Proud and Prejudiced

If you have just watched Proud and Prejudiced on Channel 4(or +1) I guarantee that you will have an opinion. The documentary follows two Luton-born political extremists; Tommy Robinson of the English Defence League and Saiful Islam of a group of fundamentalist Muslims (frequent name changes make this group difficult to title). A documentary that bares the ugly extremism of a divided town is not for the feint hearted. Sayful expresses his desire to overthrow UK democracy in favour of Sharia Law, whilst Tommy seeks to prevent what he believes is becoming the total Islamification of his community. Both groups make more than distateful references, the EDL's favourite being suggested and actual violence against Muslims (amongst others), and the Muslim fundamentalist's appearance at the American Embassy in London on the anniversary of 9/11, declaring that they do not care for the victims of 9/11 (amongst others).

Saiful Islam, fundamentalist Muslim

Tommy Robinson, EDL

If witnessing brawling, alcohol-fueled EDL members come head to head with Muslims holding plaques with 'Islam will dominate the World' leaves any emotion, let it be gratuity that these dangerous people can express their views- because if they didn't what would happen? How can we separate whose views are dangerous and whose aren't- and who is to judge this? This is what makes democracy beautiful and simultaneously terrible. It costs a lot of money to police these demonstrations- but if that was used as a reason to prevent public demonstrations, would the majority of people have any voice at all? Offensive as both the EDL and fundamentalist Muslims' voices are, listening to them is the price we must pay to have our own voices heard- as they are guaranteed to, in turn, offend others.

And the choices are; despicable reference to tragedy and threats to an entire race (hmm)...

Or would you rather get your head kicked in by some angry, Carling fueled pre-teens

Ooh, I pick this one

Perhaps the most obscure point to make is that both the EDL and fundamentalist Muslim groups promote mainly intolerance (in their own ways), yet it is only the tolerance of the country, exactly as it is, which allows them their platform. If their suggested changes were implemented (whether it be nation-wide Sharia Law, or tighter controls on the 'Islamification' of the country), far reaching political ideologies would cease to be alowed to exist.

Violence in Syria

As news of the deaths of The Times journalist, Marie Colvin, and young photographer, Remi Ochlik, spread, the media's attention turns ever more to Syrian violence. Colvin, described by the Sunday Times editor, John Witherow, as 'one of the greatest foreign correspondents of her generation' was killed as she tried to retrieve her shoes. She and French photographer Remi Ochlik had entered a building housing a rebel press centre in Babr Amr, and had followed the Middle Eastern custom of removing their shoes. As Colvin tried to collect her shoes in order to escape, a rocket fell a few yards away from her at the front of the building. Both Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik were killed during this attack, but it was only one of many recent Syrian government bombardments on civilian areas, particularly Homs.
Colvin's final report demonstrates the suffering of the Syrian people by their president Bashar al-Assad.http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/public/news/article874796.ece

Marie Colvin 1956-2012

Remi Ochlik 1983-2012

 
Alongside the deaths of Colvin and Ochlik, friday's 'Friends of Syria' conference in Tunisia made little progress as Russia and China voted against the UN resolution to condemn the violence- actions described by Hilary Clinton as 'despicable'.

Bashar al-Assad

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/26/syria-referendum-constitution-homs-shelling
As the shelling of Homs continues, Syria votes for a referendum that could see Assad remain Syrian president until 2028. The nature of this voting is high questionable, as civilians in rebel areas remain trapped in constantly shelled areas, voting is something these people can obviously not do. The question remains what can the United Nations do about this crisis, particularly as violence against journalists reduces our spectrum on what is really happening and increasing injustices are hidden?