Editorial
Editorial
Lorna Douglas
Issue 21, Spring/Summer 2009
The disarray evident in the political arena in the UK in the last few weeks has left many people feeling despondent and even angry - let down by politicians of all parties.The misuse of politicians’ expenses; a strained economy and an increase in job losses have all contributed to a sense of disaffection and apathy on many levels of society. All of this became very clear at the recent European and English Council Elections when the turn out of voters was extremely low. The awful truth is that this apathy and disaffection has lead to the election of extremists, namely the British National Party, into positions of power, allowing them a greater stage on which to promote their uncompromising, hard-line opinions. I felt real shame when I heard this news - shame that the rise of neo-fascism (not nationalism, which fascism cloaks itself in) has taken place in this country, and in my time.
As a society we have fought long and hard to try and bring about equality and respect for all and it is ironic that the election of two BNP candidates comes at the same time as the 65th anniversary of D-day when many gave their lives fighting fascism; a fascism that flourished by the de-humanizing of certain groups within a society. People say that they want change within our democratic system, and by not voting they were making a statement of their dissatisfaction. I find this approach very worrying; the change people want will not come through apathy. The BNP are not apathetic - already they are taking action on setting up youth camps across the UK. Change is brought about by engaging in, and with, the system - for all its flaws – nonengagement allows others to bring about change, a change that will be detrimental to many in our society. The theme explored in this issue of Faith Initiative is the ‘Sanctity of Life’, an appropriate subject for such worrying times. Some of the articles are particularly challenging and impel the reader to reflect on the way in which we value and respect human life at all stages, from conception to death.
First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.
Martin Niemoeller
