Wake up world — it’s time to fight back against politics of hate and fear

There is a fundamental difference between understanding fear, and stoking it for political motives, writes Fergus Finlay

Tue, 21 Jun, 2016 - 01:00

Fergus Finlay

Fergus Finlay is a former political activist and adviser to three governments, the former head of the children's charity Barnardos, a writer and a broadcaster.

“The sportive, knightly battle awakens the best human characteristics. It doesn’t separate, but unites the combatants in understanding and respect. It also helps to connect the countries in the spirit of peace. That’s why the Olympic Flame should never die.”

That’s a comment made during the Berlin Olympics of 1936, perhaps one of the most hypocritical public utterances ever heard. The speaker was Adolf Hitler, and it was around this time 80 years ago that he said it.