21 February 2008

TREFTADAETH GOCH: Insurrection 1831 International Commemoration.

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Photos following are of 1: Penderyn start of Limestone Quarries tramway trail to Hirwaun, well worth a commemorative radical ramble. 2: Hirwaun Common, easiest access for march from Hirwaun to Hirwaun Common where on 31 May 1831 the radicals raised up a Red Flag, ideal location for an annual Red Flag Raising Commemorative rally. 3: Hill above Cefn Coed, looking toward Merthyr Tudful, the workers in 1831 had seized this as a position to counter troop movement from Brecon, Swansea and Abergavenny. 4: Location of site of the Castle Hotel where on 3 June 1831 took place a massacre of 28 workers. 5: The infamous Cyfarthfa Castle, today has an 1831 Exhibition and the vast grounds are ideal for a major Insurrection 1831 International Commemoration - Socialist Festival.
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'Treftadaeth Goch'
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Insurrection 1831 International Commemoration
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2008 & Beyond.
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"Seizing the Time - Reclaiming Our History"
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It is illuminating and perhaps instructive to note that Welsh Nationalists have in the past often condemned an English Educational System for denying the Welsh access to their history. This is not exactly true, as from 1877 the Welsh were very much in charge of their own education system but the people involved being of ''Welsh Anglo - Saxon Protestant'' mind followed the English Imperial line. This ''Welsh Establishments'' had been doing since 1536 and the Protestant Reformation, in particular note Elizabeth I and the two Eisteddfod held in Caerwys which bought off the Bards. These Bards whom were not exactly ''Peoples Remembrancers'' were however in times passed capable of moving ''Patriotic Protests'' and ''National Rebellion'', following Caerwys they were to become the pet poodles of a Protestant English Crown, as were the earliest of Welsh Historians as David Powell (see material on the ''Cambrian Nation'' at http://cofcenedl.blogspot.com/) .

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Whilst not surprising to me it may be surprising to you, that in the Bwrdd yr Iaith Cymraeg website/calendar of Welsh Festivals (Dathlu Cymru) there is represented: Santes Dwynwyn, Dewi Sant, Rugby, Calan May, Gwyl Ifan, The Royal Welsh, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Owain Glyndwr, Calan Gaeaf, Gwyl Beca and Llywelyn ap Gruffydd . Other than perhaps Rugby there is nothing that is specifically rooted to the Urban Industrial South/History and certainly there is no mention of Insurrection 1831 Hirwaun/Merthyr Rising and Lewis Lewis or Dic Penderyn. I high light Gwyl Beca because I find it odd that they place ''Beca'' in Tachwedd when of course ''Beca'' is more associated with 13 May 1839 in West Wales, perhaps more appropriate would have been the Newport Rising of 4 Tachwedd 1839, but no?
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This month there has been much debate amongst Socialists regards the annual Dydd Dewi Parade in Caerdydd following on one Socialists calling upon others of Left Persausion to Demonstrate against this, he perceiving it, quite rightly to be a Nationalist inclined event. However, myself sees no reason to organise a Demonstration against what is fast becoming just a Wales/Cardiff Tourism event. So hardly worth protest against, unless of course the organisers did involve the Welsh Regiments/British Army so rumoured but denied by people associated with it's organisers. Myself suggested Republicans and Socialists boycotting the parade, but if any protest is carried out be it by Socialists or Republicans that should be a protest against English Lord Dafydd Ellis Thomas chief speaker at the event. I suggest Dydd Dewi Day Demonstrations against Devolution, to expose it for being a fraud perpetuated upon the People of Wales, I see that the Dydd Dewi Parade by being taken to the Assembly is somewhat more 'Bread & Circus' than a ''Showcase of Wales''. All this considered, I believe that Socialists rather than demonstrating against this annual Dydd Dewi event in Caerdydd should perhaps be more positive and practical. I believe Socialist ambition and attention needs to focus towards endeavour, enterprize and effort in a establishing and developing a major annual Socialist Festival which I propose be an annual long weekend INSURRECTION 1831 INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION of the Hirwaun/Merthyr Rising.
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If interested in turning this idea into a working Initiative regards above proposal contact me at gethin.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com I doubt if a great deal could be organised this year but I do suggest that you visit Penderyn and Hirwaun over the end of May BH, it's possible to walk on the common but consult maps for proper pathways. Possibly before then, maybe over weekend of the first BH May, an informal meeting of Initiative enthusiasts could be held in Pentre Penderyn, this area is worth a Socialst Weekend break and of course there is the Lamb public House where Lewis Lewis had been imprisoned following is capture after conclusion of the 1831 Insurrection. Other than this, maybe the discussions and debates * being carried out at present and to arise in Months ahead could be organised to take place outside web forum, in Merthyr Tudful as possibly part of an annual 3 June 1831 RED COMMUNE COMMEMORATIVE CONGRESS prior to a RED PICNIC in grounds of Cyfarthfa Castle.

