Britishness

Political subject today.  Actually no... political material - no blog post really.  I'd really love to hear your thoughts on these articles form the BBC Website - honest thoughts as they come, and I'll maybe do a blog about it soon after reading any comments I get back.

The first one is about the Union Flag.  Apparently there's some plan coming in to fly it more often.  Scotland will be opting out of this activity.  From the article:

"SNP leader Alex Salmond, now first minister, previously said Britishness "went bust long ago" in Scotland."

"Culture Secretary James Purnell said: "The Union flag is a powerful symbol of both our heritage and modern, diverse Britain. It brings us together in solidarity and shared identity."

And here's the link to the article - It's pretty short (the article that is):
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6920895.stm

Next up, Britain's Asian Culture.  It's entitled "Many Asians 'do not feel British'"

From the article:

"38% of the UK residents of South Asian origin polled felt only slightly or not at all British."

"84% were satisfied with life in Britain and almost half thought they have more opportunities here."

"Half of the South Asians and nearly two-thirds of the white people interviewed agreed it was too easy for immigrants to settle in Britain."

"Three-quarters felt their culture was being diluted by living in the UK and nearly half believed white people do not treat them as British."

"Many British Asians consider themselves to be British but at home they are more in touch with their cultural and ancestral roots."

And the link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6921534.stm

So whatever ethnic origin or nationalites you have, any thoughts?  Email's, phone calls, or grabbing hold of me to discuss in person are all welcome if prefered to comments, but it'd be interesting to see thoughts bounce of each other.
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Phil

"I may not agree with what you say..."

"... but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

 

Ok, in fairness I'm probably not willing to die for this cause... but I'm willing to make a blog post about it at least, and that's something eh?

 

Catholic adoption agencies have threatened to shut down if they are not made exempt from the sexual orientation discrimination laws.

I've been known to say the Salvation Army should just pull it's services where the government are making unfair demands.  It's a constant tension between putting up with rules and regulations that cost you, make things harder, and that you simply may oppose, against the desire to help those you're really trying to provide the service for.  In this case, the Roman Catholic church want to help orphans, but at the same time, wont place a child in a homosexual couple household.  The latter would strongly conflict with their beliefs, but if they play hard ball, it may well be the orphans that suffer.

 

To start off with, I think the Catholic position on 'no gay adoption' is wrong, and that homosexual couples should continue to be able to adopt.  I'm not saying I support their decision, but I do respect their opinion, and think as they're providing a service, they shouldn't be forced to go against their beliefs to do it.
They're not aggressively opposing gay adoption - they're not directly suggesting that is should be made illegal (not in this case at least).  Having accepted the state will allow it, and that it's not their decision to say otherwise, they are only asking that they not be forced to assist, that their religious beliefs be held with the same level of respect as other peoples social beliefs.  This is a conflict not easily resolved by all.  But in this case, there's room.  This would be a valid application for exception.  *This* is the sort of thing I get really quite mad a those fundamentalist evangelical nutters who gathered outside the Lords last week, who've destroyed most good chance groups like the Catholic Adoption services have of being treated as reasonable people.

 

I hope this case is considered, and that the children are considered by both sides.  I realise the church can't go around flexing it's muscles to bend parliament to it's will, but likewise, for the state to do the reverse is over the line, and more than a fight, this needs to be an understanding, adult agreement. 

 

For my contribution to the level of maturity in this debate, I'm going to step up my 'suppress fundamentalist morons' campaign and start ear flicking stupid people if they suggest something like a protest.
Catholics - you can thank me later.
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Phil