[talkSAFT]

................ My fear is that this issue will raise its head every year which is a shame.

No doubt James will be 'rested' for that weekend!

When do people 'forgive and forget'?
Irish initially hate us (English) for what Oliver Cromwell did to them back in 17th Century. More recently (early 20th century) they had more reason (forgive my lack of knowledge). And again in the 1970s our troops were ordered to go over-the-top again (although they wouldn't have been there if it wasn't for The Troubles. Note, I'm not being judgemental - so don't have a go!)
I'm just saying:    WHEN do you forgive?
I can remember going to Villa Park in the '66 World Cup (aged 16), and quite liking some of the Krauts we spoke to. I don't recall feeling any animosity.....and this was just about a generation after WW2, which was a generation after WW1. Britain suffered horrendously - more than the Irish ever did - and yet we soon forgave the Krauts! My Old Man had been in WW2, but he soon forgave.
I'm sure James' family had every reason to dislike Britain, and ingrained it in him. They didn't ingrain it in him enough not to accept £££ though.

You can't judge people by their own principles if you don't know the background. James seems a thoughtful type, but I just wonder whether it will be too early for James' grandchildren to ever wear a poppy.