Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new phrase that seems to have entered the English language; “Poppy Fascism”. This unlovely wording has become a cry of outrage from those who feel wearing a red poppy is not appropriate and is used as a defence against the more extreme members of society that condemn them for not doing so. This hugely emotive argument appears to have jumped a level this year as self-confessed Patriots hurl personal abuse at non-wearers, especially if they happen to be a non-white person. The problem seems to stem from one of interpretation; is the poppy purely a symbol of remembrance? Or has it (like the Union Jack did) become a badge of jingoism and war-mongering? My old man was sent to fight the Nazi Fascists that were storm-trooping their way towards this green and pleasant land and I remain almost ridiculously proud of him for doing so. But, and this is a big but, I think he knew just what it was he was fighting for. Our soldiers today are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan where they are killed or maimed on a depressingly regular basis at the behest of their political spin-masters. Blair and the evil Bush clan took us into war on the back of lies, spin and subterfuge; it is completely beyond me why our troops are there at all. I did wear a poppy this year and I will continue to do so. I wear it to remember, not to celebrate the politically caused conflicts that continue to destroy the youth of our country.
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strainsview 
I agree with you Tim in most stuff u put in this, that back in the 1940’s people new what they were fighting for etc etc. Where as nowadays they just do as they are told like it or lump it with no actual reason to fight, other than the 20k they get for a 6 month tour. My view and maybe not everyone’s view is that the Poppy is worn as a rememberance for all the people who have given their lives for this country. Whether it be first/second world war or Joe bloggs who died 2 month ago. I wear my Poppy and always will with pride and respect to the many millions who have given their lives for this country over the years.
I suspect most right thinking people feel the same way….but…..my dad and his mates fought so we could enjoy freedom…that includes the freedom not to wear a poppy if you don’t want to. Glad I have another reader! Keep following! I don’t have any answers but I enjoy the debate!
couldn’t agree more, Mr Strain…
Still a very enjoyable read. I would love to go on ref the topic but it just puts me in a bad mood. Hope all is well Tim 🙂
All good here! Keep reading…!
Will do, keep it interesting.
!
I didn’t wear a poppy, I gave money and have several around my home but I agree, the cause has been somewhat taken by a fascist element of current society, who feel they can presume the worst if you are not showing a sign! Be it a moustache or ribbon. I buy red ribbons for Aids, pink for Cancer but I don’t remember anyone wearing the ribbon for Domestic Violence, I imagine many do not know its colour… It’s purple….by the way. I give to different causes, often. I don’t necessarily feel I should be congratulated, and I equally feel that it is presumptuous to attack, especially racially, you know what I mean, just because someone chooses to be egalitarian in their choice of what they give in charity to support various causes. Oh also, my father went to serve and I in no way would disrespect anyone past or present, who had given their lives for this country. Respect is not always visual. Thanks for the post Tim, I like your politics, they are sound.
Nice….I think there is an element of being seen to show “respect”. I am liking your “visual respect” thang…..may steal it for tomorrow’s nonsense! Keep reading!
Agree with the sentiments here Tim and I continue to respect the poppy wearers and non wearers, and for the first time in a very long time I decided not to wear a poppy this year. However, in undertaking this act, it did not prevent me from attending remembrance services where I also chose to remember those of my family and others in my own private way who fought and gave their lives for us to live in a world where we can continue to choose our own way of remembrance.
The interesting (?) part for me is the way the poppy represents the dead from war (or as we now call these events the more politically acceptable ‘conflicts’) but is generally not seen to cater for the injured or those psychologically damaged, even though the british legion do both.
Whether the remembrance of the event involved be a point of political principle in the case of fascism in the forties or an applied political dogma as seen in Iraq / Afghanistan, the act of War remains depressingly the same result for the individuals involved at the frontline.
Just my thoughts…
Cheers for your thoughts old pal! I don’t profess to have any answers to these questions….for me it’s all about the debate. And, it keeps me out the boozer! I have this dream that someone might pay me for this nonsense one day!