Here we have – far too often – an image of police confrontation with
barriers being pulled down (often a very dangerous situation). Yes, and
police horses braying in fright and on the verge of stampede, while
members of the gentler sex yell out: ‘scum bags!’. And, of course,
goaded on by less refined skinhead speakers with a most unkempt
appearance hogging the microphone and repeating the same inflammatory
stuff over and over again.
Well, one appreciates that frustration through police diversion of a
route can result in the worst elements of human nature being expressed;
but I have to ask myself – even though the press and TV coverage may
love it – what image does all this kind of thing get over to the public?
Well – for myself – I sense that it is a very poor one. Admittedly,
there is a popular saying which affirms that there is no such thing as
bad publicity; that all publicity works for the good. However, I choose
to think otherwise How enlightening it is to find one or two cultured,
educated and refined folk speaking up for our great Cause. But, alas,
they are hardly the majority of orators for the movement. And if there
is one speaker who is more militant than most then it is to a Robin Webb
to whom I would take off my hat. For way back on several demos I’ve had
the good fortune to hear him. Yes, and to observe him as well; and
though few indeed would be as outspoken as he is, he remains a gentleman
throughout. And, likewise, one could think of octogenarian Joan Court: a
Cambridge graduate with culture and breeding, yet equally as forceful
and as committed as Robin. I tell you: such people as these reveal what
is so desperately needed in our fight for our brothers and sisters of
the animal kingdom. And - shown here in the photo below! - one was again
privileged, indeed, to meet up with Joan, at a Demo. which took place in
Oxford just a couple of months ago..
Animal Padre's
