Possibly a bigger arse than either blair or brown

[mcquiggd]

Because Powell was in effect stirring up trouble. Even if you think there was something in what he said it was unwise to say it. It also gave the impression to the unwashed that he was a racist. He wasn't.

But Powell was not stirring up trouble per se, he was saying that the trouble already existed, and would worsen.

As to peoples misconception of 'that speech', as you pointed out, he was not a racist - it's their own prejudice that is the root cause. 'Rivers of blood' is exactly what he was trying to avoid, not bring to pass.

Perhaps if he had been a happy-clappy tony clone, smiling like a cheshire cat and using short words, his message may have been better recieved. Unfortunately he was rather serious, and was quite an intellectual.

And, to cap it all, he happened to be right - so basically he had no chance in British politics.

[John Galt]

But Powell was not stirring up trouble per se, he was saying that the trouble already existed, and would worsen.

As to peoples misconception of 'that speech', as you pointed out, he was not a racist - it's their own prejudice that is the root cause. 'Rivers of blood' is exactly what he was trying to avoid, not bring to pass.

Perhaps if he had been a happy-clappy tony clone, smiling like a cheshire cat and using short words, his message may have been better recieved. Unfortunately he was rather serious, and was quite an intellectual.

And, to cap it all, he happened to be right - so basically he had no chance in British politics.

Couldn't agree more. People being afraid to say what they think in case they are labelled in some way is a big problem in this country at the moment. Saying something doesn't necessarily make it so and not saying it doesn't mean it wont happen