A bit on UKIP and the Euro-election.

Today, at 6.25 pm, UKIP launched their 5-minute-long party election broadcast on channel 2. They brought up such issues as the increase in traffic congestion, resource depletion, EU expansion, and cut-backs in the public sector.

First, to point out the obvious, I'd like to say that three years ago there weren't as many people in Britain. That's due to immigration and natural increase, of course. The formula time + people = more cars highlights the basis of the issue.

However, that wasn't stated because it was implicit that the problem lies with the addition of more member states - such as Poland - three years ago. The use of such disgraceful points backed up by zero statistics highlights the fact that they're reaching out to a very ignorant few.

Second, they say they're a non-racist party. That sentiment is going to lure in a whole bunch of on-the-fence people.

It's funny how they say they're against racism when their policies imply they aren't - they're the antithesis of the sentiment stated by them. I, too, am reticent about the joining of Turkey to the EU, but only because of its human rights record - my reluctance has no bearing in the fact that Turkey is a Muslim nation.

So, UKIP say they're non-racist. The use of the phrase Non-racist, of course, suggests that there are racist parties out there. Why didn't they say 'not racist'? Are they trying to draw over BNP enthusiasts* or, perhaps, are they trying to distance themselves from the BNP?

One thing is certain, though: they stand for ancient English values from our colonial days that need crutches to stand up. If anything highlights this more it's their use of Winston Churchill giving the peace sign on their billboards. Two are scattered along Lewes Road - a third was destroyed. They're using Churchill - an idol of immense national pride - in vain. They're a party stooped in dishonesty and cowardice. They're imperialist. They may not be a racist party but they certainly appear to be xenophobic.

They stand for a select group of people who are confounded in their senses of national and personal identity and European policy. UKIP will get a good turn out on June 4th. I for one am voting Green. The wolves are at the door and it seems we may be about to grant them their first meal....

For everyone who wants a bit of pep and faith in the human condition, listen to Steve Earle's 'City of Immigrants'. I live in Brighton and the song seems to embody our city's spirit (even though the song is about New York!)

*It seems quite obvious that BNP enthusiasts are dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate racists but one has to assume there are a few mislead, conscionable people out there numbering in the thousands who could be swayed by UKIP's misleading sentiment.