23 October 2009

BBC Showcases BNP

I have just watched this week's Question Time featuring Nick Griffin, leader of the BNP, and perhaps the most controversial piece of BBC broadcasting the nation has seen for many years. 

Was the BBC right to invite Mr Griffin onto the panel?  The BBC has no right to deny a voice to anyone in a democratic society that prides itself on freedom of speech and expression.  British people (of whatever colour or ethnic origin) have a right to know where political parties stand; how better to hear it than direct from the mouth of the horse?  Or should that be a sheep? Or, perhaps, a wolf disguised as a sheep?

What do I think of Mr Griffin?  I think it takes a particular kind of courage to expose one's utter bankruptcy in such a public way.  Maybe courage is the wrong word...