Close
Close

Gallows Humour

Tariq Ali

Stupidity knows no bounds, especially when fuelled by narcissism and a tongue laced with demagogy. There is no other way to describe George Galloway’s absurd and offensive suggestion that Bradford should impose a total ban on Israeli tourists. Statistically it would be interesting to see how many tourists from any country visit Bradford (even after Galloway’s election as the Respect MP, an election that some of us welcomed at the time).

Politically it's crazy. There are, after all, many Arab Israelis. Presumably they will not be excluded from savouring the delights of Bradford. And there are many anti-Zionist Israelis, including factions of the hassidim who were and remain opposed to the existence of Israel. Will they be punished too? Will there be Israeli-style checkpoints at every entrance to the city where Israelis will be asked whether or not they’re Zionists? How do you tell?

Demagogy of this sort helps those who defend Israel right or wrong, but one can’t help feeling that this is a desperate last throw to save Galloway's seat in the general election. I doubt that the ploy will work. He might be luckier (though I hope not) in Scotland where his unionist politics align him with the Tories, Labour and Lib Dems and where he argues that an independent Scotland would not be inclusive. Unlike Bradford?


Comments


  • 8 August 2014 at 3:09pm
    Pennywhistler says:
    Sure are seeing a lot of Mr. Ali 'round here.

  • 9 August 2014 at 3:19pm
    Richard Abram says:
    Passing quickly over 'some of us' supporting Galloway's election, where does stupidity come into this? George Galloway is a shameless obnoxious blowhard demagogue. We are all just lucky 1) it’s here and now, not Weimar Germany; 2) he’s just a failed boxer (etc) who only wants the good life, money and sex, not a failed painter who wants...

    Oh, and as for the file the 'Observer' has on him but dare not publish...

    Richard Abram