Why aren’t you banning the far-right agitators?

You want to know if I think the Brexit Party, UKIP and Reform to be Far Right?

My post referred to the fact that those rioting at the moment, apparently feel unheard. I said that we had heard more than enough from those that felt this way since 2016 with that same narrative. They make their views very clear, and have done for some time.

It is true to say that all of those political 'parties' / ideologies are right wing. It is also true to say (and has been said before) that not all people who voted for them are racist, but all racists voted for them. The leaders and supporters of them don't disguise that fact very well, nor try to disassociate themselves. They are agitators. They are without doubt inciting hatred. This is playing out in front of our eyes right now. I'm not sure how you can dispute that.

This has, without doubt, led to, and contributed to, a rise in far right beliefs. It had given people a vehicle in which to do so, and that's no accident.

The term 'illegal immigration' should not be used either, it's irregular immigration

I just think it was carelessly written.

It's a typical BBC "for balance" point

I read that BBC article earlier today and, while it's good, I wasn't sure on this point "But its core ideas - in particular an opposition to illegal immigration". I think it's opposition to immigration full stop. But immigration of non-white people, in particular.

I didn't know that about those three. How interesting and admirable.

Haha, Claig on lockdown...

Yeah, they stopped posting or were banned before Covid - imagine their posts on that 😀. They had a pretty identifiable posting style so would be hard to miss, I think.

Yes, I remember Claig - how could one forget?! Wonder if they are still here under another name.

Posted on another thread but Sky News are reporting on a mosque that is promising free cold drinks and burgers to any protesters that show up there this weekend... and an open invitation into the mosque to chat about any "concerns". A brave but very interesting gesture...will be interesting to see how that pans out.

Oh Claig! Now that's a blast from the past.

What peculiar threads he/she started and they loved Trump, Brexit, UKIP and was a climate change denier. Loved Putin too. And would argue on and on and on... Happy days.

Because Elon Musk has dodgy views as well.

Ugly though all of this is, at least it feels like the media are actually reporting on how it's organised now. That's a good thing. But, unfortunately, it's not new on mn. I was here during 9/11 and some insane stuff was posted then.

Personally, I think ignore and report is the best strategy - I don't have the time or mental energy to engage. And one tactic of bad faith posters online is to keep arguing so they keep amplifying their message.

The sleeper agent posters are definitely a thing. But for some it's just radicalisation. They genuinely start off as reasonable people. Anyone remember the days of Claig?

A bit of old fashioned nostalgia maybe?

Good point and one to remember!

I’m tempted to ask if that is the case why were the Southport rioters shouting out EDL?

Totally agree but Twitter has gone to shit since that idiot Musk took over.

Far right alligators would indeed 🐊

Must read properly. Far right alligators are a scary prospect.

There needs to be much more control over social media. Why are the likes of Tommy Robinson allowed to even have accounts on Twitter? We all know what he stands for so why does he still have a platform? Surely if there is even a hint of people stirring up trouble, they just need to be barred for life.

There need to be whopping great fines on social media platforms where there is evidence of people having used them to incite riots.

I'm noticing now that BBC headlines showing that the riots and the preceding social media comments are being organised by EDL.

Thank you. Good advice.

Sometimes I find it difficult to walk away because the shit that people are posting so obviously needs to be challenged. Leaving it almost feels complicit.. the virtual equivalent of a shoulder shrug. It feels so wrong. But you're right, others will be there to challenge. And self preservation is also important.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cl4y0453nv5o

Bbc article about online activities

@VerySadCase - sometimes I have a spell when I just don't read threads if I can tell by their title that I don't have the energy for them. I know that at any time there will be lots of other posters who can. Sometimes I read and report rather than investing time and emotional energy posting.
I'm able to engage at the moment - we don't all have to all the time.

I was thinking back to the foundation of the Anti Nazi League and the fact Brian Clough, Sir Henry Cooper and Jackie Charlton helped to found it (including financial aid)

All from working class backgrounds and renowned and respected in their sporting fields back then, not politicians but ready to stand up and be counted. I really feel that their contribution and support, the fact they spoke out, made a difference and it would now if people of a similar stature these days did the same, a clear unequivocal line in the sand against hate.

Yep. Or might have name changed.

To be fair, I post under multiple names on here as I don't like to put too much personal information under the same name, so can't really criticise!!

I remember once, on the Nicola Bulley threads, someone posted a photo of a boat building place, I think, near the river. The name was clearly evident. They then proceeded to pass on some spurious claim that someone dodgy worked there…had it been searched etc.

I screen shot it and messaged MN that if it wasn’t removed I would email it to the company, giving them the evidence to take legal action with.