Let us be thankful that we have moved on from petty divisions and wasteful wars. Let us build schools that teach creativity rather than hierarchy.
Living in the UK during the process of Brexit is a confusing time. I was discussing this with people yesterday. We started talking over earlier conflicts and how if we were living in the 17th Century we would likely be at war already!
Looking Back To The Good Old Days
Realizing the English civil-wars of the 17th century were focused on divisions very similar to what we face in the UK today regarding to the sovereignty of parliament.
With the main difference being that nowadays we do not try to kill our opponents with swords or muskets; but by endless dialogue. It did occur to me how grateful we should be that times have changed.
A Battle Of Hierarchy
The argument back then was of the Crown authority being superior to Parliament, King Charles I (who didn’t end the wars to well) was increasingly pushed into a corner by the then Parliament who had grown disillusioned by the Kings need for tax rises to pay for wars as well as his possible conversion to the Catholic faith.
Does The UK Give Too Much To The EU ?
With the main arguments against the EU being concerning the amount of money paid in to be a member (incidentally which is on average £50 per year by each person); the other main concerns being how much power the EU has over the UK parliament. The similarities of the political conflict are there.. but the method of fighting is different.
But For How Long
With a 50 / 50 split in the vote for either side we do now live in a country deeply divided. each family has people on both sides, the entrenched positions have gathered within each house and over the dinner table. Such was the problem in the 17th century with families being divided over battle fields.
The danger comes if people on either side begin to lose faith in their own Parliament, already we are seeing a huge rise in far right activists – with the UK police now stating that far right terrorism is a greater threat than what we have seen from religious extremists. The danger is now ever present but let us hope we prove ourselves better than earlier generations. Let us not hope terrorism becomes the new area of conflict.
Conflict Is A Horrendous Thing
Battlefields always carry an unknown number of civilian deaths; though I am not saying we will return to pike and sword but through more insidious methods. Let us remember now the stories of unprotected towns and cities being sacked by both sides. Let us not return to conflict but find ways to learn from the past and break down the barriers without the use of violence, but with learning and understanding.
Discussing This Online
if it was the 17th century we’d be at war about this already.. glad were not as the ECW was proper shit.. that at least is an achievement! ☮️
— Dan Mansfield 🏴 🌹 🍀 (@seekerart7) April 2, 2019
