Man behind Youtube Hitler spoof video stands by library message
THE campaigner of a video clip which compares Gloucestershire's library cuts to the Holocaust has hit back at a council leader who called an opponent's endorsement of it "sickening".
After the clip was posted on YouTube, Gloucestershire County Council leader Mark Hawthorne slammed green district councillor Philip Booth for calling it "great stuff".
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Downfall: A shot from the film on which the spoof video was based
The subtitles – added to the clip by YouTube user 'rpab' – liken the story of Hitler's last stand against the Allies to plans to close libraries across the county.
The online campaigner, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Echo yesterday the video was entirely his own idea.
He said: "First let me make it very clear that I put together this video entirely on my own. No other person or group was involved in any way."
He added: "Anyone who takes public office and then uses their power to implement savage and unpopular cuts cannot be surprised to find themselves lampooned.
"I made the video very quickly, and as an ephemeral, if pertinent, entertainment. The in-jokes would only be understood by the people of Gloucestershire.
"I make no claims to originality or mastery of the art of satire – a great British tradition. The serious arguments against library closure have already been made by the campaign groups and signatories of the petitions.
"The use of Hitler and the Nazis in humour is not a new idea. It symbolises extreme and ridiculous behaviour. It is absurd to suggest that anyone thinks there is a direct connection with the atrocities of World War Two. My father fought in World War Two and was a prisoner of war.
"I have great respect and gratitude for all who fought against Hitler.
"Having witnessed at first hand Mr Hawthorne's boorish and rude behaviour at a recent council meeting when he talked, joked and openly ignored members of the public presenting their petitions, I don't think I will be losing any sleep over his description of me as a troll."
Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries, which is fighting the council's decision to shut up to libraries if volunteers do not step in, has said it had nothing to do with the YouTube video.
Mr Hawthorne said on Monday he was disgusted by the video, adding yesterday: "I'm not going to get into discussions with anonymous internet trolls. If he or she had the courage of their convictions they would publicly stand by their 'work'. The fact they don't is telling."
After the video was posted, Mr Booth withdrew the comment from YouTube and apologised if he had caused any offence.
51 Comments
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by rpab fan, cheltenham
Friday, March 04 2011, 9:29AM
“Great stuff,rpab.
How about one on the cheeserolling.”
by richard marlborough, clevedon
Thursday, March 03 2011, 7:45PM
“all cuts are a smoke screen for the disgusting waste of our money by government/council employees/managers. how can anyone: doctor, judge, council leader etc etc. be worth more than half of the prime minister's salary? no services need to be cut; only the salaries of the leeches.”
by Andrew, Cheltenham Against Cuts, Cheltenham
Thursday, March 03 2011, 1:02PM
“The attempt of Hawthorne to invoke the Holocaust is sickening, the man`s cynicism and ambition has no limits. The contempt for democracy shown by the GCC Tories (and LibDem lackeys) and the top-down nature of their politics deserves to be criticised and satirised. It takes a lot more than elections to make a functioning democracy, what is also required is an informed public who think for themselves. We`re being told that there is no alternative to the cuts - IN A DEMOCRACY THERE IS ALWAYS AN ALTERNATIVE - BY DEFINITION! The much-hyped deficit is lower in proportion to the size of our economy than it was when we built the welfare state. The welfare state is something the British people can be immensely proud of, with the NHS its crowning glory - we would be fools to let them take it away from us. The alternatives to the lies of the deficit terrorists can be read about here.
http://cheltenhamagainstcuts.wordpress.com/33-2/”
by Andrew, Cheltenham Against Cuts, Cheltenham
Thursday, March 03 2011, 12:55PM
“The attempt of Hawthorne to invoke the Holocaust is sickening, the man`s cynicism and ambition has no limits. The contempt for democracy shown by the GCC Tories (and LibDem lackeys) and the top-down nature of their politics deserves to be criticised and satirised. It takes a lot more than elections to make a functioning democracy, what is also required is an informed public who think for themselves. We`re being told that there is no alternative to the cuts - IN A DEMOCRACY THERE IS ALWAYS AN ALTERNATIVE - BY DEFINITION! The much-hyped deficit is lower in proportion to the size of our economy than it was when we built the welfare state. The welfare state is something the British people can be immensely proud of, with the NHS its crowning glory - we would be fools to let them take it away from us. The alternatives to the lies of the deficit terrorists can be read about here.”
by Ula Tarant, Coney Hill
Wednesday, March 02 2011, 10:36PM
“Judging by most of the comments on this tabloid-esque story, Echo editor Mr Slackbladder is the one with egg on his face (along with Lord Haw-Haw-thorne).
This comment will probably get deleted, but I hope it lingers in your mind like a guff under a toggle 20 duvet.”
by Ian, Kent
Wednesday, March 02 2011, 9:28PM
“Tony - You are just going to confuse Real World with that sort of logic.
Incidentally, I am with you on the Holocaust aspect. Nowhere in this clip is there any reference to the Holocaust so I am not sure why this comparison keeps being drawn. The scene in question certainly has nothing to do with the Holocaust whatsoever.”
by Tony, Glos
Wednesday, March 02 2011, 9:08PM
“Everyone, do visit the TiG blog, by the way. Last entry was near the beginning of January, and Matt Holmes still can't think of anything else to write about. Any suggestions..?
http://gloucestershire.thisisblogging.co.uk/”
by Tony, Glos
Wednesday, March 02 2011, 9:00PM
“D'oh!
And I was going for that sweet #42...”
by Tony, Glos
Wednesday, March 02 2011, 8:59PM
“I *can* believe I'm doing this.
Compare
'over 400 million visits'
to
'nearly 450 million visits'
It's over 5 of one, and nearly 7 of another...”
by Ian, Kent
Wednesday, March 02 2011, 8:57PM
“Real World
Funnily enough it is actually. Tell me, how are the phrases: "over 400 million visits" and "there were nearly 450 million visits to libraries" incompatible? Your answer could have serious repercussions for the world of mathematics. We wait with baited breath.....”