Does this image say to you, ‘Breach of Working at Height Regulations 2005’ - or something else ?

Musings of an Ultimate Champagne Socialist

Patriotism or Propaganda?

In light of the latest YouGov poll about current voter intentions (click on the link to show results), I thought I’d highlight something both topical and personal.

First of all, let me state that I have no political allegiance to any one party. I’m thankful that I still live in a democracy that allows everyone in the United Kingdom to choose freely. Sure, there are parties that I doubt that I will ever vote for because their policies have never aligned, nor ever likely to align with my own beliefs, principles or values. My biggest worry is that I live in a society where some of my fellow Sheffield South East constituents would question why Plaid Cymru or the Scottish Nationalist Party don’t field candidates in South Yorkshire, England! I pray that God gives me the strength each day to have patience these people and others of voting age.

The other day, I got called the ‘Ultimate Champagne Socialist’ by a Reform UK supporter. I found this highly amusing, not least because I don’t even like champagne. Even if I did, I still wouldn’t pour it on my cornflakes after a socialist revolution and the redistribution of wealth in society.

So how did this all come about?  

There is currently a humongous Union flag draping the whole front elevation of the former Derbyshire County Council premises in Chesterfield. It has become a bit of a hot topic in the area and indeed has received national exposure in the media. You know the thing - is it patriotism or covert propaganda for someone’s nationalist agenda? It brought to mind the time that I did a charity gig at a 'Help For Heroes' event. The only person missing from the crowd was Oswald Mosely. I disassociated myself from the charity thereafter. That's a shame but unfortunately a reflection on how some of the less-noble in society hijack a good cause to further their own agendas.

The building in question is now owned by a self-anointed ‘philanthropist’ and property developer. But there’s been a bit of a ding-dong going on in the background between the owner and the local authority on some issues. It has been perceived that the flag draping is an expression of belligerence by the owner towards the local authority.

In fact, this is the second flag on the building. The first advertised a website (which is in breach of Planning Law legislation). That bit the dust during Stormy Amy if my memory serves me correctly. This second one is much larger but minus the advertising. In addition, some images have appeared below the flag with the fallen soldier ‘Remembrance’ connotation.

So here we go. Knowing a little bit about the background, I came down on the side of the arguments against the flag being displayed on the side of the building. Cue vitriol on all sides of the debate and me acquiring the label of ‘Ultimate Champagne Socialist’. I might add that this was probably the politest of the titles I was given.

What do I conclude from all of this and what is happening in society at large?

Division and polarisation is exacerbating - driven by ignorance, misinformation and yes, frustration.

By all means, have an opinion and articulate it. But be nice. I’m thick-skinned enough to shrug-off matters. Some people are more fragile and don’t have the capacity to fight against injustice and extreme agendas.

Addendum: If I had to nail my colours to the flag mast, it would probably be somewhere just left of centre of the building.

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