The far right in Europe, something to worry about?

[Relander]

Originally Posted by Afterburner

But what about the REALLY radical parties like Nazis and others who promote murder, racism or violence? Should these parties even be allowed?

I don't think these kind of parties should be allowed as they are clearly dangerous for people & society, freedom of speech isn't & shouldn't be almighty in this case.

[MrFancypants]

Originally Posted by Afterburner

Well in the U.S. the "far right" really doesn't exist in any appreciable form, except maybe one or two republicans who happen to get elected. You have to remember that the U.S. is a two party system, and both parties are pretty damn close to being on a centerline between left and right. Almost nobody wants socialism, and almost nobody wants some ultra-national overly powerful government.

Nazis aren't really a threat because no one takes them seriously over here. They are the target of jokes and ridicule and have absolutely no power in any form.

I don't know if it is the same thing in Europe. I personally have no fear of any radical power taking power in the U.S. anytime within my lifetime. Of course though, they do have the right to form a political party and put forward their ideas. But what about the REALLY radical parties like Nazis and others who promote murder, racism or violence? Should these parties even be allowed? Isn't a party that promotes violence just as bad as a person who makes a violent threat? Shouldn't they be treated the same way?

Neo-nazi organizations are forbidden in Germany, the far-right party only exists because they elude the law by just not breaking it or bending it in other places.
If an organization threatens the constitution (which is determined in a lengthy process) it becomes illegal, currently the only illegal organizations are hardcore-neonazi groups, terrorist groups and violent leftist extremists.

This may sound like a restriction of freedom to others, but it only really restricts those who publicly proclaim that they want to restrict rights of others, which is how laws work in general.
They have a homepage if you want to learn more about how they work:
http://www.verfassungsschutz.de/en/index_en.html


I doubt that neonazis will gain much political influence, but any political influence is bad as it will probably increase the number of crimes against foreigners.

[Joe Bonham]

This is what happens when the mainstream leaders bury their heads in the sand - more extreme leaders take their place. Yet another reason why cowardice can't be tolerated. If there were more moderate leaders with balls, Lenin and Hitler never would have come to power.

Of course, perhaps that's an exagguration. This might be the only route to salvation. Though I certainly hope not. Such a route would be a bloody one.