THE DALEK TRUMP
INAUGURATE!
PONTIFICATE!
UNALLOCATE!
DISCRIMINATE!
INTERROGATE!
EXACERBATE!
EXCORIATE!
MANIPULATE!
CONTAMINATE!
PRECIPITATE!
INCRIMINATE!
INTIMIDATE!
HUMILIATE!
DEPOPULATE!
EXPROPRIATE!
EVISCERATE!
DISINTEGRATE!
DEBILITATE!
DECAPITATE!
OBLITERATE!
ELIMINATE!
ERADICATE!
ANNIHILATE!
EXTERMINATE!
I have spent my life standing up to fascism, and Trump is a fascist, pure and simple. After his initial inauguration decrees and above all Musk’s outstretched arm — I brook no other interpretations, it was a fascist salute which sent a chill down the spine of Europe — the UK government should officially declare the “special relationship” with the US government at an end and immediately seek far closer ties with Europe and Canada.
And, of course, let us not forget that nearly 50 per cent of Americans who voted did not vote for Trump, which means that if you factor in non-voters, many of whom doubtless had their votes suppressed, he only has minority support for his disgusting fiefdom. There are millions who loathe what is happening in the US as much as we do — and both as citizens and at government level we should offer them our support. Especially the state of California, which after Trump’s disgusting pronouncements about the fires and schoolboy jibe at governor Newsome, calling him “Newscum” will I guess be leading the fightback, for fightback there will be.
At 67 I am one of the postwar generation, unlike my dad, who fought in the first world war and was in the Home Guard in the second. For the first time in my life, I feel as he must have felt. Twice.
More sad news: Bob Grover of the Piranhas died recently. He was a lovely bloke and I knew him for about 50 years. The Piranhas were one of the very first Brighton punk bands in 1977, part of the legendary Vault scene – our earliest gig and rehearsal space in my home town was an old burial vault - and they were on the first Vaultage compilation album which documented it. I saw them there, then many times at their legendary Alhambra “residency” on Brighton seafront, followed them to the Marquee in London, booked them at Kent Uni and decades later for Glastonwick. Great fun band, with some serious messages too: their first album was an absolute classic.
In 2005 I rewrote the lyrics of their 1980 hit Tom Hark to be the rallying call and part of the campaign for Brighton FC’s new stadium at Falmer, and as Seagulls Ska we (my band Barnstormer, Too Many Crooks, actor Ralph Brown and a choir of BHAFC activists including the legendary Paul “Out Of Tune” Samrah) got to Number 17 in the charts on January 15 2005 as Tom Hark (We Want Falmer) and would have been on Top Of The Pops if Busted hadn’t split up.
We raised a lot of money and awareness for our campaign with that record, and it was inspired by Bob.
We are now crowdfunding to finance his funeral. Anyone who would like to contribute can here.
Many of you will know that he kept himself very much to himself towards the end of his life, but he was much loved, and his Brighton friends will be celebrating his life at the Prince Albert on March 28 from 6pm — lots of music, all welcome.
After my customary end of year month off the gigs are starting again and I can’t wait. The first batch are in the East Midlands, Wales, Cornwall and the north-west, and then it’s the northern half of my band @Barnstormer 1649’s 30th Anniversary Tour with special guests Blyth Power and Indignation Meeting. All dates here facebook.com/attilathestockbroker
Oh, and if you’re on it, please don’t even think about leaving Facebook. Stay and help me oppose all the lies. I’m currently reaching 1.2 million people, and I’m not sharing that information to boast, but because my page, alongside our paper is going to be part of the fightback against Trump. Strength, love and solidarity to you all.