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G.Gruffydd.

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* St David's Day - COUNTER DEMO - Page 4 - urban75 forums - 2 visits - 26 Feb
...and also misses the range of positions within "nationalism". Do you think the St Davids Day parade is a Plaid rally? ...still waiting for some positive ...www.urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=239885&page=4 - 149k
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18 February 2008

MEMORIALISING 1831. Two Memorials Required.

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The One to mark the rising of the Red Flag on Hiraun Common 31 May 1831 and the other marking the massacre at the Castle Inn, Merthyr Tudful 3 June 1831.
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If interested in helping with these two 1831 Memorial Projects please contact me via g.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com.
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Gethin Gruffydd.




























17 February 2008

DEWI DAY DEBATE DEBUNKING OF WHOM & WHAT?...and decisions to be made!

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The Call by a ''Socialist'', for a Demonstration in Cardiff on 1 March 2008 against a ''Nationalist'' Dewi day parade , has on the whole met with derision? Well at least from Welsh Nationalists, not least from ''Left Wing Nationalists'' from within the ranks of the PLAID PINK PACTERS. (not a gay ref, but an old fashioned hard left remark about left liberals). Not least from one of PLAID's Femme Fatale Left Trio, in this case Bethan Jenkins A.M. whom in her Blog (see below) counter attacked Alwyn ap Huw who in his blog MISARABLE OLD FART made attack on Socialism and in particular PLAID Socialists. Bethan in same post went on to make a passionate patriotic plea in support of Dydd Dewi Parading, speaking as a socialist she stated, she was proud to carry a Red Flag in last years Dydd Dewi Parade. Now ain't that just really radical of Bethan, but somehow I cannot see Lewsyn yr Heliwr and other 1831 Revolutionaries be very much up for marching off down to Bae Caerdydd, behind a collection of ''Welsh Celebs'' and leading PLAID personalities, plus a Tory inclined Lord Mayor of Cardiff. Bethan notes in her Blog that the last book she read of late was Ian Bones 'BASH THE RICH', I would have hoped that some of Ian Bones 'Class War' Anarchism would have rubbed off on her. sadly, this is not the case, as no where does our dear Bethan make any remark at the most singular good reason for any true Socialist not to be participating in this years parade down into old Tiger bay, and why? Well who of true Socialist Mind, Belief and Principles would allow them selves to be part of a ''Bread & Circus'' performance that concludes on steps of the so called National Assembly, where waiting to speak to the Dewi Day paraders, is none other than English Lord 'Dic Sion' Dafydd Ellis Thomas. What are you thinking of Bethan?
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The problem I have with Bethan, and I guess CYMRU X as well, is that when push comes to shove these Socialists and ''Radical Republicans'', like most ''Nationalist Republicans'' never stand up to be counted. In Bethans case, I have only to refer back to the much reported matter of her running away from a TV crew who wanted to ask her, her position on Independence. Bethan that time was too fast, but the anwser lays surely in fact that she has removed from her Website & Blog, the pro - Independence sticker sent to her by Hedd ap Gwynfor of a Pro - Independence Blog campaign. I am far from the political position of Alwyn ap Huw but at least you know where he stands, he makes that obviosly clear and often in an Intellectually and Intelligent way. However, as for Bethan et al, can the same be said to be true? The above referred to matter of that 'Independence Issue'' makes me think twice but what really does it for me, is the matter of PLAID and their ENGLISH LORDS, that existing one and three more on the way? Further, of interest in her blog, is Bethan's speaking up for her self as a ''Welsh Nationalist'' and for ''Welsh Nationalism'', here I can hardly condemn her, as I have the same principles, or are they problems really? Whatever, I see where Bethan is coming from on this matter, I have the same ANXT often enough. However, I am fast coming to the oppinion that we are coming up to a line to cross, It's push comes to shove time again, time to get off the fence and realise there really is no middle road and we are fools to believe there is.

