The dictionary definition of ’spin’ is
1) turning around
2) weaving
3) changing the story
It is a very apt word for what I was feeling at the time. I needed a change, and where could my talents be put to use? I could argue a case where none really existed, browbeat opponents using obfuscatory themes, and present a case where none really existed. Where could I use these talents? As a moral person, I could not stoop to the depths of the legal profession, as I still had a conscience. Other Islamicists had become security experts, New Labour activists and writers. I realised I had to put my talents to the service of a higher calling. I joined the Coutryside Alliance.
Where once I proclaimed the ideals of an Islamicist Superstate, I could now speak about ‘traditional Countryside sports’. When I once spoke about injustice in Muslim Lands, I now spoke about ‘protecting Rural Livelihoods’. The useful thing was that my speeches against dictatorships in the Middle East were dusted off and re-used, simply replacing ‘Oppressive Western Powers’ with ‘Draconian and knee-jerk destruction of rural ways by an out-of-touch Government’.
My Hizb colleagues reacted with extreme and violent indifference. My home was not targeted, and the only threatening thing posted through my letterbox was a rather garish Eid Card from brother Chicken and Chips. I had become persona non-grata, but in secret I was rather glad as I quite liked my new horse-riding friends. I moved to the countryside, to be nearer the foxes and badgers. I married Taqwa, and we have a baby boy called Genghis, in honour of the first real Islamicist, and keen lover of horses.
Since the 7/7, the Iraq war and other countless incidents, I have kept quiet. My ex-colleagues (ex-tremists?) have made a nice career promoting themselves. Unlike them, I take paypal. I have realised my story is just as unique, and now is the right time to speak. This was my story, and I hope you re-read it to your children to warn of what could happen if they don’t listen to you.
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