I have read this debate with interest and have learned some history from across the pond. I haven’t entered the debate as I felt I did not know enough about what the flag meant.
But actually I do, it represents deep hurt and bad feeling to some and to others it’s just a flag. I know this hurt, it may be different but I know it.
It’s a flag that has shown diabolical treatment to our fellow man and to others it represents the place they come from.
This flag is a symbol, other such symbols exist and will have just as much meaning and strong feeling.
The important thing here, is we look at our history, our sacrifices and the wrongs we have done in the past and learn by it.
You will feel in your soul that your view is right but so will the opposing side.
The thing is to dispel that hate.
We have to accept, that what we are enjoying now was because of those battles and sacrifices. We have the freedom to express our views, to debate our beliefs but ultimately to accept we are all individual and we will never all agree except of course to agree to disagree.
That is our strength, that is where we rise above the wrongs and that is where we claim back our freedoms and find the strength to forgive or move on but not forget.
The flag is important. When you see it flown, don’t be offended. See it as your history is not forgotten, see it as a talking point to tell it, see it, that although you do not like it, it is a freedom that your ancestors have fought or endured and died for.
I remember a young Muslim lad burnt the Union Jack in my country in protest and anger over something he felt strongly over. It was shown on TV all over. It was meant to insult and invoke strong feeling.
But when you think about it, after the initial anger, he had the freedom to do so in my and his country. My country gave him that privilege and that freedom. And I learnt that day, not to be angry that he burnt and stamped on the flag I loved, be thankful that he exercised his right to do so in a free country. As much as he could burn his Union Jack, I could fly mine.
My country has been involved in many bad things in our history but many good too.
England and Ireland were at war for many in Ireland wanted to end the British Rule in Northern Ireland. As a consequence mainland Britain was bombed. Britain called it terrorism. Many were maimed and killed on both sides. Both believed they were right.
The believers in Ireland called them Soldiers fighting for their freedom. Neither side would budge and so reigned years of terror and hatred and death and destruction. Generation after generation were taught the hate.
No one is right, no one is wrong. For every example you can give for your cause, the opposing side can give a counter example…
The deep feelings go on and on and on and on…
The question therefore was not who was right and who would win. As always in these matters, the question is what price are you willing to pay for peace and not getting into pointless battles that have no end. Remember the examples you have, make them known, listen to the other sides too and educate the future generations.
So it can never happen again.
Britain & Ireland took this stance and following many long discussions and arguments, the Good Friday agreement in December 1998 and St Andrews Agreement in 2006 was reached and although a bumpy ride, the bombings and killings eventually stopped.
And note the dates, not all that long ago.
Enemies became associates to ensure there was fairness to all sides. Heated debates occurred but in the process, the hatred stopped. Respect even earned but their views always opposed, in most things.
Part of that agreement was Britain let the terrorists free from prison, a sickening sight for some, for they saw murderers released.
Ireland saw their soldiers released and returned home to their families who loved and missed them.
What we have now, is our children enjoying the peace at last but learning our history, forming their own opinions but most of all learning peace is important and playing and laughing together as children should.
History is important but so is Peace. Learn by it, don’t let the anger fester.
Therefore I muse rhetorical questions, What price would YOU pay for peace and to irradiate the inbred hatred and what are YOU prepared to do to help this process?
Are YOU a person who is prepared to do nothing and just bicker and bicker and bicker. If you are, then stand aside, butt out, don’t make the situation worst and let the PEACE MAKERS make the world a happier place to live.
One thing I know for certain, Racism is wrong, be it black, white, British, Irish, whatever. That we all agree on in this debate.