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In the case of this years Dydd Dewi 2008 Cardiff parade, there is a decision that ''Welsh Socialists'' and those of ''Welsh Republican'' inclination have to make? Do they participate in a parade that has this year been ''politicised'' in the interest of possibly providing a circus, or rather now more a distraction from the fact that PLAID are failing to deliver the goods to satisfy Patriotic aspirations. Even their own members are getting really disappointed regards issues as the closure of Schools in Gwynedd and not seeing to it that 'Y Byd' was well funded. Many Nationalists are seeing the Cardiff Bay Coalition which has given Plaid Power in the Assembly as a price to high for failings elsewhere. All of which is only proving that Devolution is means by which a central Goverment may manage and rule all the more effeiciently and effectivelly it's outer regions and colonies. Further, by now even the most loyal PLAIDITE must realise that the Labour Party has ''Stitched em up'', that is their PLAID coalition partners down at the ''Palace of Malice'' in Ole Tiger Bay. Plaid A.M's inc Bethan no doubt are being ''hugged closely and smothered to slowly''. Plaid A.M's must be desperate to look good, appear to be up for the ''Wrap the Flag Around Me'' form of Patriotism to mask their exposed position regards referendum on increased powers for the Assembly. Not least a bit of Dewi Day ''Razz Matazz'' to again distract from fact that they have no real Princilpes or Policies regards the seeking of Welsh Independence, but the irony is that most ''Welsh Nationalists/Republicans/Socialists'' of a Plaid Persuasion are quite happy to go along with being fooled with distraction and diversions. If ever there was ever a time, it is now for Plaidwyr to show more guts and detirmination than their leaders who but seek short term gains rather regards setting out to achieve more subtantial ends. But will they? I very much doubt it, if the supposedly most radical amongst them as Bethan Jenkins, think and act as they all do? rather pathetically but ain't that the Plaid Cymru story really.
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So what to do, regards Dydd Dewi Parade Caerdydd 2008? Certainly I oppose calls for Demonstrations against a rather harmless Patriotic event, even though I consider it to be ''Politicised'' for ends with which I could not agree with or be part of. Though, in spirit of Ian Bones Class War I am not opposed to anyone who seeks to BASH THE RICH, note B.J. that includes your ENGLISH LORDS too. I bet they are not only Welsh but Wealthy as well, out of the SAXON SHILLINGS they have pocketd over the years. However, any protest must not interfere with other peoples pleasure in parading, I mean here the Kiddies in their Welsh Costumes, and of corse the twee ''Tartan Taffies''. If your just a Welsh 'Wrap the Flag Around me' Nationalist, then by all means do your Patriotic bit for Dewi & Cymru but at least represent your Nationalist Cause and Campaign for Welsh Independence and not appear just to be just there for the eating of Welsh Cakes and wearing of leeks and ''Investiture'' Dafodils. But if your a Socialist or Republican, I cannot see how you could allow yourselves to be used by appeals to patriotism to march in a Parade, led by Pied Pipers to listen to a man who is not only an ENGLISH LORD but also a RENEGADE SOCIALIST and even a betrayer of Welsh Nationalism in which he does not believe in anyway. I am just amazed how Plaidwyr bury their heads in the sand when it comes to this BRADWR FAWR, but there that's Plaidwyr for you? what really amazes me though are the so called ''Welsh Republicans'' who are participating in this, some even helping to organise it? Whatever, if there is to be any Patriotic Protest or Dewi Day Demonstration, make it a DEMONSTRATION AGAINST DEVOLUTION or even a DEMONSTATION FOR DEVOLUTION OF POWER TO OUR COMMUNITIES as called for by Huw Lewis, Labour A.M. for Merthyr Tudful. If you intend to Protest & Demonstrate, then I suggest you do so outside the Assembly and not in or around the Dydd Dewi Parade ok! Oh Yes! lets not forget that most traditional of Slogans, which many seem to have forgotten, in both the ranks of all of the Establishment Political Paties >>>>
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Lets March in the footsteps of those who during the first week in June 1831 established a Peoples Commune, near enough and that's good enough inspiration for me. Inspiration, to read in to what Huw Lewis calls for as possibly a call for ''DEVOLUTION ALL AROUND'', does that sound familiar, think Cymru Fydd! So, perhaps it's time to say, all power to Peoples Assemblies or lets call them RED COMMUNES?



Lotta Continua.
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Adfywiad Goch.
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Gethin.
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SEE DEWI DAY DEBATE LINKS BELOW, come on ''Welsh Republicans'' don't be shy, lets hear what you got to say on these important matters, if you have got anything to say that is? Your all so very quite, what lost your tounges?
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St David's Day - COUNTER DEMO - Page 6 - urban75 forums This prompted people to start taking the flags in "protest" anyway. ... Thing is though Udo most people who celebrate St David's day don't vote Plaid and ...www.urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=239885&page=6 - 130k - Cached - Similar pages - Note thisMore results from www.urban75.net »
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Bethan Jenkins AC/AM
As was said in the comment section of Alwyn's blog, Plaid's membership is made up .... Bethan Jenkins. bethan: Aelod Cynulliad Plaid Cymru dros Gorllewin De ...bethanjenkins.blogspot.com/ - 179k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
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Miserable</FONT> Old Fart - 16 Feb Ms Jenkins asks in her post Is there anything more miserable than a Miserable Old Fart? Unfortunately it appears that the answer is YES. ...miserableoldfart.blogspot.com/ - 113k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
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St David's Day - COUNTER DEMO - Page 7 - urban75 forums Where's Niclas to defend his leader's St David's Day celebration on Wall Street .... Middle Eastern affairs and news, announce: protests, demos and actions ...www.urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=7147934 - 76k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
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