tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411161795798360588.post232158851575137374..comments2024-03-26T09:38:39.888+00:00Comments on Borthlas: Debasing the currencyJohn Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07447224248021209852noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411161795798360588.post-69582727058898599782009-06-19T04:33:35.318+01:002009-06-19T04:33:35.318+01:00Good post John. As you will probably know, a mispl...Good post John. As you will probably know, a misplaced fear of extremism (with the usual insinuations about the 3rd Reich) played a small part in the undermining of the old Plaid-Green coalition of the early 1990s.Poppy Seedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10357717603173857442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411161795798360588.post-75373297840588934332009-06-13T13:43:24.934+01:002009-06-13T13:43:24.934+01:00Its interesting that on the BBC Wales English Lang...Its interesting that on the BBC Wales English Language Blog there are a hard core of people determined to claim that Plaid is a Nazi/Fascist Party which is dedicated to linguistic/racial genocide. Recently we have had claims there that the grouping that Plaid belongs to in the European Parliament is made up of "parties to the right of Hitler".Cibwrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07621705905770341542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411161795798360588.post-39994724162321522672009-06-12T18:33:24.551+01:002009-06-12T18:33:24.551+01:00Spirit,
I have a feeling that you're proving ...Spirit,<br /><br />I have a feeling that you're proving the point, rather, if you want to define and use the term 'fascist' as applying to anyone who doesn't 'embrace the democratic principle'.<br /><br />I'm more than a little uncomfortable with the idea summarised by <i>"to win in the world community"</i>. Having winners in that context means having losers as well. Surely the challenge is about how we recognise that we have but one planet and need to live together on a more co-operative rather than competitive basis?<br /><br />Not sure that I agree with 'believing our side is better', either. Wanting 'our side' to win; yes, of course, and nothing wrong with that, as long as the battles are fought out on the field of play. I can't say that I've noticed empty stands, even on the occasions when we know that 'our side' is far from being the better team, and is headed for a hammering...John Dixonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07447224248021209852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411161795798360588.post-36593535941888902812009-06-12T14:11:09.607+01:002009-06-12T14:11:09.607+01:00The National Socialists ,the Communists were Fasci...The National Socialists ,the Communists were Fascist as they would not tolarate counter opinion and strangely those that want to shut down the BNP are aslo - well they don`t embrace the democratic principle.I also came across some in Adran y Menywod in the 80`s -dreadful shower.<br />Racism is based on superiority of the blood line but should not be confused by the wish of a Nation to live by their values and to win in the world community,after all we go to see a rugby match believing our side is better and urging them to win.If you did not believe in that the stands would be empty.Spirit of BMEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411161795798360588.post-59243585103982991602009-06-12T08:29:35.106+01:002009-06-12T08:29:35.106+01:00Adam,
A fair point. Personally, I avoid the use ...Adam,<br /><br />A fair point. Personally, I avoid the use of the term 'anti-Welsh' as a general-purpose descriptor of anyone who does not share my aspirations for the future of Wales. <br /><br />I think that it is perfectly valid for people to argue that Wales' future might be better secured within the Union - and I don't consider that those who seek to promote the best interests of Wales in that way are in any way anti-Welsh. I think they're wrong - but that's a different matter, and one which I have attempted to address in some previous posts.<br /><br />Just as the term 'racist' is best reserved for that tiny minority who really are, so also the term anti-Welsh is best reserved for that tiny minority who would wish to eliminate Wales and her language completely. Using either term indiscriminately is, as you say, unproductive.<br /><br /><i>"By and large, however, these insults are directed in order to bully an opponent into silence."</i><br /><br />Couldn't agree more. On this blog, at least, I attempt to debate the substance rather than descending into name calling.John Dixonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07447224248021209852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411161795798360588.post-19660742971883176602009-06-11T19:53:05.780+01:002009-06-11T19:53:05.780+01:00John
Thanks for the plug. I agree that "insu...John<br /><br />Thanks for the plug. I agree that "insult inflation" is a problem. With respect, however, I think you may be aiming off in the examples you cite. <br /><br />I don't see much on-the-ground campaigning, but as far as the "air war" is concerned there seem to be few accusations of racism or fascism directed at Plaid nowadays (Leighton Andrews raised the Saunders Lewis jibe recently - I looked at that as well).<br /><br />Instead, it is increasingly common to hear the charge of being "anti-Welsh"; inevitably these are directed at the unionist parties, but also at those who question existing Welsh language policies, or are simply lukewarm on the issue of primary powers.<br /><br />I find this as insidious a charge as that of racism or fascism, and just as unproductive to real debate. There are of course racists and fascists in life, just as there are a few who deny the Claims of Wales (however modestly one cares to define them). By and large, however, these insults are directed in order to bully an opponent into silence.<br /><br />Best<br /><br />AdamAdam Higgitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08404979957698536334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411161795798360588.post-65973361056866299672009-06-11T14:13:19.178+01:002009-06-11T14:13:19.178+01:00Good point John. I switch off when I hear anyone c...Good point John. I switch off when I hear anyone call someone else a fascist/racist/nazi. Part of Labour's problem is their supporters have used these terms and others so flippantly, especially in the context of the Welsh language, that it's lost all currency as you say.<br /><br />I also feel sometimes that for some on the left that fascism is a comfort zone - so much easier than discussing boring things like part-privatisation or what savings need to be done in the health service. 'Fascism' is always so much more exciting ... fascism is always fashionable.<br /><br />You almost feel had Mussolini and Hitler not been real historical people they would have had to be invented.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com