20-07-2015, 01:08
Good points imo: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/se...clnk&gl=uk
"McClean's crimes are, it seems, that he will not look in the correct direction when the British national anthem plays, and he will not wear a poppy on his shirt when the Armistice date comes around every year. His reasoning is simple and justifiable: he is from Derry in Northern Ireland, a town which experienced abuse first hand at the British army, who killed innocents in Bloody Sunday.
McClean has never attacked those who served in the First World War or the Second World War, he has merely pointed out that the same institution killed his own people, often in disgraceful, illegal circumstances. To opt out is a brave choice.
The second argument, the tedious if-you-don't-like-it-go-home nonsense, is the most fatuous of the three. If you accept that the British Empire has damaged every continent and country it has touched with oppression and belligerence, then it follows that those still feeling the effects of the British Empire should not be prevented from benefitting from the wealth in England. Wealth that, in part, was built on the trade and exploitation of the Empire.
McClean simply explained his actions honestly and succinctly, and does not constantly tell people what he makes of the national anthem or poppy; he merely reacts when the circumstances are unavoidable."
"McClean's crimes are, it seems, that he will not look in the correct direction when the British national anthem plays, and he will not wear a poppy on his shirt when the Armistice date comes around every year. His reasoning is simple and justifiable: he is from Derry in Northern Ireland, a town which experienced abuse first hand at the British army, who killed innocents in Bloody Sunday.
McClean has never attacked those who served in the First World War or the Second World War, he has merely pointed out that the same institution killed his own people, often in disgraceful, illegal circumstances. To opt out is a brave choice.
The second argument, the tedious if-you-don't-like-it-go-home nonsense, is the most fatuous of the three. If you accept that the British Empire has damaged every continent and country it has touched with oppression and belligerence, then it follows that those still feeling the effects of the British Empire should not be prevented from benefitting from the wealth in England. Wealth that, in part, was built on the trade and exploitation of the Empire.
McClean simply explained his actions honestly and succinctly, and does not constantly tell people what he makes of the national anthem or poppy; he merely reacts when the circumstances are unavoidable."