cont'd

Dear Houellebecq,

I don't pretend to have all the answers.
If I did I'd be a man. :)

Houellebecq,
And? Are you a literary or cuisine critic or something? :-)

Fractelle
I have concerns that most Ǜber patriots generally fall into two categories those messianic complexes and those who need the emotional security of being part of the mass to validate their existence. The latter relying more on Dogma of others rather than logical analysis/argument to “prove” their stance. Like I said his basic attitude is the same as my late FIL. I would surmise at home he was more of petty opinionated dictator (Alf Garnett + or – is probably near the mark). They tend to see ‘soft terms like environment, sensitivity, thought etc” as signs of weakness. Like wise they are prone to do or die loyalty to tough (parental like) leaders. Answers are always simplistic and black or white.
This type of individual is usually resentful/fearful of those they can’t dominate. Their partners are usually mice occasionally one may rebel/challenge then his (usually male) vitriol etc is extreme and desperate in an attempt to regain their self belief in their correctness. To admit their partner could be right will under mine their confidence as theirs is a brittle edifice.
In their hands patriotism takes on a weapon with which to batter intelligent arguments to death with.
Cure? Ignore them.

Examinator

In a rational world your recommendation to ignore the "Alf Garnett's" is good sense.

And most of the time I can and do. However, it doesn't hurt (from time to time) to let the AG's know that their illusions are not shared by others though they are deafened by their own rhetoric.

Where they see compassion as weakness, silence is misconstrued as agreement.

Freedom of speech is not achieved by silence - oxymoronic? Yes.

examinator,

'have concerns that most patriots generally fall into two categories those messianic complexes and those who need the emotional security of being part of the mass to validate their existence. The latter relying more on Dogma of others rather than logical analysis/argument to “prove” their stance. Like I said his basic attitude is the same as my late FIL. I would surmise at home he was more of petty opinionated dictator (Alf Garnett + or – is probably near the mark). They tend to see ‘soft terms like environment, sensitivity, thought etc” as signs of weakness. Like wise they are prone to do or die loyalty to tough (parental like) leaders. Answers are always simplistic and black or white.
This type of individual is usually resentful/fearful of those they can’t dominate. Their partners are usually mice occasionally one may rebel/challenge then his (usually male) vitriol etc is extreme and desperate in an attempt to regain their self belief in their correctness. To admit their partner could be right will under mine their confidence as theirs is a brittle edifice.
In their hands patriotism takes on a weapon with which to batter intelligent arguments to death with.
Cure? Ignore them.'

That's priceless. Blah blah blah.
Gotta say it, what a lot of pompous rubbish. You really are the champion of pigeon holing groups of 'those people'. It must be so nice to have such a sense of superiority, and to faux-analyise these fictional 'types of people', and tell us all about all the shortcomings they have and how you are obviously so much better than them. Good work!

“I bet Col has a framed portrait of M Thatcher on his wall at home.”

I don’t

but when did the truth or accuracy ever figure in one of your posts, which are invariably populated by the judgmental asides of the small minded…

I have mostly reprints of Canaletto Venetian landscapes, some early 19th century politics prints, 16th century map of Southern England and that’s the lounge… the themes of the dining and family rooms are entirely different but I have made my point, which is

you are, as usual, speaking through your opinionated backside.

Foxy, regarding your dissertation on “Patriotism”. Patriotism, to some degree, is inherent in all people with a healthy perspective of their life and how it relates to their origins.

Regardless that we might call it “patriotism” or “pride”, those without it are invariably cynical and lacking in spirit, purpose, balance, perspective, understanding or direction.

Some posters here seem to find fault and enjoy parodying what they perceive as my “patriotism” to that of certain television characters.

Such is their lack of understanding
Such is their cynicism
Such is their envy, for they clearly lack sufficient pride in themselves, they have to denigrate and ridicule it in others.

And unlike some of the small minded, cynical and envious critters, my sense of right and balance propels me to support their freedom to post as they see fit,

rather than suggest the only reason I post is because “Graham certainly gives him a great more latitude than he does others.”

Such small minds, cluttering the threads,

a well, freedom of speech, like democracy, is not perfect but it is infinitely superior to any of the alternatives

Anyone if free to ignore my posts but no one, except GY & Co, have the authority to censor or supress them

Col,

I simply don't believe you.

If you don't have a picture of Margaret... just why not. She was such a wonderful woman. And you obviously love her so. Ah, all those ideas and musings and wonderful policies, the attitudes about society and tough love, oh Col you just have to get a picture. That is if you're not just being coy as I suspect. I can only think if one was to look at a picture of Margaret every morning, well, that has to be a wonderful start to any day. How endlessly and effortlessly inspiring.

BTW: What kind of pictures do you think Margaret has on her walls. Huh? Answer that one? Come on!