HAVE A NICE St DAVID's DAY 2008: Participate? Protest? Boycott?

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Whatever, but do not demonstrate against the St David's Day Parade, that would just be negative and you would win over no one to any cause, certainly not any Socialist Struggle. I have suggested however, that even Socialists could participate and use to their own 'Agit - Prop' purpose? Some Radical Nationalists are using the parade to advance their calls for a Parliament with more powers whilst others are using the parade as a Platform for Welsh Independence. However, myself and I would advise Radical nationalists, Republicans and Socialists not to participate in the parade, but boycott in protest regards the organisers ''politicising'' the event in favour of PLAID.

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This is a big mistake of the parade organisers, but after all they are Nationalists, and most of them are members of PLAID or otherwise support that party. The parade has a bit of a ''Roman Circus'' about it, in so far that the parade marches into the lap of English Lord and Devolution Dilettante Dafydd Ellis Thomas. I have no doubt that it will also be to the advantage of PLAID Minister of Heritage Rhodri Glyn Thomas, and so what you might say? Well work it out! Thus, yes I say, I hope Socialists will not demonstrate against the Dewi Day Parade but boycott and pop off down to the Assembly to hold alternative positive and practical protest about issues close to your Socialist Heart, or even make call for the setting up of a Welsh Workers Republic but do so separate of the Parade unless you are detirmined to make a positive contribution, in one way or another.

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At same time, all that aside if anyone wishes to hold placards under the nose of Dafydd Ellis Thomas with the message TA! TA! THOMAS - English Lords Not Wanted In Wales! Also if it comes upon you heckle or boo him. why not? Other than that, well the British Army is in the City, why not demonstrate against them recruiting Welsh Lads to fight in England's foreign wars. I would have thought that this is what Plaid Left, Cymru X and CND Cymru would have been doing anyway rather than parading in memory of a misogynist old Welsh Saint? Ble Mae'r Bethan, Leanne a Jill Nawr? So much for their Socialist Republicanism???????

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Above is a little Dydd Dewi Artwork, my Dydd Dewi Day greeting, I do it with Red Daffodils, as I doubt if you would appreciate Yellow 'Investiture' Daffs. I send greetings in particular to all Socialists who have been having an healthy and interesting debate in St David's Day - COUNTER DEMO - Page 7 - urban75 forums
St David's Day - COUNTER DEMO Wales/Cymru. ... St. David's Day is to celebrate Welsh national feeling, .... Last edited by Karac : 22-02-2008 at 20:12. ...www.urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=7147934 - 76k - Cached - Similar pagesMore results from www.urban75.net » Nice one! best discussion of an arising issue that I have read for a while, useful to me and others, the discussion even persuaded me on a number of points which I will give further due consideration. Thus Udo, Lewis and Penderyn right on comrades! I think we will all be discussing this issue again, as I can see the day coming around when the Welsh Regiments/British Army will want to march in the parade. After all Dydd Dewi always has been part of the Welsh Regiment/British Army from AZINCOURT 1415 to Revolutionary America and Ireland in the 18th Century, to present day Iraq and Afghanistan, just watch the TV Sat night.

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G.Gruffydd.

LEWIS LEWIS 2008 DEBATES ST DAVID's DAY DEMONSTRATION?

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St David's Day - COUNTER DEMO - Page 4 - urban75 forums - 3 visits - 08:17
...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 - Cached - Similar pages - Note thisMore results from www.urban75.net »

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Anarchists in Wales have a number of platforms and forums, I have yet to suss them all out and decide which of many is the appropriate one to place here. Whilst I ponder on this go search web for Gagged - South Wales Anarchists, if you have suggestions let me know ok!

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The following may be of some advantage perhaps, check it out and use if you consider appropriate to do so >>>Revolutionary Platform Network To read messages from me, I particularly recommend my socialist blog (which is my only moderated forum) and the Foundation for PR-based Socialism Yahoo! ...www.revolutionaryplatform.net/ - 16k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

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Gethin.

INSURRECTION 1831: The Forgotten Heroes, Lewis Lewis and others.

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Forgotten Heroes.

