Cameron Shaming the Country

Only about its relevance to this thread.

There was a claim by another poster that we are a Christian country. I had agreed that a brand of Christianity had influence us historically but commented that other things - in this case the "Little Englander" tendency among some and encouraged by certain threads of the press - also had an influence .

I am sure, if you had actually read it, this was clear Ana

rosesarered I did not use the "Little Englander" comment about any remarks made on this thread but about an influence within the press and certain groups. The comment was thought out and not in any way "pathetic" unless you believe this tendency does not exist. Maybe you do. I do not.

The idea that we are influenced by the Christianity which is our history would assume that we would all be asking, as the lawyer did of Jesus, how we could inherit eternal life. He did not like the answer and, as the it says in Luke "But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" This was followed by the story of the good Samaritan. My view is those we might call, as a group, "Little Englanders" have a very narrow and, if we refer to this Christian teaching, un-Christian view of who our neighbours are. Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion but this group and the press that shouts their view somewhat belie the idea that we are a Christian country which was the premise used by a previous poster.

Your contribution of "pathetic" really is not an argument at all just another attempt to be personal - very sad.

There is a good reason for that Djen.

www.change.org/p/david-cameron-mp-include-the-269-syrians-in-calais-in-uk-refugee-plan

There are 269 Syrians in Calais who could be granted asylum now.
Here's a petition to get them out of there as soon as possible.
Of course, I think he could get all the asylum seekers here from Calais, but he only seems to be interested in Syrians.

I've just read the whole of this thread and give three cheers for Jackthelad, who has put the argument so succinctly. (I hope I've spelt that right.)

We could do with a 'like' button on GN.

The 'little Englander' is always used as an insult, if somebody doesn't like your opinion.I think to use it on this thread is pathetic.

Only about its relevance to this thread.

I was far more taken aback by your assertion that 'perhaps we really need to grow up and see the world and our fellow human beings as a whole.'

I am sure you do Ana but there seemed to be some questioning.

I think we all know what the phrase means, Gracesgran.

I am not the only one who mentioned "Little Englander" but, for clarification I used it as per this definition.

Little Englander" is an epithet applied in criticisms of English people who are regarded as xenophobic and/or overly nationalistic and are often accused of being "ignorant" and "boorish.

It has obviously been around for a long time as another definition says:
an English person who believes the best interests of Britain are served by attention to Britain itself, rather than to the concerns of the empire.

There has always been a section of British society which met this description and has been pandered to by the worst of the red top press.

I presume I must be a Little Englander - born in England and only 5' 4" (on my tiptoes)

However, I live in Wales, so am probably excused.

I saw that comment too, and was lost for words. I'm presuming its author wasn't actually including herself in the sentiment, just sending a message to those who don't agree with her views.

Is there a French, German, Spanish equivalent of Little Englander?
There must be merlotgran, otherwise why would an elderly Frenchman have spat at me just because he found out I was English?
(despite being a descendant of Huguenots!)

Perhaps we really need to grow up and see the world and our fellow human beings as a whole

That statEment has astonished me as well!!

How high up the list for contributions to overseas aid is GB.

Did anyone see the BBC news last night?

Syrians frolicking in the sea, having fun, spending money in their coastal resorts, whilst refugees from their own country struggle in the same area!!

However much I have learnt and continue to learn about the Syrian crisis over the past couple of years, there is always something new to astonish me.

However, just as much as Christianity may have influence us so have those of Little Englander mind set which is often influenced by the saddest part of our media.

Neither do I, Anniebach but I wasn't the one who introduced it to the discussion.

Ask Gracesgran

Oh - just substitute little englandersandirishersandwelshers. If you must.

I have no idea Merlotgran, I expect most countries have their share of NIMBY's, but I cannot see what little englander has to do with this discussion , England is one country in the UK it is not the UK

POGS, because I have no wish to even think we should compare our moral code with IS, you seem to

We do not begin to have the pressure in geographical terms that many other countries in the world are experiencing. In real terms, we do not actually have a refugee crisis and nor does any country in Europe. Lebanon has a refugee crisis. Our economy's up the left and the country's been badly run. Our problems would be present whether refugees were there or not. Sadly.

I am not ashamed of my country. We have done so much to help many races and people, the least they can do is to learn the language and integrate. If genuine refugees arrive in a safe country , no war, why do they not stay there? Particularly if it is a country that practises their religion. We are a small country and we simply cannot keep taking people and providing shelter and homes. I know lots of people whose grown up children cannot leave home because of financial restraints. As refugees tend to have more children and dependants than we do, where do you stop. We do not have a country that will expand continually or a purse that will always be full. Of course it is upsetting to see people fleeing in great numbers. What I do not understand is why young men who are fit enough to march through different countries cannot band together and fight for their homeland. If they get a safe haven wherever. It should be until their homeland is safe to return to.

These small islands can only support a finite number of people. We are fast approaching a population 70M and running out resources. Numbers of refugees in the past have never been on the scale we are now seeing, not even in 1945 when our population was around 40M. How much are we as individuals prepared to give up to accommodate the extra people who wish to take residency here in Britain. Sympathy does not always lead to satisfactory solutions. While we can't just pull up the drawbridge, it is essential that whatever the policy that is pursued it must be well thought out and not bring about a back lash as is so often the case. David Cameron is between a rock and hard place. Does he govern the country for the good of all or does he give way to fickle public opinion that can change in an instant. Financing by government in handing out benefits to more claimants can only mean more tax taken from us. There are not enough of the so called rich fat cats to ease the tax burden. We little guys out number them many times so it is us who have to pay up; also the situation is fast approaching where there are more applicants than jobs available. I think giving help in the refugee camps is the better solution and hopefully they will be able to return to a peaceful life in their own country soon. What is it we say, there's no place like home.

Do they not have a NIMBY problem in other countries then?

Is there a French, German, Spanish equivalent of Little Englander?

Just wondering

Jane10. "Indubitably ghettos will develop with all the potential for discontent and resultant problems, big problems"
We already have these ghettos. We don't need anymore.

When Jews came here they lived in Jewish quarters, same with the people from Ireland , same with those on the Windrush . It's natural to want to live close to people who speak your first language, share your faith, share your customs , plus there is the NIMBY problem , always been a problem in this country

Well, something needs to happen, Jane.