By John Jess.
As an 82-year-old working-class man, I have spent my entire life opposing fascism. It deeply worries me to see what is happening on the streets of Southampton, Belfast and elsewhere today.
Too many people believe that fascism is something from the history books, or that it will simply fade away if ignored. We have seen before where that thinking leads. In the 1930s, many people underestimated the danger. History proved them wrong.
The warning signs are there for anyone willing to look. We must pay attention to what is happening around us and recognise the dangers before they spread further.
I understand that many people, particularly those from ethnic minority communities, may feel frightened about attending protests or speaking out. Some fear becoming targets themselves. Those fears are real. But if we stay silent, the problem will only grow.
When hatred goes unchallenged, more and more people become its victims.
That is why every contribution matters. Not everyone can march for hours. Not everyone can stand on a platform and make speeches. But everyone can do something. Come to a demonstration for ten minutes. Hand out a leaflet. Speak to your neighbours. Challenge misinformation when you hear it. Help others understand what is at stake.
This is not simply a racial issue. It is a class issue. Fascism thrives by dividing ordinary people against one another while those with power benefit from our disunity. Working people of every background have far more in common with each other than with those who seek to spread hatred and fear.
For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must act now. We cannot afford complacency. We cannot assume that someone else will deal with it.
History has taught us the cost of looking away. We should not make the same mistake twice.
The time to stand together is now.
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