April Fool!!!
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Unfortunately, a possible truth these days often dawns upon me and, that is Wales will never become a 'Republic' or fully be 'Independent'. As far as Independence is concerned lets face facts, as long as Wales remains part of the 'European Empire', then we have surrendered 'Independence' before we have ever reattained such. Welsh Nationalists in particular must be pretty blinkered to call for 'Independence' whilst supporting Plaid Cymru, has that political party has other main stream parties have sold Wales down the river to the E.U. Empire. This post is not time and place to investigate the policies of Plaid Cymru, so I shall move on but first in passing raise the matter of 'Welsh Sovereignty', of course the question begs to be asked. IF NO INDEPENDENCE THEN WHAT OF SOVEREIGNTY?
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Historically in our past 'Welsh Sovereignty' was represented by a 'Welsh Monarchy' and in particular with the Princes of Gwynedd and, in their claims to be the 'Princes of Wales' most notably Llywelyn III, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd the last prince of Gwynedd who was assassinated at Aberedw on 11 December 1282. Following his death between 1283 to 1284 the remnants of an 'Independent Wales' in Pura Wallia were made part of the domains of Edward I and thus all of Wales had become an Anglo - Norman Colony. Edward I made sure that all symbols of 'Welsh Sovereignty' were destroyed or removed as the Royal Treasures of the Princes of Gwynedd, including Y Croes Naid and the ''Crown of Arthur''. Not least Baner Gwynedd, the four lions passive were taken and adopted by the English Princes of Wales with adaption of an English Crown planted dead centre and, this is how it still remains to remind that 'Welsh Sovereignty' exists no more.
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A Crown is much a symbol of 'Sovereignty' as far as the medieval world and Wales was concerned and, for most Welsh nationalists remains so for those who identify with Llywelyn III and in particular Owain Glyndwr who reclaimed 'Welsh Sovereignty' with his Coronation at Machynlleth on 21 June 1404 (see Embassy Glyndwr blog: Owain Glyndwr Communicates). The Welsh Nationalist support today for the flying of 'Baner Glyndwr', the four lions rampant and the representation of 'Coron Glyndwr' placed at Cefn Caer ''Ty Glyndwr'' along with annual Glyndwr commemorations throughout Wales on 16 Medi 'Dydd Glyndwr' is an indication that Welsh Nationalists might have their own Welsh Royalist rather than Welsh Republican sympathies? This is best seen and heard at the annual Rali Cilmeri where one witnesses Welsh Nationalists from all over Wales paying homage to the last prince of Gwynedd, including Nationalists who also describe themselves as ''Welsh Republicans'' even ''Socialists''.
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Yes! all a bit bothering, a bit 'Garibaldi' in the thinking behind this and it's confusion in Welsh Nationalist minds which makes their ''Welsh Republicanism'', rather nonsensical to say the least. I have never known any of these ''Welsh Republicans'' ever attend events to do with a slight bit of a Welsh Republican History or indeed know very much about a Welsh Republican history sadly as much made up as is Welsh Nationalist medieval history. Thus one can witness the most bizarre business of 'Good Ole Boy' Welsh Nationalists attending Rali Cilmeri for many years and then professing they are ''Republican'', one I know actually on film in his drink makes it clear ''I'me a republican, down with all princes''. I too would describe myself as a 'Republican' and of Socialist mind and more and more of inclination in consequence of present day politics at home and abroad.
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Over the years I have often attended Rali Clmeri and indeed helped to found the event in the 'sixties' (see my Hanes Cofiwn and Adfywiad Cilmeri blogs) but in doing so then, was for Patriotic Front political reasons. Later, following my return from Ireland the annual Rali Cilmeri to my mind was still there for political reasons and remained so up until the Abaty Cwm Hir Trust with the Welsh History Forum took over. Post Millennium they were replaced for a while by radical nationalists aka ''Welsh Republicans'' namely 'Balchder Cymru' whom now seem to have thrown in their lot with the 'Cambrianista Crowd' has seen at Rali Cilmeri 2009. I had rather hoped that Rallies Cilmeri 2009, 2010 and 2011 would become platforms for a revived campaign against the English Monarchy and their claim to hold sovereignty over Wales. However, I do not think this will be as Welsh Nationalism can no longer boast a RADICAL ALTERNATIVE NATIONALISM, Movement or Struggle, often described as the ''Patriotic Fringe''. It's gone soft as example of the 'Good Ole Boys' aka sixties 'left overs' with out much purpose than alcoholic, wearing medals and declaring themselves to be ''Republican'' from time to time.
