Comments on: Tories called on to disown councillor for pro-apartheid article

By: Baalhadad

Baalhadad — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:04:07 +0000

I think Walkden’s sentence which begins with “Apartheid was a wicked system, but…” tells you as much as you need to know about this man.

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:39:10 +0000

Even if the article was about white rule – and I interpret it to be about the white presence in Nigeria, rather than their dominance – I find it absurd to argue that by saying South Africa is better than Nigeria, he is arguing for Apartheid, or that subsequent comments in the blog can retrospectively impart some relevance to Apartheid into the original article, or that support for greater white involvement in governing Nigeria implies support for Apartheid in South Africa.

By: Antony Hook

Antony Hook — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:16:36 +0000

The republished arfticle is clear for it’s support for white rule. White rule is South Africa was Apartheid.

The article regrets the passing of white rule and says white rule should have continued for another 30 years… quite an extension.

As Mark says, Walkden has not disputed the article is about Apartheid and I think the suggestion it is not is the weakest possible defence of this shameful article.

By: Mark Pack

Mark Pack — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:00:11 +0000

Dan: just to be clear, as you’re keen on getting the facts right , the “extended” comment is a quote from someone else’s press release, rather than my own words. Also, apartheid is explicitly mentioned in the subsequent discussion, which included Cllr Walkden – and much of that discussion was about apartheid and wasn’t one he disowned as not being related to his article.

As to whether or not you agree with Dover Lib Dems inference that him praising South Africa compared to other African countries equals a regret that apartheid wasn’t more widespread, I don’t see why even disagreeing with that would be a reason not to quote the story and their views on it? The piece gives a link to the full text and gives Dover Lib Dems’ comment based on that.

By: Dan Hassett

Dan Hassett — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:55:38 +0000

Mark, you accuse Iain Dale of not checking his facts before publishing an article about Watford, but then do the same yourself here. The article quoted does not mention Apartheid. Indeed, Cllr Walkden’s only comment on Apartheid is to describe it as a “wicked system”. It’s quite possible to be concerned about the current situations in Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa (not that I am equating the three) without supporting Apartheid.

By: HF

HF — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:36:34 +0000

Where does he suggest that “Apartheid in South Africa should have been extended” ?

The original writer just regrets that the whites left Nigeria too early. That is his view as a Nigerian. Free speech and as (I presume) a black Nigerian it is a view he holds.

Of course the original writing maybe a spoof.

By: Geoffrey Payne

Geoffrey Payne — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:39:42 +0000

Interesting example of moral equivelance there Dizzy.
I wonder if you would make the same point in comparing the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq to the US/UK occupiers who followed him?
Personally I wouldn’t despite the fact that I opposed the invasion.

By: dizzythinks

dizzythinks — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:01:49 +0000

Can’t say I disagree really, although I think the Lib Dem who said ““The Apartheid regime tortured and murder its opponents” should have also noted that there were quite a few in the anti-Apartheid movement that also tortured and murdered their opponents. Frankly, they were all bastards.