26 / 01 / 2009
It’s been said that the British created the Republican form of government in India:
The English language helped to unite the different language speaking communities and the British railway system helped to unite the country geographically.
To illustrate the importance of a unifying language, Churchill, upon hearing of India’s Independence, said something like
“We should never have taught them [...]
“Macedonia” is just a geographical term, just like…India. Really?
It’s been said that the British created the Republican form of government in India:
The English language helped to unite the different language speaking communities and the British railway system helped to unite the country geographically.
To illustrate the importance of a unifying language, Churchill, upon hearing of India’s Independence, said something like
“We should never have taught them English. India is a geographical term. It is no more a united nation than the Equator.”
By pointing these quotes out, please do not think I am either anti or pro-Churchill. I think he did great things for Britain. These quotes do, however, give insight into Churchill’s mindset towards the independence of India. No, he wasn’t thinking of Scotland either.
Divide and Conquer, and that was the winning formula of the now defunct British Empire. When not successful occupying the target country with that strategy or if in doubt, make it then something “absolutely” Generic, such as a region, a concept, an ideal that serves humanity, a world heritage that belongs to all… etc.
Another srategy somewhat more expensive than simple but powerful political statements, is to create an organization that drives and oversees the revision of the history of the region. Such History would first unite the people with a common and happy past, and then divide them according to a well designed attribute or characteristic.
If still not successful then perhaps one should start thinking about calling in under the auspices of local consular services, cultural attachees included, various Human Rights organizations or animal rights groups. They are abundant, well subsidized, and their job is to protect the rights of any oprressed minorites. Cats, dogs and other not domesticated animals are plentiful in warm countires roaming free and without a nametag or collar.
Not to worry: minorities are bound to be found anyway, and as far as oppressed ones are concerned one can always employ the services of the BBC or CNN. We have the will and the money, they have the way, and that’s a winning combilation.
The only snag? History is repeating very rapidly nowadays and this generation has actually cycled through its similar hoops many times already. This generation has fresh memories. And that, my Churchillian friends is a problem.
Macedonia is Greece. Any northern neighbors willing to join in they can apply for greek citizenship. They will become naturalized Greeks. Some of them have become Bulgarians. Their choice.
The stolen Parthenon Sculptures are not part of the West’s cultural heritage caged in the British Museum. They are part of the Hellenic Heritage. Return them to their rightful owners, the Greek people.
A.Antoniadis | 26 / 01 / 2009 | OPINION-NET | Tags: "VARDARSKA" YES, "MACEDONIA" NO!, Churchill, Europe, Macedonia |
A native of Greece and a graduate of the B’ Gymnasium in Athens. Studied Engineering and Fine Arts at McGill and Concordia U. Active in community projects and enjoys music, philosophy and the greek islands.
