Remember the 5th of November?
by Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot…
In 1605, a man by the name of Guy Fawkes nearly blew the government of Great Britain to Kingdom Come. Personally, I feel that this historic day is not given anywhere near enough respect.
It’s fairly simple really. On the 5th of November in Great Britain, we gather all the flammables we can find, stuff some old clothes with straw and give it to the kids to earn some money, set the whole lot of it on fire and then let off a mountain of fireworks to turn the night sky to day (And choke everyone on sulphur). It’s a great day for two simple reasons.
1) It shows what happens to people who screw with the government.
2) It reminds the government that power resides with us, the people- not them. And if they forget that we have access to enough gun powder and fire to force a new general election.
So yes, there is no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot. It reminds us we need to be vigilant, and it reminds the government just how far people are willing to go when they get screwed over.
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Post CommentAncient Aspie
On November 5, 2008 at 10:37 am
V for Vendetta – yes, great film, and that’s my favorite line also. Probably would have forgotten about it but for your reminder. At least we ‘Murricans have something more cheery to remember from now on. As bad as things have been here, so much of the news coming out of Great Britain makes me wonder if you guys don’t need another Guy Fawkes. I just hope it doesn’t come to that. Cheers.
C Jordan
On November 5, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Heartfelt article.Interesting parallel with Obama being elected today, in that Guy (Guido) Fawkes was one of 13 conspirators who did it as a protest about predjudice (against catholics) that was rife at the time.
)
As a side, loved Ancient Aspie’s use of “we murricans” reminded me that George Bush always sounds like he is refering to himself as “a merkin” (look it up in a dictionary if you don’t know what one is!
V Botkin
On November 10, 2008 at 11:12 am
I am reminded of that line from the Billy Bragg song:
“Outside the patient millions
Who put them into power
Expect a little more back for their taxes
Like school books, beds in hospitals
And peace in our bloody time
All they get is old men grinding axes”
The irony, of course, is just how little people expect back from their taxes. We ought to expect — nay demand — far more. But for the most part, we are easily bought.
Thanks for the reminder.
Brian James
On November 14, 2008 at 12:41 pm
V for Vendetta was excellent.