I'm going shopping with my dad in Manchester tomorrow. Due to diverging work commitments we do not often get to socialise as much as we would like. On my list of 'essential purchases' will be the new book by journalist, Melanie Phillips called Londonistan. It was recommended to me by a friend who said it was one of the best political works he had ever read.
Melanie's book deals essentially with the rise of Islamic extremism in the UK; the official responsive parallels with 1938 when the nation was characterised by an overwhelming desire to avoid confrontation with Germany at practically all costs; and the emasculation of our national identity aided and abetted by sections of the media and government. Britain, Melanie argues, is reaping what it has sown: decades of appeasement of a particular religious adherence which seems to equate accommodation with fundamental weakness. She even goes as far as to say that the West faces a religious war with Islam.
One of the most dire accusations levelled at the security services is the argument that they actually were aware of the cancer of growing extremism and Islamic terror within their midst, but chose to ignore it lest it upset the balance of community relations in the UK. They were also convinced the Islamofascists would not attack Britain if left to their own devices. I anticpate a riveting read ahead and I hope other ATW regulars will make this a priority purchase over the next weeks and months.
Melanie's book deals essentially with the rise of Islamic extremism in the UK
Funny how that sentence makes more sense when you delete "Islamic"
Posted by: Frank O'Dwyer | June 25, 2006 at 10:41 AM
The review of this book in the "Australian" newspaper makes interesting reading. There is no getting away from this subject, it must be tackled honestly sooner rather than later. I am glad you have not went over the top on this one Andrew, as there is no need.
Posted by: Tony | June 25, 2006 at 10:43 AM
can i denounce it as right wing propaganda, without reading it please?
from a columnist for a newspaper with proven historic pro-fascist links, could it be anything else ;)
Posted by: daytripper | June 25, 2006 at 01:16 PM
We are more aware of the Eastern European influx here! Each area will have its own differences, and it looks like half a million will get an amnesty and be allowed to stay here for good next year!
Look at the effect extra demand is having on the housing market. Average deposit for first time buyers required £46,000 on "typical" house £131,000! 1994-25%of 25 year olds were home owners now 20% and falling! People on average salaries cannot afford their own home, unless mummy and daddy have a few quid and can help out! Are the media interested ? Tony Blairs family have a house in his constituency, a flat for his son in Bristol, a mansion to move into in Connaught Square, upkeep paid by daft Americans in future years who will pay to hear him speak! They used to say theres nothing too good for the workers, or the Blairs it would seem!
Posted by: Scouseproud | June 25, 2006 at 02:02 PM
Should read 34% of 25 year olds were home owners in 1994----Now 20%
Posted by: Scouseproud | June 25, 2006 at 02:04 PM
Presumably daytripper is being ironic.
As I'm sure daytripper is aware Melanie Phillips used to work at the Guardian. During her time there she investigated the state of the education system from which her book "All must have Prizes" was produced and opened her eyes to the success of the lefty march through the institutions in the UK - especially in the education bureaucracy.
Even so it's odd that on the basis of one headline 70 years ago everything in the Daily Mail is rubbished by the chatterati and their fellow travellers. Of course, they conveniently forget that it was the Daily Mail (not the Guardian, Independent or Mirror) that exposed police incompetence (or worse) in the Stephen Lawrence case and led to the bible of thoughtcrime, the Macpherson Report.
Posted by: Umbongo | June 25, 2006 at 02:12 PM
lol it's Frank O'Dwyer!
The 'tard level just went up.
Posted by: Poosh | June 25, 2006 at 03:56 PM
The 'tard level just went up.
Posted by: Poosh | June 25, 2006 at 03:56 PM
And the software tells us when - June 25 '06, 3.56 pm
Posted by: Frank O'Dwyer | June 25, 2006 at 04:06 PM
That's like a lamer version of "I know you are, but what am I?"
Posted by: Poosh | June 25, 2006 at 05:50 PM
But Poosh...YOU are the one who told us that the "'tard level" went up when you arrived.
Whine away.
Posted by: Frank O'Dwyer | June 25, 2006 at 06:09 PM
I was stating an empirical fact though.
And that's no excuse for lame come-backs.
Posted by: Poosh | June 25, 2006 at 06:24 PM
An empirical fact?
You're an idiot. Try to make allowances for yourself.
Posted by: Frank O'Dwyer | June 25, 2006 at 06:27 PM
In fact "I know you are but what am I" would have been funnier.
Posted by: Poosh | June 25, 2006 at 06:31 PM
So Poosh, in which lab did they prove the "emprical fact" that the "'tard level" goes up when you arrive?
The Institute for the Bloody Obvious?
Posted by: Frank O'Dwyer | June 25, 2006 at 06:39 PM
:) poor Franky
Posted by: Poosh | June 25, 2006 at 07:18 PM
Presumably daytripper is being ironic.
well spotted :P it was a stab at the represented rights continual denounciation of literature used to support opposing arguments. you could quote the bible on here and theyd say god is a leftist. i was merely returning the favour.
Posted by: daytripper | June 25, 2006 at 07:30 PM
actually i think i might go and buy this. would be nice to discuss a book on even grounds. tho ive about 4 books to finish.
Posted by: daytripper | June 25, 2006 at 07:38 PM
DT,
You don't mean you've read all the rest???
Posted by: Adrian | June 25, 2006 at 07:57 PM
"Islamic extremism"? So-called moderate islam advocates death to gays, death or conversion at the edge of a blade to Jews and Christians (at least, as 'people of the Book' they are allowed the option - 'idolators' such as Hindus are to be killed), death to women who are raped, death to apostates, and it's all in the koran, the unifying code of practice for caravan-raiding brigands, murderers and rapists. Not that mohammad was one of them?
Posted by: Allan@Aberdeen | June 25, 2006 at 10:56 PM
And according to the Bible, Allan@Aberdeen should be put to death for posting on a Sunday.
Posted by: Frank O'Dwyer | June 25, 2006 at 11:06 PM
Sunday or no. Yese are aw looneys
Posted by: | June 25, 2006 at 11:33 PM
"And according to the Bible, Allan@Aberdeen should be put to death for posting on a Sunday."
I'm not sure where that is in the Bible, nor about the Bible's stance on e:mails. Likewise I don't know where it says in the koran that women shouldn't be allowed to drive cars. Maybe Mo was worried about their reversing abilities or that by being able to drive they would escape his 'amorous' attentions.
Posted by: Allan@Aberdeen | June 26, 2006 at 12:12 AM
You are a bit of a prick on the quiet allan. Aren't you?
There are a few of you right enough.
Posted by: | June 26, 2006 at 12:16 AM
Allan,
"And according to the Bible, Allan@Aberdeen should be put to death for posting on a Sunday."
I'm not sure where that is in the Bible
Not far from the instructions to kill witches, unbelievers, and children who curse their parents.
"Six days my work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death." (Exodus)
"And they found a man that gathered sticks upon the Sabbath day .... And all the congregation brought him without the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the Lord commanded Moses" (Numbers)
Posted by: Frank O'Dwyer | June 26, 2006 at 12:22 AM
whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
No wonder ordinations are dropping!
Posted by: Madradin Ruad | June 26, 2006 at 12:25 AM