Do You Think James Mcclean Has A Point In Not Wearing A Poppy?

[sp1814]

I think for him, given his background, it makes sense - and I have a degree of sympathy for him, because at this time of year the 'poppy fascists' come out in force.

I always buy a few each year (one for each suit I wear to work), but I understand that others may view poppies as a symbol of support of our military - where in fact, it's supposed to honour all those that have died in conflict (including civilians).

What are your thoughts?

[ChillDoubt]

Hypocrite, IMHO.
As pointed out by the MP in one of the other links in the link:

"He should reconsider who his paymasters are or move elsewhere so there isn't a problem," Mr Campbell told the Belfast Telegraph

"He needs to keep his head down and play football, but what he shouldn't do while earning money from the UK is set himself up as a controversial pseudo-political figure, which is what he's doing."

Seems fair. If he feels the need to turn his back whilst the national anthem is being played he ought to reconsider where he plays his football and for whom.

[Mamyalynne]

So, if we are saying he should shut up when asked and simply wear the Poppy, that's OK?

Disagree on that point, it would be hypocritical and is not the reason to wear one.

[ChillDoubt]

I'm pondering if he'd get anywhere near the same wages if he chose to play for a team from Ireland, or one with connections to Republican ideology?

Just askin' like......

[Pete65]

I would imagine his employers knew all about him when they offered him a job.
He is doing what he is paid for, and I doubt very much if there was anything in his contract about poppies or anthems, when he signed.
It is up to each individual if they wear a Remembrance poppy or not.
There will be many thousands of people not wearing poppies on Remembrance Sunday.
I would not be surprised if the poppy wearers were in the minority, in fact.

[Mick-the-Miller]

'Poppy Facists' what are you talking about? Are you nuts - you wear a Poppy in respect for all the people who have died, been injured or suffered in some other way in order that you can have the freedom to insult them and their memory.

James Maclean is a stupid, thoughtless Footballer being paid generously by a British club and enjoys the Freedom to act like a prat!

[ChillDoubt]

My thoughts too Mick. I was always led to believe that it's a symbol of remembrance for ALL who have died in conflict.
Principled....or hypocritical attention-seeker?
I'll go with the latter.....

[anotheoldgit]

Was Graham Norton being a 'Fascist' when all his guests wore a World's Aid Day ribbon?

The BBC apparently thought so.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25317116

[woofgang]

aog, not fascist but in breach of the corporate rules.

[Cloverjo]

I don't wear a poppy. This is because I choose to give my money to other charities. I do not disrespect the fallen soldiers. I will observe the minute's silence wherever I am and think about the sacrifices that were made for my freedom.
I agree with sp about people's choices. I don't see why everyone should have to wear a poppy if they appear on TV or work in a certain business.

[ummmm]

Likewise...I've never worn a poppy in my life but I do buy them and always put a few quid in the box of a poppy seller.

My granddad ran away and joined the British army aged 15. His older sister phoned (whoever) informing them of his age and he was sent home (to Ireland) he re-joined aged 16. He was blown off his motorbike after hitting a landmine aged 18. As soon as he was considered fit he was returned to training which played havoc with his injuries and was eventually discharged.

He lived the rest of his life in immense pain but was paid an injured soldiers pension til the day he died.

I knew about the accident but only found out more details about it at his funeral.

[bazwillrun]

too many people as usual missing the point and....

Its to remember the fallen...and its to raise and keep awareness in the public eye in order to raise money for the charities that luckily still do something for those that gave their lives for this country....and unfortunately thats given a place for an awful lot of ungrateful filth we have in this country to live amongst us and hate everything about us, not adopt our culture , do nothing whatsoever to fit in in any way or form.... the total opposite....

would the fallen have done the same knowing this was the outcome ?

dont see so many complaints when people are expected to wear a pink ribbon for homosexuals !!

[bazwillrun]

this footballer is a nobody and needs to learn a lesson, but as always with footballers, special cases seem to be made to justify what ever they seem to do...he is a disgrace...but hey ho no surprise

[Gromit]

Bazwillrun,

// would the fallen have done the same knowing this was the outcome ? //

Yes they would. It is disgraceful to suggest that they wouldn't have fought for freedom. Not everyone is rabid in their hatred of foreigners and homosexuals.

[Pete65]

Have a walk along your local High Street on Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day and see how many people are wearing poppies.
I would suggest that most won't be wearing one.
That is their choice.
Coercing people to wear a poppy is wrong.
McClean and anyone else who chooses not to wear one, are perfectly entitled not to.

[Mamyalynne]

Perfectly put Pete.

To suggest that the sacrifices made and the freedom won now equates to a situation where you damn well wear a Poppy or else, makes a mockery of everything our heroes fought to achieve.

[bazwillrun]

" hatred of foreigners and homosexuals. "

usual distorting of things from you...no change there

please point out in my post where i said i hated homosexuals and where i say i hate foreigners ?....take your time

[viv41]

Pete65, I was shopping in town on Friday and I saw poppy wearers everywhere walking along the high street, so I would imagine they'd still be wearing them on Rememberance Day too.

[Prudie]

Pete I'd strongly disagree, it very much depends where you live. Here in the 'Shires' nearly everyone is wearing a poppy in the street and at work.

As for the OP I completely agree with what Chillidoubt said up there. He has every right to not wear a poppy but shouldn't use his privileged position in an English league team to mouth off about it, we had exactly the same thing about the National Anthem singing.

[THECORBYLOON]

"dont see so many complaints when people are expected to wear a pink ribbon for homosexuals !!"

BAZWILLRUN, who said we had to wear a pink ribbon?

[jd_1984]

"If the poppy was simply about World War One and Two victims alone, I’d wear it without a problem"

I can see his point, its a personal choice and if he wasn't a footballer he would never be asked to justify it in the first place.