This was a long time ago, surprisingly. And not something we condone or indulge in today.

So when we do take issue with the CIA or the US Government hiring mercenaries to fight their wars, protect their officials or apparently get involved in shooting civilians in 2007 there is a reason. Because we’ve stopped doing it.

She’s French, femals and small.

Admitting she was a military genius would have been bad.

Claiming she was a Witch kept all the men happy as they retained their military influence.

Anyway, this was back in the day. When Americans were Englishmen and recognised talent.

Talent plays little part in political decision making as I’m sure our friend Steve understands.

Sometimes you’ve interfered too much and then bad things happen. Ask Sadaam. Oops – he’s gone.

Greek and Latin are also foreign, so making a Bible modern and accessible is hardly surprising.

What is also unsurprising is that the translation should be done by Scholars and not by The King.

Naming it after the main sponsor was a forerunner of the modern age where the World is currently sponsored by big companies.

So sorry Steve, that was a translation but there have been many more since.

So let’s make it easy.

We have the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The flaf is the Union Flag, which includes the crosses of St.’s George, Andrew and Patrick. A design icon, if you will.

We understand this, just as we understand what we mean when we talk about England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, The Republic of Ireland (Eire) and Ireland. And Wales. All different places, all differentiated but all understood.

As for claiming that Wales (Northern) Ireland and Scotland are England’s Bitches I suggest you come over here and make that claim in Swansea, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dublin or Antrim.

Then you’ll understand how things are ….

When will you understand?

The Queen isn’t better or worse than anyone else. She is different because she is Queen. But in no way better. The Monarchy is there for the people, we are their for the Monarch. The last one that stepped too far out of line and tried to impose the Divine Right of Kings was executed.

Liz also may cost a fair bit to keep, but she creates employment in various places, pays her taxes and generates loads of cash from heritage-hungry Americans who want to see some real pomp and ceremony unlike a President who wet himself in Russia.

The White House is barely a family home, unlike Buckingham Palace, or Windsor Castle or other places.

Anyway, Liz is Queen because she is. No worries, no real complaints and lots of revenue from American on tour.

As for the morals of royalty over politicians, comparing Charles to an American President somes a bit rough. Adultery is almost the national sport in the USA, along with recreational drug use. But I digress.

We have an old lady wth a hat on to ensure that our politicians remember that they are there for the people and not the other way around. It’s a good thing and probably balances out the vested self interest evident in some political systems.

And, Stevie, the Guards Division wear Bearskins, from bears.

It’s a small point but worthy of note ….

Mr Grasse talks about Scotland Yard being unfair to the Irish is a fair call. Shame he misses the usual US Cop response which is to attack innocent drivers at gas stations, or shoot on site on suspicion of minor traffic violations.

The introduction of ASBO’s is a balance between the ability to irritate and the ability to remain unirritated.

In the US of course anti social behaviour would be dealt with by a drive by shooting or something, which is clearly a better way …

Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered by the English.

He was a rebel after all, and that’s what happened back then!

No Abu Grahib, no Camp Delta, just a trial of sorts then an execution.

It was the usual treatment for enemies of the Crown or anyone else until the 1700′s or so. Mind you, lots of Scots were also unimpressed with Wallace. As for the film, it was a bit unreal so I’d look to the history books rather than reaching conclusions from films.

As for England subjugating Scotland in the 1600′s, the turning point came when James VI of Scotland became James I of England. That’s the way things go with old countries.

But actually, we put up with taxes because they are a reasonably efficient way of keeping things ticking over.

Roads are repaired, schools operate, doctors are available and so on.

Americans spend more time completing tax forms than is necessary on the off chance that they will get a refund.

Good luck say I.

I’ve tried both systems and I prefer mine. It works, it’s reasonable and that’s good enough for me!

Well, the English did. The Irish have Patrick, the Scots have Andrew and the Welsh have David but why make things complicated?

Adopting a Saint from another country of birth is the next thing to have a pop at. St Andrew, Fisherman and Disciple, was well known for not being Scottish. Patrick was an import. David was a native so at least recognise that!

Anyway, the Flag of St George and his cross is well used across Europe. He’s Patron Saint of England, Palestinian Christians, Malta, Lebanon, Georgia, the Crowns of Aragon, Catalonia and loads of others.

Meanwhile the USA go for the Immaculate Conception of Mary according to catholic.org, which seems a bit earnest for me …

1) Blake wrote Jerusalem after a dream
2) the Glastonbury myth is related to Joseph of Arimathea and the child Jesus travelling to Glastonbury. It’s a myth. Like the WMD myth but more harmless?
3) It’s seldom sung at football (soccer). It’s more usually associated with Rugby.
4) The Crusades were largely a European/ Papal quest rather than an English idea.
5) It’s a great song that came some hundreds of years after the crusades.

For those interested, here are the words:

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?

And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark Satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!

I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England’s green and pleasant land.