What's upsetting you today?

[Aliantha]

We'd never get out of airport security! lol (it would be fun to do one day though)

[HungLikeJesus]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

I have psoriasis on my face! Very unhappy.

Have you tried putting a pancake on it?

[TheMercenary]

Just don't Waffle.

[Aliantha]

You're on a 'roll' now Merc.

[HungLikeJesus]

Hi Ali, I haven't seen you around for a while.

[Aliantha]

G'day HLJ. I don't post a whole lot these days, but I still lurk about most days off and on, so I know what you're all doing.

[DanaC]

That sucks Ali; hope it clears up soon.

[Sundae]

Stupid fucking English Defence League (racist anti-Muslim protest group).

I mentioned before that they were staging a march in my home town on my Dad's 70th birthday. I was unhappy enough about the march, let alone the coincidence that made it a day of celebration for us.

But news filters through bit by bit; I learn that all the town centre churches will be closed and boarded up. Most of the town centre shops will be closed. The buses are stopping approx 1/2 a mile outside the town centre. Oh and the taxi drivers (mostly Asian, but usually second generation) are not providing a service either.

I've just snagged a couple of taxis but we're paying a premium.

Bloody racist bigots.
Not only getting my peaceful relatively trouble free town on the national news for all the wrong reasons, but now making problems for my Dad's birthday.

Grrrrrrrrr.

[classicman]

Is everything closing because the English Defence League is having its march or because they are concerned about a reprisal?

[Sundae]

A bit of both I think.
The fact that the EDL are coming IN to Aylesbury brings worries that anti-protestors will also come IN.

The bottom line is that Aylesbury is simply a staging ground, not the source of the march.

[classicman]

So it really isn't the people marching, its the people AGAINST the people that are marching. Gotcha.

Sucks that it has to happen on his B-day.

[DanaC]

No. it is both the people marching and the people against the people that are marching.

Since the majority of both are likely to have come into the town from elsewhere.

If I understand Sundae correctly.

The point is, that there is a decent chance that such a march will descend into violence one way or another.

Shit timing though

[xoxoxoBruce]

What the hell, free entertainment. Round up the family, pack a picnic basket, grab your gas masks, and have a merry old time. Maybe you could sell your empty wine bottles to the rioters.

[Sundae]

Dana's got it.
There will also be a high police presence and although this is designed to prevent trouble, will further antagonise those who want to feel suppressed on either side.
And not to forget there is still a hooligan element in this society - football used to be their excuse; race and religion are simply a different way to have a ruck on a Bank Holiday weekend.

It's going to be a highly charged atmosphere regardless.

Luckily, Bruce, we're going to dinner on the other side of town.
And my Dad's "secret" guests are staying on the same side.
My poor old sister (and I don't say that very often) has to make a big detour to get to us though. So even if I were tempted to go watch I can't be in two places at once.

[ZenGum]

I think Bruce has it. Nice high rooftop, or an upper floor bay window, some champagne, and maybe a few rocks or firecrackers to toss onto the crowd below to get them livened up.