White riot - I wanna riot
White riot - a riot of my own
White riot - I wanna riot
White riot - a riot of my own
All the power's in the hands
Of people rich enough to buy it
While we walk the street
Too chicken to even try it
I've been called everything from a Communist to a Fascist. Although my politics have remained relatively unchanged ever since I became politically aware. And, despite being outspoken, as well as a devil's advocate about various political stances, I have tried to remain as aloof as I can be about my own personal politics. So, here, now, for the record.
I am and always have been a Libertarian. I believe in keeping the government and any other institution of control as limited as possible in the operation of our daily lives. I feel that our lives are exceedingly micro-managed by a government that is no longer responsible to its protectorate. I've tried to express my dissatisfaction over the years by various means, both peaceful and violent, silently and vocally.
I firmly believe in the freedom of speech - to quote Evelyn Beatrice Hall "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
I believe in the right to bear arms. Responsible gun ownership. To simplify this, an armed populace is much harder for a centralised government to control.
I believe in the freedom of religion.
I believe that it is your body and you have the right to decide what happens to it.
I believe in the right of choice.
I believe in the freedom to choose who you love and want to marry.
I believe in universal health care - $200 million USD for a single F-35 or funding cancer wards?
I believe in consequences, that you should be held accountable for the choices that you make, this applies to individuals and corporations. The recent global financial crisis disgusted me - I put it on the same level of atrocity as the holocausts committed by the Nazis, the Khmer Rouge and the Hutus.
I believe in the death penalty - if you have it, use it.
I believe that everyone should be treated equally, but I also believe that skill sets some apart.
I don't believe that the successful should be penalised for being successful. The rich shouldn't be taxed at a higher rate they still only have one vote.
I don't believe in political correctness. I feel it restricts my freedom of expression out of concerns about offending or expressing bias regarding various groups of people. Please tell me if something I say upsets you and why, and I will gladly enter into a discourse as to why I feel the way I do.
If I disagree with something I will tell you so and why. If you choose to take it personally that is your choice. But, if you cannot defend your beliefs from my criticism then maybe you should re-evaluate them. I promise that I will listen to your arguments and will accept those that you convince me of.
I was involved in the G8 and World Trade Summit protests and riots.
I've protested against Pro-Life groups.
I've protested against the Church.
I've protested against the USA, I've also been a very outspoken advocate for it as well.
I've protested against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I've protested against racism.
As a result I have been clubbed with batons, tear-gassed, and herded back by riot squads. I've never felt anger towards the police for doing their jobs. I've never whined that a "peaceful" demonstration was met with a heavy response. In my younger years, I would not have hesitated in standing nose to nose with a police line or from lobbing a CS canister back at the police lines. But that has changed now in my later years. Now, I don't like the idiots that do show up at demonstrations for the simple fact of creating violence and mayhem. The sort that were seen during this summers London Riots.
I fully support the occupy movement and I am dismayed at the criticism directed to it by people pointing out the corporate products that the demonstrators still have with them. To me it is akin to saying that you couldn't partake in the civil rights movement if you were white.
Even though I support the current protests, even if I was healthy I think my days or actively taking part are past. But I am certainly with them in spirit.
I first heard White Riot when I was fourteen. It instantly appealed to me, the driving guitar the attack of Joe Strummers voice. It was incendiary, making me question authority and establishment. I listen to it nowadays with a certain nostalgia, but there is always that little jump in my heart, making me want to go out and right the wrongs of the world. The Clash amongst many others helped shape my political mindset, as I'm certain they did many others.
I hope that in ten years when Arwyn turns on the Clash she feels the same profound effects.
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