I think the fact the BNP got two MEPs because a crash in turnout for major parties is evidence of a problem with the system (generally, and specifically this abysmal variant of PR -no I'm not anti all PR, I am anti D'Hondt, and any system that is based on party lists) rather than an argument in favour of giving them any respect, whatever you precisely mean by "respect", it's a rather nuanced word.
But more generally, no I don't think that the fact they participate in democracy, and achive some limited success, gives them, or their supporters, any right to respect on any kind of level from the rest of us anyway. You don't get points for doing what you're supposed to do. Nor do I think the proper response is to listen to them even for a minute. Listening can only mean one of two things: either you are open to the possibility the policies they suggest are worth considering or you are going through the motions so you can say "I listened to them". You won't understand why people voted for them, or what the problems of this society are, both of which are indeed necessary, by listening to them or respecting them.
Noxious views are still noxious views no matter how many people vote for them and frankly I think egg pelting and other forms of demonstrating utter contempt has an entirely honourable and proper place in the democratic debate. As does farting in their general direction.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2009-06-14 09:35 pm (UTC)But more generally, no I don't think that the fact they participate in democracy, and achive some limited success, gives them, or their supporters, any right to respect on any kind of level from the rest of us anyway. You don't get points for doing what you're supposed to do. Nor do I think the proper response is to listen to them even for a minute. Listening can only mean one of two things: either you are open to the possibility the policies they suggest are worth considering or you are going through the motions so you can say "I listened to them". You won't understand why people voted for them, or what the problems of this society are, both of which are indeed necessary, by listening to them or respecting them.
Noxious views are still noxious views no matter how many people vote for them and frankly I think egg pelting and other forms of demonstrating utter contempt has an entirely honourable and proper place in the democratic debate. As does farting in their general direction.