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    Hallam's statement Archived Message

    Posted by Ian M on December 26, 2019, 1:44 pm, in reply to "'3rd Progress Update: Restorative Process Regarding Roger Hallam’s Comments on The Holocaust'"

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f-_1a-zbcY5Jf7qDtI1FtTvwKMsy2ETMRKAKLIprS8g/edit

    Roger Hallam

    My personal commitments pending the outcome of the restorative process

    In the last few weeks I have tried to speak to as many of those affected by my comments in the German press as possible. I hope I have learned a lot from the listening. I would like to say again how sorry I am.

    As we go into 2020, there's one thing I would like to emphasise. I think it is clear that as the climate and ecological crisis grows we are seeing a rise of the far right and actions by those who would wish to divide us from each other to protect their profits and short-term self-interest.

    The Extinction Rebellion movement, in my opinion, is at the heart of the efforts to counter these trends. Fascism, as I see it, is the product of fear, powerlessness and alienation. We need to respond to this by coming together across our divides; by building a movement that allows people to exercise their agency in community and solidarity with each other; and by promoting a real democracy through People's Assemblies and Citizens' Assemblies. That is the project I have committed myself to because that is what I believe will work.

    As well as many informal conversations I have now participated in two Restorative Sessions. I recognise there is an ongoing accountability process, which I’m fully collaborating with.

    In the meantime I’ve offered the following steps which I hope will show that I’m responding to people’s concerns. These measures do not presume what will come out of the ongoing restorative process and have not been agreed to by others. They are interim measures which I am personally offering whilst this process proceeds.

    I will engage directly with members of XR UK’s Media and Messaging team (M & M) and collaborate proactively with them before talking to the media. Currently this means I’m pausing my engagement with the media.

    I will undertake cultural and gender sensitivity training, which includes training on anti-Semitism

    I will not act as a spokesperson for XR until I have completed this training

    Once I have completed the training, I would only act as a spokesperson for XR with support from and in collaboration with the M & M team

    Any videos I prepare on behalf of XR will go out through M & M

    Before referring to any minority group in any public statements in the future, I will first ensure I have the relevant context to enable me to speak about that group with appropriate sensitivity (for example by talking to representatives or members of that group in advance)

    I will work with M & M to create a constructive approach to telling truths which can disrupt the mainstream media denial of the ongoing genocide

    I will work with others to prepare an agreed statement relating to what has happened.

    I realise this won't fully satisfy everyone, but I hope as we enter the holiday period it provides some reassurance. 2019 has been an extraordinary year. For 2020 we must be ever more extraordinary!

    In love, peace and rebellion.

    Roger

    *****



    Every utterance gets vetted by the PC thought police, offenders sent to mandatory re-education camps, never-ending 'processes' paralysing free expression and the flow of public discourse, compulsory deference to the feelings of critics who will never be satisfied... it just gets worse and worse! Was Turtleman right?

    jeers,
    I

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