In this video (a clip from 2007′s ‘No Refunds’), libertarian stand-up comedian Doug Stanhope discusses and lampoons the collectivist ideas of nationalism and the pathetic motivations for being anti-immigration.

Stanhope’s style (compared to Lenny Bruce and Bill Hicks) combines shock humour with biting political commentary. Whilst this is primarily an over the top piece of comedy, Stanhope actually articulates why most arguments against immigration, not to mention those for national pride, are rooted in nonsense.

In the present political climate in Europe, these issues are as important as ever. Although Stanhope is talking about the USA, it is pretty easy to see a mirror of these kinds of views being spread by many of the populist and far-right parties that have done well in the recent elections for the EU Parliament.

(I do have an ulterior motive for posting this. Does anyone know where I can get one of those awesome jerseys?)