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"The Commonwealth was born sixty years ago in 1949. Encompassing 30% of the world's population (over half of which are young people aged 25 or under), The Commonwealth's true potential lies in its continued relevance to its citizens. With this in mind, The Royal Commonwealth Society (founded 1868), is facilitating a consultation on the future of The Commonwealth. This is The Commonwealth Conversation. Your chance to have your say - your chance to shape the future of Commonwealth.""When the modern Commonwealth was born, its founding fathers took some brave decisions. From the ashes of Empire rose an association of free and equal members committed to democracy, development and diversity. Since its remarkable beginnings, The Commonwealth has achieved much of which it can be rightfully proud. Today, this unique global Family (of 53 member states) works to promote good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law - as well as sustainable environmental, economic and social development. The Commonwealth's member nations are characterised by an astonishing diversity. Yet, despite this amazing diversity, all Commonwealth members are united by certain agreed common values and principles. A common heritage and language. They also share similar systems of law, public administration and education. As voluntary members of the association, The Commonwealth's members all work together in cooperation, partnership and understanding."
The Commonwealth Conversation therefore seeks to gather the opinions of individuals and also organisations from right across the world, in order:
* To identify key issues of concern on which to focus.
* To re-vitalise The Commonwealth for a new generation.
* To present full recommendations to Commonwealth leaders.
* To raise awareness about what The Commonwealth is and does.
"The results of The Commonwealth Conversation are now being awaited by Governments, The Commonwealth Secretariat, policy makers, charities and business leaders. This is your chance to be heard. Join The Conversation."
I was glad to see your postings over there Mr Welton, and you will notice I made a sorry attempt as undoubtedly it was to voice my agreement with your post (Not realizing at the time it was you.)
ReplyDeleteHopefully people will listen and be persuaded of the correct path.
Matthew
Hello there Matthew.
ReplyDeleteYou had better go back and check.
I can't believe I've made a joke about "savages" on The Royal Commonwealth Society blog. :-)
Good one, I cannot wait to see if there is a response. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe quotes were actually just off a website I found with literally pages and pages from both of those two gentlemen (and others), it is easy to find something applicable from their quotes, they seem to have both covered the problems given in their own times and circumstances.
I hope, at any rate, people would respect the sayings of Burke and Churchill more than they would the arguments of some random fellow they do not know (Ie, me.)
It was hard just picking a few, there is so many excellent ones, but you do not want to overwhelm people by posting too many all at once.
"I hope, at any rate, people would respect the sayings of Burke and Churchill more than they would the arguments of some random fellow they do not know (Ie, me.)"
ReplyDeleteI would not be too hard on yourself, Matthew.
Who knows, perhaps in 100 years time they will be quoting you alongside the greats like Burke and Churchill. They may even be quoting what I've said and written. But then again. :-)
I think it would be awful flattering if someone one day down the line did, and hopefully it would be because I was able to help civilization in some way, but I shall not dwell on it too much, there much too much work before I can even dream of being of that sort of service.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, it shall be interesting to see how the blog over there continues, I certainly hope that a difference can be made in some small way, though sadly, the one set of events I would really be happy about, will likely not happen simply through that.
I doubt the United Kingdom, or at least those in power now, will totally reverse their policies, leave the EU and initiate a change in the Commonwealth to bring it about to something like the Empire was in the early 1900's. Internal Matters, Foreign Stance, Defence, that unity.
But one must do what they can and take the opportunities for small steps, eh?
What monarchist concoction is the "Crown Commonwealth"? I've heard of the British Commonwealth (of Nations) which the present Commonwealth of Nations had been formally named until the London Declaration of 1949. But the "Crown Commonwealth" is clearly some silly royalist or monarchist invention; all the more so as the much greater majority of Commonwealth countries are republics. Is this monarchist fabrication of "Crown Commonwealth" a preposterous exercise to "royal up" the Commonwealth's title? If you are referring to those countries of the Commonwealth that have the Queen as their sovereign, then you should say that and not resort to the erroneous description of "Crown Commonwealth" which has no legal or constitutional standing. Call institutions, such as the Commonwealth, by their proper names and there will be no confusion. That is all.
ReplyDelete