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If Dic Penderyn is martyr of the 1831 Insurrection then there is no doubt as to whom stands out as it's leader and largely ignored and forgotten hero, but not fortunately by professor Gwyn Alf Williams who in his book makes it clear that one man stands out as an heroic leader of the 1831 Insurrection. That is Lewis Lewis best known in those times and now as Lewsyn yr Heliwr, at one point in his book Gwyn Alf compares Lewsyn to Emiliano Zapata. It is as men of such standing that Lewsyn steps upon the stage of history to become hero of the 1831 Insurrection and through course of events of the Hirwaun and Merthyr Rising to his trial Lewsyn stands out in the crowd. It is perhaps no great mystery of this whole story that at the trial of those to be perceived as ring leaders, it is Lewsyn that the Establishment wants to really nail down, in such a way that he is made out of sight and out of mind. It is sad that after over 175 years since these events of 1831 that Lewis Lewis - Lewsyn yr Heliwr has been placed into the shadow corners of our history by the Welsh History establishment and others with political motives. To Welsh Establishments since 1831, of both certain Socialist and Nationalist minds, it has been more profitable to their purpose to present to the people as an example of virtue, the ''passive martyr'', Dic Penderyn. For the truth is that Lewsyn yr Heliwr was far too much percieved to be an example to a down trodden, oppressed and exploited people. Thus Lewis Lewis was to become the forgotten hero of 1831, time we did something about that! Thankfully, Sian Ifans has been working hard to this end in researching the life and times of Lewis Lewis and is now near to completing a book on Lewsyn yr Heliwr - Forgotten Hero. I have seen the draft and it's going to be an excellent and very informative read which will definatly lift Lewis Lewis out of the dark shadows of our history. But more it will make sure he his placed on a plinth along with coutless other Workers Heroes, to be remembered - NOT FORGOTTEN!

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Our views today tend to be distracted by the martyrdom of Dic Penderyn, his innocence or guilt? Myself considers that there is no doubt that Lewsyn is leader of the Insurrection and as Gwyn Alf points out Lewis and others have planned an insurrection. It is thus as leader, plotter and planner of rebellion that Lewsyn is without doubt an hero to the people of the Penderyn, Hirwaun and Merthyr. Myself considers it sensible to state that if Lewsyn was hung there quite possibly would have been very violent retribution and re occurrence of rebellion in perhaps the whole of the industrial areas of 'Blaenau Morgannwg'. For such reason it is poignant that Dic Penderyn is hung given an obviously comradely relationship between the two men. There are many reasons for us to remember the story of Dic Penderyn and he being remembered as a Welsh Working Class Martyr but in this commemoration I feel the time has arrived for us to remember also the other heroes of the 1831 Insurrection, not least Lewis Lewis also known as Lewsyn yr Heliwr - Welsh Workers Hero.
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I am very mindful of fact that 28 other heroes were shot by the soldiers in and around the Castle Inn, Merthyr Tudful on the 3 June 1831, the memory of whom need to be remembered at 12 noon in area of Castle Inn site annually on 3 June. In time hopefully a suitable memorial mural or sculpture should be placed there, not in the too distant future, I would hope. Tommy Cooper can get a fitting memorial tribute in Caerffili but Lewis Lewis, Dic Penderyn on other heroes of 1831 cannot? Something very wrong about that, want to discuss it! Do something about it! Contact me gethin.apgruffyd@ntloworld.com

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In Spirit of Lewis Lewis - Lewsyn yr Heliwr - Wokers Hero, I have made this baner but a Cymdeithas Lewsyn yr Heliwr awaits greater interest, if interested contact me via email address above.

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G.Gruffydd.

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 - Cached - Similar pages - Note thisMore results from www.urban75.net »

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.

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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A CALL FOR CLASS WAR: Socialism V Nationalism V Socialism V Nationalism.

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I found the following whilst surfing around the Welsh Web Wonderland, this item I found on a Nationalist Blog: Misarable Old Fart in a post titled: And they wonder why I hate socialism! it goes on: The following quote is from a socialist who wishes to arrange a counter demonstration against the St David's day parade in Cardiff. It is typical of the socialist mindset. Read it and understand why I hate the fact that the likes of Adam Price, Bethan Jenkins and Leanne Wood have dragged Plaid Cymru into the socialist mire. Socialism and Nationalism are clearly incompatible ideologies. Plaid must decide either nationalism or socialism it can't be both!

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The Item complained about:

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As we know over the last few years the nationalists have stepped up their attempts to impose conformity and their bigoted ideology on our locale, they will be using St David's Day to impose the idea that Wales is a nation cosily united - rich and poor - against English oppression and waving their flags. They will be attempting to construct a 'welsh identity' that never existed and various other ideas that mystify social reality, class division and block the forming of genuine grassroots culture based on solidarity and diy principles. It's time to organise a class war counter parade stating clearly -No nations! No borders!Internationalism and solidarity! The working class has no country! Somebody Welsh on the minimum wage has more in common with an English or Polish worker than a welsh millionaire!We will create our own culture from below that is fluid and dynamic not have some fake culture based on nationalism, patriotism and other authoritarian and servile crap forced upon us.

