Categories: uncategorized
Date: 09 September 2008 10:19:56
In my exploration of library stock I've just finished reading More Time for Politics by Tony Benn (the Diaries 2001 -2007).
It's an interesting book, more personal in tone than the previous diaries. It contrasts the fraility of a body that is wearing out and a mind which clearly isn't. It also shows glimpses of the humanity of the man in a way which makes it easier to ensure that one can't romaniticise too much about him, which is the danger when one is dealing with an icon. It also highlights the tension between being a passionate politician and a devoted father, when he is faced with wanting to say what he thinks but not harm his sons career prospects as a New Labour minister. In a word this volume is "touching".
One entry that stood out for me, in our current situation was Wed. 3rd Nov 2004 when Benn wrote this:
"If the American economy goes into a recession because of the wild spending, tax cuts and war costs and deficit, then we could have a situation in Europe like the 1930's. America catches cold, Europe gets pneumonia and that's when the extreme right begins coming out of the woodwork, and it's a frightening period."
I have to say that reading this in the current economic situation made me stop and shiver a little. I know that our current context is different and that needs to be taken into account. However, we need to remember Hitler came to power democratically and the extreme right is slowly gaining acceptance via the electrol system in communities like Stoke and Burnley. With the current political vacum and the "credit crunch" making life harder and likely to lead to higher levels of unemployment, etc it is not inconcievable that should a charismatic figure emerge with the right mix of communication skills and financial backing that the far right could become a credible "democratic" force.
With the rise of "anti-terror" measures we starting to get on the statute books, what worries me is how the far right could potentially use these.
What this really reinforces with me, yet again, is how I can't give into to the apathy and disillusionment I feel about concepts of voting and engaging with the democratic process. It is the lack of interest and silence of the majority which which will lead to the far right being able to grow, as desperate people seek for answers and solutions which look to be engaging with them.
On a totally different note I bumped into a friend yesterday who has also moved up here to study, which was cool. I also sent off another application form and registered with another teaching agency, so hopefully some work soon. I also went over to the office to sort out a query and saw the other half of the campus for my college. So all in all a good day and a day where I finally felt a bit more confident and happy with the move.