Freedom of speech?

What do comrades think about the issue of freedom of speech?

I was on an anti-Nazi demonstration in Oldham, Lancs in England on saturday. basically I handed out leaflets with the Anti-Nazi League, then we moved to the place where they were supposed to meet, and occupied the space they intended to hold a rally. I can only assume that we outnumbered them because they sent their scouts but decided not to show their faces. This was fine as its objective was to engage local people in a struggle against the rising tide of racism in that area (Don't know if you know about it, but the town has had race riots and the fascists have jumped on the band wagon).

I have 2 problems with this. The Nazis, as despicable as they are, are not the cause of racism in the area. The local council and government policy are. The rhetoric following the attack on America as espoused by Bush and Blair have inflamed racial tensions, which are now spilling onto the streets. But the real, underlying basis of racism in the area is local housing policy, and a national policy of multiculturalism which both divide rather than unite people. Coupled with a declining health service, education system, shortage of public housing stock, low wage economy, affecting many of the working classes of all races, tensions are rising.

Given this, is it right for the left to insist on a further infringement on everyones civil liberties by demanding that the right wingers are denied a voice? I feel that the capitalist state, bourgeois democracy, will not distinguish between left and right when it comes to silencing 'extremists' who in the eyes of the state includes the 'far' left. History has shown this to be the case. When the Communists in Britain fought street fights with Oswald Moseleys Black Shirts, defending their communities, they also capaigned to have the Nazis banned from marching. The state responded by banning both groups from marching (1930s). I found it strange that the comrades I demonstrated with failed to see this contradiction, why, I don't know. We recieved constant attention and surveilence from the local constabluary. I think that there is an inherent danger in an assumption that the state is neutral, or that it can be obligated to act in a progressive manner.

Is there a danger here that the left are inadvertantly increasing the power of the very state we propose to overthrow?

You made a comparison to Mosley's Black Shirts but I can see a comparison between what the BNP are doing today and what the NSGWP did in Germany in the 20s. The BNP are organizing summer camps for teenagers like the Hitler youth and The BNP were trying to persuade the Sikhs in Wimbledon that there is a problem between the Sikhs and Muslims when there isn't just like Hitler and the Communists.

Also I see a lot of Right-Wing feeling in everyday life for example in Business Studies when we were learning about Taxation everyone was blaming all taxes on immigrants (who actually make up an insignificant amount of the population and also tax spending.)

I have also read documents about how British withdrawal from Ireland will trigger a series of events which will cause a communist revolution in the UK.

Therefore I predict that in the 20s Britain will be in a civil war which will be a running street battle between communists and fascists. (Or maybe not but if it is I want help.)

comrade redsteve i also have done work for the Anti Nazi League in movment,although i do most work for the SWP,it was very worthwhile going on oldham handing leaflets in doors paid off,although with the minor encounter with some Nazis.But it does make a difference and the BNP are loosing ground.Keep the fight going