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There has been a rising tide of racist hatred and anti-social behaviour in the UK in recent weeks, and in the last few days a media wave has broken – as politicians have fallen over themselves to try to exploit issues of public order and positioning without damaging their interests. Racism dominated a recent by-election in Rochdale because a candidate was withdrawn on account of inappropriate language. Some MPs have refused to apologise for comments deemed problematic, and preferred to jump ship to other parties. The most flagrant example has been the failure of the government to fully call out and respond to racist comments reportedly made by a donor who funded the party to the tune of over £10m (with more likely in the pipeline). The biggest Tory donor, Frank Hester, apologised for hurt and rudeness but not racism – though his words were eventually acknowledged as being racist by many ministers, having stated that a pioneering Black British MP (Diane Abbott) made him “want to hate all black women” and reportedly that she “should be shot”. Details of latest developments and context here: This after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a great fanfare outside Downing Street of condemning “a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality” and spoke of the need for “common values of decency and respect.” The song choice is a huge family favourite, and maybe the best-known party tune of American rock band Fountains of Wayne – recorded in 2003 and written by the singer Chris Collingwood and particularly the bassist Adam Schlesinger (sadly lost to COVID not long ago). We felt it was classic enough to even haul Grandad’s old electric drum kit out to the living room, to let Thomas let rip! Also a little reminder: PLEASE FOLLOW US ON SPOTIFY if you like what we do and you don’t already! Just follow the link below and click on “Follow” – it helps us massively with visibility there 😊 - ___________________________ Support us here: - PayPal to leave us a tip jar: - Patreon for ongoing support & bonuses: Find our other channels here: Follow us here: - - - - - @marshfamilysongs - ___________________________ LYRICS: Racism - say ‘sorry’ and it’s gone! Racism is offensive and it’s cruel (and it’s cruel) You can’t bring it down, just by adding rules (by adding rules) It’s a complex fact of our social mix (social mix) Some don’t care, and always kind of seem to be pricks (seem to be pricks) You know it’s not an issue solved by apology You’ve whipped it up, now, Tories can’t you see? Racism is what is going on! It’s all up front and the hatred is so strong Racists don’t you see? You’ll get whitewashed for a fee We hoped it might be gone but we’re still finding racism Racism is what is going on! Racists can be prevented, and can be reformed (be reformed) But some come out, when leaders lead them on (lead them on) You can tell it’s heightened, cos they’re running scared (running scared) Cashing in on hate - “Extremist fears over there!” (fears over there) And it’s great, that our Cabinet is so diverse But their words are pretty see through and their actions even worse Racism is what is going on! Ten million pounds – is counterweighting the wrong Ramped it up last week – now it’s “turn the other cheek”! We hoped it might be gone but we’re still fighting racism Racism is what is going on! (it’s what is going on) Who should be shot? And who doesn’t belong? (poor Diane Abbott) Racists can’t you see? You’re a blight on our country! Ignoring it is wrong (cover upping) Racism, uh-oh (Anti-Muslim) Racism, uh-oh (Anti-Jewish) Maybe we’ll all see more respect for our MPs If they don’t play along, politicising racism ___________________________ SPECIAL THANKS to our SUPER-SUPPORTIVE HOWLERS on Patreon: Alyssa Sangeeta Jacobson Memorial Fund Andy Riches Carol Leff Cliff Hope Dan McColm Dave Lee David Patrao David Ryan Derrick Brown Douglas Lind Jim the Magician Geeta & Karen Grandad Lew Mike Smith Patricia Saucier Ronald Slye Sandra Vernooy Simon Haslam Todd
