Thank you

posted by: Nick Lowles | on: Sunday, 9 May 2010, 17:06

I've had over 900 messages and emails following the crushing of the BNP in Barking & Dagenham and I've been quite overwhelmed by the kind words of our supporters.

Here are just a few:

"There's a certain sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that,through people with the energy and determination to organise a movement such as Hope Not Hate, a moral victory can be achieved. It is also reassuring to know that the people of Stoke and Barking, despite obvious problems with local issues, are not swayed by racism and hatred.

Well done!! I am sorry not to have been able to leaflet or attend rallies - but pleased I could support financially. I feel I've done a little bit to help such a good cause."

Jean, Worcestershire

"A great lift in spirits that my greatest fear in the Election has been prevented.

I am an activist in the LDs. When Margaret Hodge's victory came through on the TV, there was a cheer for this BNP defeat, led by our re-elected LD MP."

Alec, Aberystwyth

“First a big thanks to hope and hate organizers for the sacrifice you made to fight for us. It means my children and I can enjoy our life in barking without fear of racist abuse or attacks just because we are of a different colour. Thank you”

Judy, Barking

"Proud to be part of this anti-fascist campaign, proud of the people who voted against the BNP and wiped them out; let's hope they slink away back under the rocks from which they came. You Nick are a star in the sky, shining bright to show the world that we are still at heart a decent and tolerant society; well done!"

Annie, Oxfordshire

I discovered Hope not Hate by accident and quickly became hooked. The sheer optimism and enthusiasm of the posts triggered in me a feeling of oneness with the contributors. I love this organisation and feel humbled to have played a small part in a cause fought by honourable people that has resulted in such a fantastic victory. It makes me proud that the majority of decent people in this country refuse to be hoodwinked by bigoted racists. It is famously quoted that all it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing...well Hope Not Hate did something and consequently divided and defeated the BNP. Here is proof that when good people join together as a force against evil, they will succeed. I am proud to have played my small part in this victory and look forward to continuing the fight against ignorance and bigotry in the future.

Litchfield, Walsall

CONGRATULATION! I am sorry about not having been able to help your campaign actively. After all I am 90 years old. But I am with you all the way and support you in any way I can.

Inge, Sutton

“This victory means everything - it means ordinary people coming together to beat those whose intent is division and discrimination. It means so much because it has happened when it did - at a time when so many people (myself included) are disillusioned with mainstream politics and its lack of honesty and vision. That people recognised the danger and united under the banner of HnH is massive.

I went to Dagenham Docks unsure of what to expect. I went alone unsure whether I'd run into trouble - didn't want to bring anyone along in case things turned nasty.

I found like minded individuals and groups. Some aligned to political parties or causes, TUs or antifascists. Others, like myself who just wanted to stand up and say 'there is an alternative to voting bnp and if you are casting your vote that way, you better be sure you know what's in store'.

Next time I will know to bring friends. Because there will be a next time. As long as the bnp are able to target people's fear they will remain a threat. And as long as they do, I vow to play my part in stopping them.”

Joel, Tunbridge Wells