video here, where Nick Griffin explains why fascists need to hoodwink people with respectable-sounding language so as to hide their true intentions.   

From the BNP's Activists and Organisers Handbook:

"Community Activism means our activists getting involved in the affairs of their neighbourhood at all levels...We have had some major successes, for example, with local groups set up to encourage the celebration of St George's Day. Fun activities for children and families which are linked to our Christian heritage - such as Pace Egging in many northern towns - are particularly suitable candidates for revival as popular awareness of the growing power of Islam encourages support for and interest in our own religious and cultural traditions."

"Ideally our units will lead their communities in organising, or at least supporting, cultural events such as St George's Day celebrations (April 23rd). Most regions of the country have cultural events which are unique to that area, or county. For example, Padstow Hobby Horse (sic) in Cornwall, Arbor Tree Day in Shropshire, Garland King Day and the Well Dressing in Derbyshire, the Marshfield Mummers in Wiltshire, the Haxey Hood in Humberside, and countless others.

Some such celebrations, now very popular, have only been revived in recent years - the Hastings Jack in the Green and Whittlesea Straw Bear festivals show just how big such things can get. Why not do some research to see if there's a lost local tradition you can inspire a team of enthusiasts to revive?"

I've already heard that Griffin likes to sing John Barleycorn at BNP meetings. This site reckons that his daughter wants to be a folk singer.

I am old enough to remember the rise of the National Front in the 1970s (for whom Griffin stood for parliament). They were not then sophisicated enough to play the media. Racism is becoming almost respectable again in some quarters because the fascists wear nice suits. The BNP carried election adverts in all my local papers. I know an alarming number of people, including kids under 18, who do or say they would vote BNP. Rational argument is useless in conversation with them. It would be, by the very definition of their being prejudiced. One of my neighbours openly displayed a BNP leaflet in her window during the recent elections. She physically assaulted a female friend of mine, visiting my house, just for being the wrong colour. (The two of them had never spoken or had any contact. She was attached from behind.)

If you still don't know why this is important, I definitely do know who you are.