Billy Bragg performs for Hope Not Hate activists in Salford

[NOislamification]

brag. what a cunt

[HRHPrincePhilip1]

Billy is a very rich hypocritical twat who lives in a mansion house in all white Dorset and sings shite songs about Communism and multicultuaralism. When asked why he moved away from immigrant infested London to Dorset, Billy stated he "had to think about the kids". Some white working class people dont have that option available to them Billy. If you are going to tell us how great mass immigration ahas been for us makesure you live somewhere like Peckham. Other wise you appear a hypocrite.

[runzordockz]

He's a clever lad after all he can't fuckin sing so he knew he had to have an angle and being a left wing activist has put him in the public eye. I wonder what really lies in his heart. A flawed man who needs to conquer his own personal demons probably. So he hides behind his martyr for the cause symbolic persona. Come on Billy we know you have hate, lust, greed, and self-preservation in your heart just as much as love and understanding.

[djgaryt123]

BNP Rule the Nothwest

[tcp1228]

Wow, you write with the arrogance of an SWPer. So did you feel empowered when you used your vote? Did you vote for Lib/Lab/Con and their racist immigration policies? Or maybe the privileged middle class Greens? Or was it the Trot NO2EU and their CPB supporters?

No, I didnt vote. But I will continue to work within my community to confront prejudice all kinds. It was enlightening to talk with you.

[oclandestin]

Wow, what pointless ignorant stereotypes you harbour.

Do you now feel empowered by the knowledge that the racist, fascist BNP have been elected to the European parliament because of people like you who couldn't be bothered to vote? I hope you feel happy that your "enlightening" advice inadvertently gave the racist fascists more power. Well done. You must feel so proud as you go about your "community" work.

[HecklerTV]

Yes i feel proud of THIS community work,

it helped to reduce the BNP vote in Herefordshire and empower communities to deal with their problems and not rely on voting/politicians.

[oclandestin]

Meanwhile, politicians in Europe continue to pass the majority of laws that govern our lives, and some of those politicians are now BNP members, so congratulations, that's what ignoring elections does.

[oclandestin]

Great song, great cause : )

[tcp1228]

It is complacent and irresponsible to nothing to tackle the rise of fascism in our communities when there's no election on. And it's arrogant to demand that so-called disillusioned people should suddenly listen to politicians and vote for them because the fash might win a few seat.

I am very realistic, people are voting BNP because they are pissed off. These people are not being offered solutions for their problem they are just being told not to vote BNP, very cynical.

[oclandestin]

Who said anything about doing nothing when there's no election on? It's irresponsible to allow the BNP to potentially gain seats by ignoring an opportunity for their election and encouraging others to do the same. You're suggesting that ppl should let the BNP get elected because other politicians aren't worth listening to. Most people don't like politicians, but this is the system we have and it may give you a BNP representative if you don't participate...

[oclandestin]

Anarchism is hardly a realistic alternative supported by the majority (thank God). Most sensible ppl understand that the BNP have support because mainstream parties are failing certain sections of society. And most also know the solution lies with policies and grassroots work. But not voting will solve nothing, except let the BNP in by the back door.

[TreblePop]

@oclandestin -

I agree with you to a point. Until the Left wakes up and attempts to understand why the BNP and other right wing groups appeal to ordinary people, the problem won't be solved.

Obviously, the Left is failing, and it's our own fault. We are on the side of working people, and yet can't get the message across to them that we're on their side. Something's wrong.

[tcp1228]

Hope it was a great gig, but i can't bring myself to support Hope not Hate. I'm involved in politics and Anti-fascism on a day to day basis but as soon as an election comes round all the politicians claim we need to vote to stop the BNP. No, voting changes nothing, direct action does so much more.

Don't vote, Organise

[Tangoratsfan]

Out of curiosity, who do you work with, any specific groups? I'm only 18 so haven't really built up much of a network of groups yet, Hope Not Hate and Searchlight are all I've really come across as far as legitimate anti-fascist groups go tbh

[tcp1228]

Yeah many groups including these-

bristol antifa

hereford heckler

anarchist federation north

These are all radical anti-fascists and anarchists who, unlike searchlight, will not work with the police or the mainstream political parties as we see them as part of the wider problem.

I recommend having a look at anarchist politics as it looks to build a society based on freedom and mutual aid, the complete opposite of fascism.

[oclandestin]

Voting stops idiots like the BNP getting elected. If people followed your advice and didn't vote, then we'd end up with the BNP representing us.

[tcp1228]

i think you are missing the point. Groups like the BNP, BPP, C18, NF exist due the problems caused by capitalism. Voting shows support for that same system. Voting wont make the BNP go away. We'll still be organising in our community long after Green/SWP/Lib/Com/Lab/etc have all forgotten about the election.

[oclandestin]

Change that you're talking about is longterm. It's unlikely that the current system will disappear any time soon, if ever. You have to be realistic. If you and other disillusioned people don't use your vote, then the people who vote for the BNP will still be using theirs, and the BNP are likely to be elected. At least use your vote to stop the BNP getting elected. It's complacent and irresponsible not to.