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> With all due respect, David, the only possible basis for a comparison
among
> Wales, Scotland, and Ireland (the South, presumably) is the perspective of
> the has-been colonial power common to the histories of all three--a
vantage
> point you might be said to occupy geographically, but which hardly seems
> consistent with the stances you usually take here politically.

Unfortunately, in respect of all three countries, the colonial power is
still not has-been, and even more so it remains unretired in respect of
England itself, which remains, in its heart and marches, still its own first
and most foremost colony.
Except, in respect this time of all four countries, that they are more and
more economic and cultural colonies of a fourth, larger and more powerful
nation. One which quite deliberately employs cultural imperialism as a means
to economic dominance.
Long live the French film industry.

As for my political stance, I am quite at a loss to know what you are
reading into my perspective on Cymru. Whatever it is, it's not mine.

regards

david


----- Original Message -----
From: Candice Ward <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2001 6:54 AM
Subject: Re: Wales


> David Bircumshaw wrote:
>
> <But any honest response to Welsh culture today has to compare it with
that
> of Scotland or Ireland now and I'm afraid the comparison is not
favourable.>
>
>     Why?
>
> And what would be "honest" about a response that compared Welsh culture
with
> those of two other countries with two different native languages, neither
of
> which is Welsh?
>
> With all due respect, David, the only possible basis for a comparison
among
> Wales, Scotland, and Ireland (the South, presumably) is the perspective of
> the has-been colonial power common to the histories of all three--a
vantage
> point you might be said to occupy geographically, but which hardly seems
> consistent with the stances you usually take here politically.
>
> So, what gives? I wonder, after having followed this exchange between you
> and Matthew for the last couple of days, if it hasn't really moved beyond
> the issue of useage (i.e., "provincial").
>
> Bemusedly,
>
> Candice