George Galloway, again

It must be hard to be a reactionary British parliamentarian these days. Or even a pro-imperialist Labor MP. In the old days—before World War II—when they arrogantly insulted colonial peoples, from the Indians to the Irish, they had the satisfaction of doing it for the Empire. Now they do it as mere junior partners to the U.S., happy with the interest their banks amass in the wake of the Pentagon’s pillage of the world. It must have been embarrassing for them to see the articulate British Premier Tony Blair be the spokesperson on a world scale for the indefensible aggressive policies of George W. Bush.

Thus they grow bitter. And the latest target of this bitterness is George Galloway. Again. Galloway, the MP representing the anti-war Respect Party, who is often described as “maverick,” is the most eloquent spokesperson for the anti-war movement among those in Parliament who have campaigned against Bush and Blair’s war—against the war that U.S. and British imperialism have imposed upon the Iraqis, the Middle East, indeed, upon the world. Galloway, who had been a leader in the struggle against the murderous sanctions that killed 1.5 million Iraqis, including a half-million Iraqi children under 5 years of age, has continued to fight against the next round of U.S. and British war crimes in Iraq.

Anyone who has consulted with, worked with or shared a platform with Galloway has always been happy to have him on their side. Those who debate him are most often defeated. He has been an able spokesperson for the anti-war movement, not only in Britain but on the world scale.

His rival MPs, accusing him of being pals with Saddam Hussein and of getting funds from the Iraqis for a children’s charity—that helped Iraqi children—have suspended Galloway for 18 days. Galloway, who has been vindicated on similar charges in the past, has again ably defended himself. “I am not a punchbag,” he said. “If you aim low blows at me I will fight back. That’s what I’ve done and that’s what I’ve been suspended for.” He added, “I deserve a medal, not a ban, for Iraq.” We couldn’t say it better.