JOHN Townend's attacks on multi-racial Britain led to the letter by C Wood (April 19) attacking Indians who won't 'integrate', Chinese 'gangsters', 'bogus' asylum seekers, and Gypsy 'beggars'.
Last weekend in Bradford 40 white men shouting racist abuse attacked families at a Hindu wedding, who were forced to defend themselves because the police took two hours to arrive, despite 150 calls. Does C Wood blame the Hindus for not 'integrating', the racist bigots for attacking families at what should have been a celebration, or the police for not responding?
Recently, dozens of Chinese people suffocated in the back of a truck. Does C Wood believe these people deserved to suffer in this way?
She/he says Romanian Gypsies beg as a matter of choice. Is C Wood aware that asylum seekers are denied the right both to work and to claim welfare benefits and only receive a voucher of £36 per week? And will he/she blame refugees for attempting to survive, or the Government which reduces people to live like this?
John Townend's comments encourage racist opinions, which are used to justify racist violence and the legal system which tolerates it.
Something can be done. Anyone who wants to see the grim realities of life as a refugee should go and see 'The Last Resort', a film about refugees in Margate showing at City Screen this week.
The Socialist Alliance will be petitioning in York this weekend saying 'Refugees are welcome here'.
Paul Eccles,
Election Agent,
City of York Socialist Alliance,
Fourth Avenue,
York.
Updated: 12:54 Saturday, April 21, 2001
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