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Unfortunately Rali Cilmeri as a platform for Radical Nationalism has lost the plot and reached it's 'use by date', FIN! Not least against fourth coming 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1911 Investiture in 2011 and, then the 2012 Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II of England, then the 60th anniversary of her 1953 Coronation in 2013. Not forgetting Azincourt 1415 - 2015 Commemoration, all examples of times ahead when we are going to get ENGLISH ROYALISM stuffed down our over eager Welsh throats. Thus if there is to be continued action against English Royalism and their claim to Sovereignty over Wales, not least continued pro-active protest against future Investiture of an English Prince of Wales. Then I have no doubt such will of necessity have to come from a clear Radical New Welsh Republican cause and platform, if not movement and struggle! Not the pathetic 'Knee Jerking' Patriotism of the politically challenged and confused or those who have given up the fight!
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However, this will not be possible unless Welsh Nationalists become clear minded as to what Welsh Republicanism needs and should be, not this confused 'Garibaldi' style 'Royalist Republicanism'. No! we need more the Mazzini Republicanism of the 1848 'Spring of Nations' European uprisings and the dormant 'Welsh Republicanism' with in the Chartist Movement in Wales. Of course there was a Welsh Republican Movement founded by Cliff Bere that existed during the post WWII 40's and during early part of the 50's, this WRM I was the closest we came to real 'Welsh Republicanism' and was clearly in mind and action Anti - English Royalty. Later 'Welsh Republicanism' that arose under direction of Gareth Lockwood and Niel Jenkins was very much a Cultural Nationalist Republicanism. Other than that there was for a while a Welsh Socialist Republican Movement in which Gareth Westacott and other Nationalists played a part as did Robert Griffiths now one of the leaders of the Welsh Communist Party. Adding much up, if ever a Welsh Republican Movement was attempted again I have to say that the WSRM would be the best example to follow. Although, I am also much persuaded my the International - Welsh Republicanism of David Lawrence, his thoughts on 'Welsh Republicanism' as much to say to those confused Welsh Nationalists and not least our 'Garibaldies' with out the 1000 Red Shirts.
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Whatever, the truth of the matter is that any real 'Welsh Republicanism' is very much 'Dead in the Water' at the moment, it's so odd how many one time so called ''Welsh Republicans'' once their movements have demised run back into Plaid Cymru, join the 'GOB's' or in case of Lockwood and Westacott become 'Cambrianistas'. As for 'Balchder Cymru', potentially our 'Barrio Wariors' but as for their ''Welsh Republicanism'' forget it, like their heroes FWA Commandants Cayo and Coslett the 'Republican' bit is no more than a sentimental link to Irish Republicanism (see at end). As why else do they parade around in remembrance of Llywelyn and Glyndwr and not Iolo Morgannwg and Henry Davies et al (see my blog posts on a Welsh Republic Day), yes indeed why not, if your really a 'Welsh Republican' (see at end). As for myself, yes! I for many years have promoted Medieval Welsh History, also Welsh Socialist history via my Red Remembrancer blog, in particular the Merthyr Rising 1831 and, over coming years 2010 - 2011 I shall be 'Going Left' in promoting interest in Tonypandy Riots 1910 and Llanelli Riots 1911. Pro activelly my proposed 'Land & Liberty' campaign and much else, note the Bull is back, see my fourth coming new blog ADFYWIAD GOCH CYMRU.
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However, despite being of Republican mind, I more often describe myself as a Welsh Remembrancer, in the best Irish 'Hedge Teacher' Tradition and an 'Adfywiadwr Gwladgarol' in matters of patriotic political Agit - Prop Action, see my Adfywiad Gwladgarol blog. But now is the an historic moment in time when we need to sort out this 'Welsh Republicanism', what is it to be? and are we to witness ever again the rise of a Welsh Republican Movement and struggle? In recent years there has been the rediculous example of a Cymru Rydd Republicanism, now thankfully demised, unless they have resurfaced as the Young Republican web site? If however, such a Welsh Republicanism is to be for real, it must be radical in mind and action and thus those who seek to be truely Welsh Republicans, more in footsteps of Tone, Mazzini and James Connolly than Garibaldi or the Guardian Newspapers 'British Republicanism' much into by Plaid ''Republicans'' as Leanne Wood et al.
