So having touched initially on Quantum Mechanics and an application to the theory of relativity, I have decided to touch on a lighter subject - European politics. I think in general I would see myself as a Europhile. I'm not sure that this is driven by any great political intent, in fact I think I am politically ambiguous - possibly agnostic. I suspect it comes from being born in England but being identifiably descended from elsewhere. My surname and complexion indicate that I am probably of Celtic descent. (McDermott)
The precursor to the established Celtic nations; the Scots, the Irish, the Welsh, the Cornish the Bretons etc, were migratory tribes and were a largely pan European, trading society - sharing language, art, culture, genes, oh and blood & body parts, there were a few wars! I would suggest that most inhabitants of the section of the map above marked blue could trace their ancestry back to these early migratory Europeans without a defined land to call home other than the continent. I think that I will not be alone in saying, I often feel closer to our continental cousins than I do to some of our island based locals. So come the local elections, (I never said this was going to be current affairs or topical), when presented with a list of umpteen candidates, I could find no party that defined itself by being pro-European. Many defined themselves by being anti-European, some ignored the subject but not one made it their clarion call. In the end, following despair at the lack of pro European options, I resolved to vote for "Roman Party" (bbc news euro elections) on the basis that they were pro European - well they did conquer most of the warm bits. There was a single candidate, named Jean-Louis Pascual, standing for "The Roman Party. Ave!". apparently (Praetor Jean) is a French bus driver who has lived for many years in Reading and stood on the ticket: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Great sentiment. Actually, I failed to post my ballot, and so I continued my many years of political indecision. Veni VidiVici Decrevi .
The precursor to the established Celtic nations; the Scots, the Irish, the Welsh, the Cornish the Bretons etc, were migratory tribes and were a largely pan European, trading society - sharing language, art, culture, genes, oh and blood & body parts, there were a few wars! I would suggest that most inhabitants of the section of the map above marked blue could trace their ancestry back to these early migratory Europeans without a defined land to call home other than the continent. I think that I will not be alone in saying, I often feel closer to our continental cousins than I do to some of our island based locals. So come the local elections, (I never said this was going to be current affairs or topical), when presented with a list of umpteen candidates, I could find no party that defined itself by being pro-European. Many defined themselves by being anti-European, some ignored the subject but not one made it their clarion call. In the end, following despair at the lack of pro European options, I resolved to vote for "Roman Party" (bbc news euro elections) on the basis that they were pro European - well they did conquer most of the warm bits. There was a single candidate, named Jean-Louis Pascual, standing for "The Roman Party. Ave!". apparently (Praetor Jean) is a French bus driver who has lived for many years in Reading and stood on the ticket: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Great sentiment. Actually, I failed to post my ballot, and so I continued my many years of political indecision. Veni Vidi
It depends how far you trace ancestry back. We all came from that large landmass south of Europe at some point or other.
ReplyDeletePolitical parties who define themselves as anti-Europe don't actually have many other policies. I don't see the sense in voting for a party that is single issue because they have not thought things through.
In the interests of balance it is worth noting that Labour and the Lib Dems are both pro-Europe and I'm not really sure about the Conservatives as they're blowing in the wind a bit on this one.
Romani eunt domum ?
You are probably right, genealogy confirms the origins of mankind are indeed Africa - it was more a reference to the origins of our society - social and political behaviors are derived largely from our recent past but I take your point.
ReplyDeleteAs I said, politics isn't really my strong suit, in a modern democracy what purpose does the heard mentality of party politics have? - actually come to think of it, why do we need a representative in parliament?, surely we could just do a phone poll on Saturday evening. The Lisbon Treaty - yeah or nahh!
Thanks for adding the balance...
Romani ite domum! surely