Racist, racist! You are white, I disagree with what you are saying about someone who is black, so you must be a racist...

Simon Woolley seems to have lost the plot in this ridiculous article on Comment is Free. Some of the most "if you criticize a black man you are a racist" spurious arguments that I have had the misfortune to read for quiet a while. Many of the comments are from people who see his argument for what it is...

"Accusations of racism are like Islamophobia - it's devalued currency and when people resort to it I assume they either aren't thinking or their questioner is getting close to the truth."

"Woolley writes: "means that using phrases that have connotations of racial stereotypes, such as "gangsters", "violence", "hustler", "missing millions", "corruption", "intimidation"" That made me laugh out loud! "Missing millions" has racist connotations? "Corruption"?? Come on. Looks like you see racism everywhere. Desperate stuff this."

"From what I've read Jasper has questions to answer.
Are you seriously saying they should not be asked purely to ensure "good community relations"? Here's a suggestion - instead of wildy throwing around accusations of racism why not come out and prove them wrong with hard facts?"

"Only someone who, at some level, thinks that black people are naturally corrupt could state that "corruption" is a word which has racial connotations. I find the notion utterly bizarre."


And the most fascinating from someone who obviously remembers that which certain journalists might rather was forgotten:
"Mr Woolley does not seem too averse to using his ethnicity to pursue his own political agenda against London's ethnic minorities as the following encounter testifies:.

"Simon Woolley of Operation Black Vote (of which Lee Jasper happens to be the chair) was "deeply offended that a white woman comes here and tells me which speakers the black and ethnic minorities should choose. I am deeply, deeply upset."

He was effectively challenged by Naima Bouteldja, herself a black muslim: "I find it really wrong that somebody uses their ethnicity or their religious background to stop a political opponent challenging them. Surely the main point is whether they have a valid point to make," she said pointedly"...

Not sure if this has any relevance here but no doubt Mr Woolley can tell us more about his relationship with Mr Jasper, Mayor Livingstone, the GLA and London tax payer's money."


Hmmmm