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Originally sourced from the following, see via link here: St David's Day - COUNTER DEMO - urban75 forums Last edited by Dic Penderyn : 12-02-2008 at 15:06. ..... Much as I detest the St David's Day parade's vacuous flag-waving, I'm tempted to organise a ...www.urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=7101678 - 126k - Cached - Similar pages

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My Comment: A Bit O.T.T. Comrade, better things to demonstrate against than against a Dewi Day Parade, like for instance Brit Army recruiters at work in Caerdydd on Dydd Dewi or is England's Foreign wars no longer a big issue with the ''Ultra Brit Left'' in Cymru. I am not totally opposed to some of your Socialist sentiments but try and get it into your head Wales was, maybe still is England's First Colony and take your socialist reasoning from this strarting point. Welsh History is not all Princes you know, the Welsh Revolt of 1294 was very much a Popular Rebellion and Glyndwr's war very much a peasants revolt. Lord Grey, Glyndwr's arch enemy had 184 Serfs at start of War but at it's conclusion he only had eight left. Whatever, yes, I am up for some Class or as I would call it, 'CRACHWAR' but may I suggest that if you want to demonstrate on Dydd Dewi why not protest against the Politicians down in Old Tiger Bay, instead of having a go at Dydd Dewi Paraders, take your 'Angry Anxt' out on the likes of ENGLISH LORD 'Dic Sion' Dafydd Elis Thomas who will be on steps of the 'Assembly of Appeasement' on Dydd Dewi to greet the Annual Saint David's Day Parade.

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The Parade, which is sponsored in main by Cambria Magazine with the backing of the National Assembly for Wales and Cardiff Council, will start from the National Museum of Wales at 1.15pm and end at the Assembly at 2.15. Everybody is invited to join the parade or welcome the marchers when they arrive at the Assembly. If you do intend to protest keep it peaceful with some good practical and positive purpose, not least because children are about in the parade and at the Assembly to learn about Democracy and politics, as how to vote for Politicians. So. I guess it's alright to teach the children how to protest against Politicians too, after all the right to hold protest Demonstrations is also an essential requirement in any Democracy. Right on then!.

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Lotta Continua!

Gethin Gruffydd.

INSURRECTION 1831 COMMEMORATION 2008.

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Annual Ceremony of Rising up of the Red Flag on Hirwaun Common.

Saturday 31 May 2008

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Annual Merthyr Rising Commemoration

Sunday 1 June 2008

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Further information in due course or if you wish some details in advance contact myself at g.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com

TOWER COLLIERY CLOSURE TRIBUTE.

Hirwaun 25 - 01 - 2008
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The Last Day

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Continued:

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Thank you to the Miners of Tower Colliery for all you achieved, a great example to Workers at home and abroad. You are an inspiration to the People of Wales, may we follow in your footsteps to provide prosperity and well being for our Country and Communities in the years ahead.
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Gethin Gruffydd.
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Above photos were taken by Sian Ifans, you may reuse but please credit, diolch.

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1831 ALIVE: Living History Interpretation Society

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On 30th May 1831 political reformers gathered at Twyn y Waun on Merthyr Common and then marched into Merthyr Tudful, the next day 31st May 1831 another reform gathering was held on Hirwaun common however, this Reformers Rally was hi – jacked by militant radicals more concerned with holding their own ''Natural Justice Protest''or maybe a preplanned Insurrection. They then and there sacrificed a calf and dipped a white Reform flag in it’s blood, and thence raised their Red flag. This flag and their slogan of 'Bara Neu Waed' were to the fore in events of days to follow most prominently on 3 June with attack on the Castle Hotel in Merthyr. Here the town’s mayor called upon the''Riotous Rabble'' to disperse – the rest is history – one of the most infamous events in Welsh history the massacre of at least 28 people and subsequently, imprisonments, transportations. Not least the hanging of Dic Penderyn on 13 August 1831 was to make this event amongst a number of events most remembered in our history.

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1831 ALIVE! requires a Riotous Rabble, We are seeking people who might be interested in carrying out ‘Living History Interpretations’, and radical dramatisations. We are in the first instance looking for a group of enthusiasts to establish as a Gwreiddiau Goch. This will be a core group of enthusiastic participants who would put a lot of effort and endeavour into this exciting initiative and in time other associated projects. These core group enthusiasts would fully help to develop 1831 ALIVE! in all areas that will eventually make the whole a workable reality. In the first instance however, they would certainly fulfil many needs regards immediate project priorities in development and performance, in particular players of key roles in the unfolding drama of June 1831.

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In association with above we shall in time be developing a Treftadaeth Goch, much of our intended Living History presentations are intended to be ''Open Air'' performances and pageants, usually as part of bigger events as festivals and commemorations. Thus there is need of a broader platform of participants plus individuals with other skills useful to the whole. Those who are likly to participate here, are those who perhaps are not able, or would not want to give the time required to participate in the above 'Core Group'. Treftadaeth Goch is more a Living History Re-enactment Initiative, an enterprise for those more interested in partcipating in educational and entertaining presentations. In main as recreational activity, a past time attempting to create with some authenticity the period 1831 - 1839.

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In time we do have the idea that it might be possible that out of the above we may be able to establish as well a CWMNI THEATR y FANER GOCH? So, if at all interested in any of this, do contact me at addresses given, this is all in development stage thus all contribution of aid and assistance, ideas and suggestions very welcome, but more so than anything active involvement. Of course at moment planned presentaions will focus on organising for the annual Insurrection 1831 Commemoration events and activites, in Hirwaun and Merthyr.

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Sian. Ifan.