Irish voters 'hostile' to poppy symbol

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The Swastika was a recurring wellness symbol during my travels in Asia.

I always wondered if it was an imported symbol to Europe from Asia during the 19th century imperial age, or was it an ancient symbol in Europe too. I know there are similar shapes in Roman mosaics but never as a stand alone symbol.

Edit to add I just remembered that that fanboy of British Empire Rudyard Kipling adapted the Swastika as a personal mark on his publications.

The second picture has me stumped.

I know the first one is harmless, but I still wouldn't like to have to explain that to an outsider who has read Israeli assertions that Ireland is the most antisemitic country in Europe. I, in general, don't want to associate with symbols that have negative connotations.

Well, Hitler didn't invent it. He just appropriated it.

The swastika (or hakenkreuz as the Germans called it) was designed to be a positive symbol (usually symbolising life) and it can be found amongst many different cultures around the world. There's native American tribes that have used the symbol in clothing. Certain parts of the Indian sub continent you can still find it on buildings. It can be seen on some Roman buildings and ruins. It can be found in China and Japan. In Finland it was part of the nation's regalia for years. In Norway it can be found in the shape of a sun wheel. There's even Celtic items where you can see a swastika shape.

It'll never lose the taint that the Nazis gave though.

The people that protest about the poppy are mainly those shinners who have good garrison ancestry and are conflicted about it… sad people 😳

I know.

What I don’t know, is what they has to do with my post

I find the whole poppy thing weird on football jerseys they go on in England like wearing a poppy on football jerseys is a centuries old tradition yet I never remember clubs doing in prior to about 2010.

So if James McClean was playing in the 90s or early to mid 00s he would have no issues not wearing a poppy as no one else would be.

He's right to assert a UK denizens right to not celebrate the weaponisation of what was once just a symbol of remembrance.

The UK is tip toeing towards a police state where not wearing a symbol will become a crime.

One of the most moving commemorative events I've ever attended was ANZAC day at Suvla bay. 100's of young & old Kiwis & Aussies remembering their fallen and appreciating their sacrifice and loss for 2 things above all. The futility of imperial adventurism and the firm foundation of their own sense of independence nationalism.

It's a far more nuanced nationalism than that of jingoism too. They appreciate the price paid in blood by both Turk & ANZAC and that other than vainglorious "Glory" it bought very little.

The November poppy fest is past it's sell by date. The WW1 veterans are all dead, the WW2 veterans are rapidly dying off too. Those veterans, did & do deserve remembrance as do the Irish that stood against tyranny with the Allies. That said, my own remembrance of their bravery and sacrifices will never involve a poppy.

The current Royal Legion and slew of British Military charities expose a huge flaw in the British social contract. Those who volunteer to serve, who place their lives at the service of their government, absolutely must be provided adequate care when their service is complete. Be it medical, pension, employment supports and every other support needed to ensure their health and safety.

Relying upon charity to close the circle of decades of poor Veteran support is poor policy.

This is an idiotic take but it's quite a common one. "But you'd take the Queen's shilling". Why not take her money for yourself and bring it back with you to Ireland. Better then some English lad getting it? Although unfortunately he's bringing it back to a conquered part of Ireland so what does it matter anyway. If he plays in his home city he still gets the queen's money. People need a reality check with these comments.