Do You Think James Mcclean Has A Point In Not Wearing A Poppy?

[sp1814]

I think for him, given his background, it makes sense - and I have a degree of sympathy for him, because at this time of year the 'poppy fascists' come out in force.

I always buy a few each year (one for each suit I wear to work), but I understand that others may view poppies as a symbol of support of our military - where in fact, it's supposed to honour all those that have died in conflict (including civilians).

What are your thoughts?

[bazwillrun]

nobody said "had"...read it slowly this time...

[Mamyalynne]

Perhaps if the newspapers stopped feeling the need to interview him and anyone who chooses not to wear the Poppy, he wouldn't be seen to be 'mouthing off'.

Let people choose and let them be.

[THECORBYLOON]

Point taken, who said we are expected to wear pink ribbons for homosexuals?

[Pete65]

Prudie, I stand by what I say.
The majority in this country do not wear poppies.
Your "Shires", may be different. I do not know where they are.
McClean replied to a question he was asked and gave an honest answer.
Saying he was "mouthing off", whatever that means, appears to be an attempt to change the manner in which he said it.

[sp1814]

Interesting point THEBORBYLOON (@12:26).

[sp1814]

Further to James McClean - Sienna Miller has enraged the poppy fascists too:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/sienna-miller-slammed-not-wearing-6746083

[Mamyalynne]

Pity some have nowt more to fret about, will they stop everyone on the train/tube/High St tomorrow too.

Or are they only Tweety warriors?

[PankySmooch]

Pathetic that people feel the need to moan about someone not wearing a poppy on TV, maybe she had one on her jacket.

Personally I think it cheapens the whole thing when people 'MUST' be seen wearing one.

[Prudie]

I'll have to apologise for not thinking more carefully about using the phrase 'mouthing off' as it has upset at least 2 people. I probably said it because he has been discussed on here several times over the years. The last was because he was quite outspoken about why he wouldn't sing the God Save the Queen at a football match - so he does indeed use his position to air his views - all of which he is fully entitled to have.
Pete I meant away from the cities, I'm just saying if you came into my local town in Dorset most people wear poppies. I stand by that too.

[sp1814]

Prudie

I think it's great that most people wear poppies - but I hate people who demand it of others.

Someone mentioned wearing the ribbon for World AIDS Day. I never have, nor does anyone I know wear one - doesn't mean we don't care.

[Mamyalynne]

Not upset as such, I just wish they'd stop interviewing him.

[Prudie]

SP I totally agree, it should never be forced or it is meaningless. For example the moaning about Siena Miller last night gives great weight to your phrase 'poppy fascists' (which no-one seems to mind, probably because you are far more difficult to tell off than I am). This guy however has been very outspoken about being anti-British. If he gets interviewed so much it's because he repeats these feelings rather than keeps quiet about them - he wants his airs viewed. You can't put all the blame on the media.

[Pete65]

Prudie, I completely accept what you say about the majority wearing poppies in your area. Maybe the rest of the country should pay heed!

I do not see the non-wearing of poppies as an anti-British thing (if McClean does, I have no problem with that).
The wearing of poppies started in the USA to remember the fallen of World War One.
Britain followed suit, later.
They are to remember the dead from the wars.
They are certainly not for scoring political points.
I have noticed in the background of BBC News studios, that many employees do not wear poppies.
And Remembrance Sunday is a week away yet!

[viv41]

I see poppy wearers everywhere I go, I think it is still popular to wear a poppy and I do, with pride.