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Topic: Jack and his giant flag
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nogoodboyo
recent-rabble-rouser
Babbler # 15474
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posted 20 September 2008 01:05 PM
I don't know, I guess the question is what are we after from a party which sees itself as of the Left. For me, at least in one sense, it is a genuine sense of internationalism. That is, a recognition that prosperity here often means the opposite elsewhere and a certain contempt for the dark history born of nationalism. As we are all aware, fighting for "canadian interests" often means fucking other people over. In my view, it is in the genuine interest of Canadian people to be critical of our of nationalism and pride in self...particularly given our sad record of international assistance and cooperation...not to mention the dark history of "settlement" too often omitted when we swell with excitement at the old red and white a flapping. I say its distasteful because, on a basic level, I think nationalism is the refuge of scoundrels and I would just be way happier with an NDP that talked and walked globally. So Nussy, let me invert the question, do you find it "tasteful" (or at least not distasteful) and if so why?
From: toronto | Registered: Sep 2008
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nussy
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 8180
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posted 20 September 2008 01:42 PM
I find it tasteful. Firstly, we live in a free country and we can have this discussion. Secondly our record in the two world wars that speak for themselves. Thirdly for leaders like Jack Layton. I can go on and on. Yes we made some mistakes on the way (and continue to make them) but as a nation we have alot to be thankful for. We cant forget about medicare, pensions and the social safety net that many people in the world don't share.
From: Toronto | Registered: Feb 2005
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M. Spector
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 8273
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posted 20 September 2008 01:50 PM
quote:
Originally posted by nussy:
I find it tasteful. Firstly, we live in a free country and we can have this discussion. Secondly our record in the two world wars that speak for themselves. Thirdly for leaders like Jack Layton. I can go on and on. Yes we made some mistakes on the way (and continue to make them) but as a nation we have alot to be thankful for. We cant forget about medicare, pensions and the social safety net that many people in the world don't share.
Cue the violins!We live in a free country? What does the flag have to do with freedom? Really? Two world wars? What do they have to do with the flag (Canada fought under another flag in those wars)? We have a lot to be thankful for... Now i'm getting all verklempt... Where was I? Oh yes, the flag reminds us of what we have to be thankful for.... Um, how, exactly? Medicare, pensions, and the social safety net? Crisp apple strudel and whiskers on kittens? Is that what you think of when you see the flag?
From: One millihelen: The amount of beauty required to launch one ship. | Registered: Feb 2005
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nogoodboyo
recent-rabble-rouser
Babbler # 15474
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posted 20 September 2008 02:31 PM
I would submit that we have the power of labour and the organized threat of red rebellion to thank for our social programs (which, by Western standards, are worth celebrating only if we compare them to the hideous state of basic social solidarity in the United States). As for the "flag just happened to be there and so maybe we should blame the camera man angle"- give me an effin break! Do we really think that these rallies aren't scripted down to the shoelaces? As for the world wars....what a dangerous logic.
From: toronto | Registered: Sep 2008
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nogoodboyo
recent-rabble-rouser
Babbler # 15474
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posted 21 September 2008 06:10 PM
Dear bookish agroDon't you think the assumption that a reference to anything vaguely germanic (or in this case directly germanic) is an allusion to Nazism is a bit repugnant? Had I called him Fuhrer Layton you might have had a point...but calling him Herr Layton is about as innocuous as calling calling the leader of the green team Madame May.
From: toronto | Registered: Sep 2008
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al-Qa'bong
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3807
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posted 21 September 2008 08:21 PM
quote:
I find it tasteful. Firstly, we live in a free country and we can have this discussion. Secondly our record in the two world wars that speak for themselves.
Jolly good post! These are the flags we fought for during those wars. 
I say enough with this "Taliban" Jack epithet; let's start calling him "Union Jack." quote:
Speaking of flags, I have noticed a trend developing over the past few years: people [Canadians?] are putting flags on the fronts of their houses, as in the USA. I find this very disturbing.
I find it a little less than disturbing, but I sure don't like it. We aren't flag-wavers, which is a good thing. [ 21 September 2008: Message edited by: al-Qa'bong ]
From: Saskatchistan | Registered: Feb 2003
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Email this thread to someone!
have a Canadian flag on their wall, as it is not a prop that accompanies the NDP whilst campaigning.
So if we don't get some humour from it, as opposed to responding to pokes, it may well be an eternally long 4 weeks.
