Britain’s latest descent into authoritarianism
JVL Introduction
Owen Jones is on fine form as he explores the dynamic of political elites finding enemies to demonise in order to divert attention from their own failings or authoritarian agendas.
Jones give some examples – the working class and the unions in general, and of course the miners in particular as the “enemy within”.
The latest iteration is the rush to condemn demonstrations on Gaza as evidence of mob rule as hatred takes over the streets of London.
The truth is, as Jones puts it, that “the protests against Israel’s onslaught represent the vast majority of public opinion, and politicians resent being pressured by a powerful movement with goals they object to”.
RK
This article was originally published by the Guardian on Thu 7 Mar 2024. Read the original here.
A dark pattern runs through British politics: when the powerful lose control, protesters suffer
Casting your opponents as dangerous extremists is the oldest trick in the book – and this time it’s supporters of Palestine in the government’s sights
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Owen Jones gravely omits the role of the grovelling media when he describes the ‘well known’ routine governments use to ensure the people they’re supposed to be the servants of don’t have ‘subversive’, notions. Eg. In the case of Julian Assange: identified by the ‘political elites’ and presented by papers like his employer, the Guardian, as being some sort of danger to the nation, being additionally labelled as an ally and dupe of hostile foreign enemies, ie Russia etc. and contriving, with exaggeration, distortion and invented evidence, to justify the correctness of his banishment from society.
Considering Jones complicity with the Zionist “antisemitism” campaign to undermine Jeremy Corbyn, I find his “sincerity” hollow and questionable to say the least. He blotted his copy-book long ago. Like a chameleon, he changes his colour with the prevailing wind. No thanks.