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If we are to advance and develop a real radical 'Welsh Republicanism', we must sort out a' Welsh Republican' mind, that is it's philosophy, theories and policies. As example Anti - English Monarchy, Anti - European Empire and not least Anti - Welsh Assembly and not 'Devolution Dillettantes' plus please leave the 'Cultural Nationalism' as a side dish! Then, such discussion and debate must of neccessity be furnace forged and born out of and, rooted in Radical Resurgent Welsh Republican Action, not least over the coming years 2010 - 2015 in campaigns against the English Royalty, the Diamond Jubillee Celebrations, Coronation Commemoration. Plus full on against any whiff of another Investiture of an English Prince of Wales. To these ends, I have recently issued two 'hard copy' packs of information and ideas to aid and assist much I have described above, in content these packs, 50 in all have certain differences. The one, Patriots Against Monarchy is more in the 'Garibaldi' way of it, whilst Republicans Against Monarchy is more in the 'Mazzini' way! 24 packs of each have been issued to passed and present ''Welsh Republicans''. Only two persons have since stated to me that they do not want to be involved and who can blame them? it's a tough call to action. But do note, on the action side, I am suggesting no more that what CyIG, CND and Green Peace activists have been doing for years. PLEASE NOTE IDEAS BEING PROMOTED IN THIS NEW WELSH REPUBLICAN INITIATIVE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FWA OR IRA AND POSSIBLY AS MORE TO WITH EUROPEAN REPUBLICANISM THAN A MUCH LATER IRB IRISH REPUBLICAN MILITANT TRADITION.
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It will be interesting to see what becomes of my prompting, a word about Action of any kind in proposed Republican Campaigns, these must be non violent and more a case of Agit - Prop Republican Resistance to the English Monarchy representation in Wales. Yes! if you feel up for Radical Republican Action, go ahead but on the whole at least lets see Poster and Sticker Campaigns and alternative Republican events planned in opposition to 2012 Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and 2013 Coronation Commemorations. As for Caernarfon 2011 Commemoration of the 1911 Investiture, I am not too bothered and consider it a matter of honour for Gwladgarwyr Gwynedd to do something about that or, may be the 'Cambrianistas' and their fellow travellers might just go and nail their passive petition to the Gate of the Castle. Whatever, I suggest Rali Cilmeri 2010 be given over to 'Hen Cyfamodwyr' to organise an Anti Investiture platform with call from the cenotaph for patriots to march on Caernarfon on 1 st July 2011 instead of Dewi Day Parading in Caerdydd. Up for that boyos?
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Further Information for your illumination and interest in being patriotically pro - active rather than a Fence Sitter, Face Book Fusilier or plain old past it 'Good Ole Boy'.
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Search out on Web all re Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, especially re Irish Republicanism and, not least read James Connolly speech/essay: 'The great are only great because we are on our knees' - Let Us Arise! Agitiate, Educate, Organise. A classic in Republican Socialist writings, read it and be inspired and hopefully it will encourage you to be as couragously committed to struggle!
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Please do note, there are a number of 'Face Book Fusiliers' out there or maybe they are MI5? running websites and Facebooks supposedly nationalist in support of FWA, MAC and Meibion Glyndwr, many advance a militant brand of ''Welsh Republicanism''. Be cautious and take care regards such sites, if invited to participate in their forums or be their 'friends' on face books. IF THEY DO NOT GIVE PROPER & IDENTIFIABLE PUBLISHER NAMES - AVOID SUCH AT ALL COSTS OK! as they are most likly MI5 ''sting sites, so care! do not be stupid ok! NB: I will be using my 'The Welsh Patriot' blog hence as platform for this poposed New Welsh Republicanism, I shall soon inform you of a bona fide NWR Forum. For moment I earnestly suggest that NWR's form only local community based Welsh Republican Clubs and avoid any 'Quick Fix' or possibly dodgy instant establishment of another ''Welsh Republican Movement'' as such would be totally against spirit of what I am prompting and promoting in this post and in my PAM & RAM Action D&D Packs. Take care, even though I and associates are not promoters of 'Violent Revolution', the Brits will still be interested in any attempt to further 'Welsh Republicanism' that challenges the English Claim to Sovereignty over Wales.
