The Post Bag: Letters To Squall

D-Day / CJB-Day

Squall 07, Summer 1994, pg. 32.

Dear Squall,

According to Bill Clinton, “the longest day is not yet over" - in other words, many of the ideals the Allies fought for have yet to be won. The democracy that was defended in 1944 is now being eroded by the same people who are representing our veterans in Normandy.

The Criminal Justice Bill proposed by John Major’s Government seeks to outlaw the right of legitimate protest and dissent, as was the case in Nazi Germany.

The Gypsy Council consider the bill racist, as their community and other travellers will be persecuted, as was the case in Nazi Germany. Likewise, the Bill restricts the enjoyment of music, and guess who else tried to do that in the past?

In 1945, when the 'homes fit for heroes’ promised to troops returning from the war never materialised, ex-soldiers began to requisition empty property. Many would argue that this was the beginning of today's squatting movement. Why then is the Government seeking to outlaw squatting when it proved to be such an important social safety net for returning D-Day veterans? If the police wouldn't evict hardened war veterans then, why should they have to evict innocent homeless people now? War veterans and squatters have requisitioned empty properties under civil law for centuries. Any new Act of Parliament is unnecessary.

The Criminal (In)Justice Bill should be opposed by all defenders of democracy.

Glyn Walters and Andy Drysdale,
London N16.