I attended a meeting of The People’s Assembly in Dorchester recently and was a little disappointed in a comment made by the representative of Dorset Eye who criticised the Government’s perceived pro-Israel stance. I do not defend the actions taken by Israel against Palestinians, I just felt it was not relevant in the context of a meeting about austerity in the U.K. During demonstrations in France recently a number of participants talked about the financial crisis being caused by a “Jewish cabal” and I am concerned that such thinking is becoming more common in Europe. Please don’t feed the fire of Fascism by associating Jews with the financial crisis. In addition I feel that if you take sides in a conflict, you become part of the conflict. I am not defending the actions of Israel, but when everyone is out to get you it is quite normal to feel a little paranoid. Thank you for taking time to read my view.
Andrew Leslie
Reply from Dorset Eye: At no point did the representative mention the government and a supposed pro Israel stance. The discussion was focused upon the BBC and the representaive also included Sky News. The discussion centred on bias in the media of which the alignment with Israel by many of the mainstream media outlets is a clear example. Thus we consider the point to be very pertinent to the case that the mainstream media does not represent all views fairly and thus undermines democracy. The People’s Assembly is about increasing democratic participation to bring about solutions to many of the countries economic, political and social problems and as such no topic should be off the agenda.
As for taking sides that is exactly what happens when any political group is formed. To not be allowed to have a view is fascism and as such should be fought with all of our strength.