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Further do read, another big must: INVESTITURE Royal Ceremony and National Identity in Wales, 1916 - 1969 by John Ellis.
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Cliff Bere's book: The Young Republicans and seek out info on the web re the writings of Cliff Bere also see my writings on Welsh Republicanism in the following blogs: Alternative Welsh Nationalist Movement Archive, Adfywiad Gwladgarol and The Welsh Patriot.
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22 February (1797), I declared as 'Welsh Republic Day' you mighty have missed celebrating that, but there is still Bastille Day 14 July (1789) and why not celebrate a 'Dydd Iolo Morgannwg' as a special day for 'Welsh Republicans'. A plaque was put up in Bontfaen/Gowbridge to mark site of his shop, this was done to mark 100th anniversary of his death December 1826 - 1926. In the years that followed a number of Welsh Societies would hold events in Bontfaen to mark this anniversary of his death, I would suggest this tradition be revived ( shall give this further attention some time).
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Iolo was born at Trefflemin/Flemingston in Bro Mogannwg on 10 March 1747 and he was bueried there in Cemetary of the Village Church, surely worth a visit. Iolo of course was as much a Romantic as a Republican, another 'Romantic Republican' was the poet Harri Webb. Harri Web was a member of WRM I and later with Republicans as Pedr Lewis and Socialists as Emrys Roberts of Plaid Cymu formed the radical left New Nation Group, they launched this group at Cilmeri in 1965 if I remember correctly and, not a more radical location. This was to for many years mis direct my patriotic politics and push me towards Rali Cilmeri and the 'Adfywiad Gwladgarol' struggle, looking back wish I had been led towards Merthyr Rising 1831 much sooner. How things might have turned out very different for me and others, rather than the Patriotic Front and FWA etc. I have also wondered, if things might have been so very different and so much better for a radical 'Welsh Republicanism' if Republican Remnants of WRM I had gone into Labour rather than Plaid Cymru?
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Not much going on Republican wise in Wales but I see Balchder Cymru are holding an Easter Rising Commemoration at Fron Goch, assembling in Bala, visit their website for further info. I would have fought our own Welsh Easter Rising of 1282 at Hope & Harwarden also Aberystwyth might have been more up their street, but no! for this event BC puts on a Republican hat? Problem is what are they at Rali Cilmeri? this is just the sort of messy identity ''Welsh Republicanism'' has. The messiest example I have seen is BC at an Irish Republican event in Liverpool marching behind Baneri Glyndwr, Dewi and Y Draig Goch and not a Welsh Republican Flag in sight! Whatever, I think that this Fron Goch event is a good idea and should be supported but I wish BC would make up it's mind what it is? Myself considers they make a good Cymric Consciousness Campaign Movement, some what a more radical Mudiad Cofiwn, indeed they have great potential to be our 'Barrio Warriors' but please spare us the BC Republican bollocks!!!
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They only add to the awfull ''Welsh Republicanism'' that prefails amongst the likes of the 'GOB's today, certainly I will seek to involve BC in the Welsh Republican discussion and debate. Maybe they can explain themselves on their web site and/or their leaders Adam Phillips of Mold and Paul Edwards of Penybont are welcome to contribute an article to The Welsh Patriot, plus with others be invited to speak at a proposed Welsh Republican College in Caerffil, this or next year. Everyone get your 'Welsh Republican' thinking caps on, all of the slightest 'Welsh Republican' mind, lets get it sorted as what's left post WRM I & II, Lockwoods Gwerinaethwr paper and the Westacotts WSRM. Such as Cymu Rydd was really Retro, Romantic and Rubbish! almost as worse is the Brit Guardian Republicanism much loved by moderate politicos.
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Now think on all that! but more important act on it all?
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Ymlaen i'r Weriniaeth?
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Gethin ap Gruffydd.
