[Glice]

Actually, I was going to start a similar-ish thread today. I'll tell the story:

I've been chatting to a chappy in work. He doesn't agree with immigration, and he doesn't think second (or more)-generation immigrants are a good thing, or that they 'belong' to the nation of England. He doesn't agree with the BNP politically. I've said to him 'you realise that this is a bit irrational?' and he said 'yes, but most of politics is'.

Which is a salient point. Now, the thing is, that he's a perfectly decent chap, and he very consciously separates his social life from his political beliefs. He doesn't actively dislike anyone on the basis of their (so-called) race. If you met him you probably wouldn't notice. He's entirely gregarious to everyone, except for the odd person, but that's usually because they're universally accepted as cocks.

Furthermore, he's not appealing to any sense of 'Albion'. He's very well-versed in the history of Britain, the contribution of 'foreign' people, the economic necessity of many 'immigrants', the porousness of British language, culture and economy. He's a fairly bright chap.

I find him quite interesting because, so far as I've made out so far, he's not even racist - he's just a judgemental nationalist who's aware of being slightly convoluted. It wouldn't surprised me to see him, calmly and rationally, explaining his views to anyone. He knows about my heritage, and has calmly explained that 'this is what I think, politically - it's not a 'I hate you' or 'all foreigners out NOW!' radical statement'.

I've decided that he's not a racist, in spite of the fact that he doesn't think 'foreigners' should be here. I have a certain admiration for him, although I disagree with his political opinions (/beliefs).

I've probably missed out some bits here, but an interesting chap, no?