Wearing of the Poppy! Should Irish citizens wear it?

Nodin wrote: »

'Cry 'LOOK AT THIS' and unleash the red herrings of war'?

The fact is that buying a poppy supports those who were involved in the war of aggression in Iraq, those who suppressed the nationalist population in NI, who suppressed the independence movements in India, Kenya, Aden and elsewhere. It's thus supporting the instrument of empire and imperialism.

Sorry to have to correct you on this, but any money you donate in Ireland does go to Irish people. So buying a poppy in Ireland helps our own. Anyone who doesn't believe this can go and check their audited accounts.

Yes, any donations made in the UK go to the British 'instrument of empire and imperialism', although the men with missing limbs, and families with missing fathers are probably very grateful of the assistance they get.

Rebelheart wrote: »

In fact, what I said is entirely true. Is English your first language? I said: 'Considering the British red poppy is meant to commemorate only those who died on behalf of British/British Commonwealth forces, your above post is based on ignorance, Dudess.'

This is a fact. Let me elaborate as you appear intent upon denying this. The poppies sold in Ireland are sold by the Royal British Legion, an ultra-nationalist British organisation. They state, unequivocally, that the money from selling British poppies goes towards the families of those who fought with the British forces. The money is not, in other words, going to the familes of Seán Bán Ó Conghaile or anybody else who fought for Irish freedom. It goes towards people who fought to suppress Irish freedom. Fact. Please wake up.

I accept part of your clarification, but for the last point. The money collected in Britain does indeed go the families of those who fought with the British forces, but thankfully the money collected in Ireland does go to Irish men and their families, and this is confirmed. So money donated tot he same cause goes to help Irishmen and to oppressors of other Irishmen.
I see the hypocrisy, but I'm happy that my money stays within this country.

Rebelheart wrote: »

In fact, what I said is entirely true. Is English your first language? I said: 'Considering the British red poppy is meant to commemorate only those who died on behalf of British/British Commonwealth forces, your above post is based on ignorance, Dudess.'

This is a fact. Let me elaborate as you appear intent upon denying this. The poppies sold in Ireland are sold by the Royal British Legion, an ultra-nationalist British organisation. They state, unequivocally, that the money from selling British poppies goes towards the families of those who fought with the British forces. The money is not, in other words, going to the familes of Seán Bán Ó Conghaile or anybody else who fought for Irish freedom. It goes towards people who fought to suppress Irish freedom.

Why are you still arguing about this?

The Poppy - a symbol of remembrance for all soldiers who have died fighting for the United Kingdom since the first world war, with proceeds going towards helping soldiers and families of servicemen who have been affected by recent or ongoing conflicts. This has been established. It is well publicised on the RBL website and has been stated on several television programmes over the last week or so.

Understandably, you have a deep hatred of the UK armed forces due to the atrocities which have occurred in Ireland over the decades. But, you don't have to buy one. You don't have to wear one. You don't have to support the cause.

If others decide they want to, thats up to them. You keep repeating the same points many, many times in different threads. Its surely obvious to you by now that simply repeating your views on the subject aren't going to change the opinions of those who are in favour of the poppy appeal and the Royal British Legion?

Ald wrote: »

I'd like figures on this. How many dependents on the fund are vets from WW2? I wouldn't say many.

In that case you are expecting Irish people to fund rehabilitation for troops of British wars post WW2. Why isn't the British government funding that? It's their creation and their problem. They are the ones that need to remember and face up to responsibility!

Lumpymonkey, would you wear a white poppy or something that would remember all Irish men involved in the wars?

I'm sure the figures are available. It's not just WW2 vets. As far as I know, if an Irishman got injured during military service today, he'd be assisted if he requested it.

Of course I'd wear a white poppy, or any symbol to recognise the bravery of Irishmen who put themselves in danger for the greater good, whether that was for the freedom or Ireland, the freedom or Europe, or peace in the Lebanon for example.

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

Our "own"? This of course being people who up until very recently had good job prospects in Ireland?(no that or the breadline excuse) People who have sworn this oath


are our "own"? So they have sworn to protect and obey a foreign head of state,(lets momentarily leave out the history between Ireland and Britain) are wiling to pay the ultimate price to do so, to lay down their lives, not for the benefit of our country, but for a different country? To troop around, murder, maim and die for a foreign monarch? These people are "our own"?

When you add the fact that the same country, same army, some of whom, fighting for "Queen and Country" under the current queen of england, have committed such great acts of barbarity on our island? You tell me these people are "our own"?

Yes, on all counts, whether you like it or not. You do not decide who is and who isn't Irish.

I'm sure the figures are available. It's not just WW2 vets. As far as I know, if an Irishman got injured during military service today, he'd be assisted if he requested it.

Yes, so a British army troop, albeit Irish nationality, injured and we pay for it?

How about Irish men and women that go to join that army make sure T&C's cover all eventualities beforehand?

Dudess wrote: »

And even so, hate all that "Great War" romantic bullsh1t - you see a good bit of it on Boards from neo unionist heads, talking through their holes ("Oh the sight of our boys from the Royal Irish whatnot legion"). There was nothing "great" about it.

Romatic bullsh1t indeed, but the reference has been made in another thread that the amount of (Irish men) alone killed in World War I + World War II would fill the new Aviva Stadium on Lansdown Road, reason enough to remember them I say, and the poppy was 'their' symbol, its what those Irish who were lucky enough to survive wore to commerate those who gave their lives on the poppy fields. Dublin was awash with poppies on mens lapels in the 1920s + 30's, quickly deminishing as the new State bedded in, decades passed, & its only relatively recently that their memory has been revisited by the State, & about time too I say.

P.S I heard Ballagh, dear oh dear he really an Anti-British 'bitter pill' anytime he speaks the bile is palpable - suffice to say he is not a fan of irish people wearing the poppy.

I'm out of this thread 4 good, Bye.

Sorry, maybe I misunderstood you? and indeed there was nothing "great" about it.

Many of the British generals in particular were idiots who sent those brave Irish men to their graves, but none the less I will wear a poppy as a mark of respect, & to remember the futility of war.

Bye bye again.