Tag: World History

Irish History 1845-51, World Affairs9 Comments

Closing Borders is not a Moral Option #WATWB

franklparker

There is nothing new about refugee crises. As my followers will know, I have, over the last 2-3 years, been exploring the appalling events that took place in Ireland between 1845 and the early 1850s. These events led to an exodus of people from Ireland to North America, and Australia. Last week I was privileged to be a (minor) part of the 7th International Famine Conference which took place in Strokestown Park House, home of the Irish National Famine Museum. The event was truly international, with contributions from academics from the USA, Canada, Australia the United Kingdom and Germany. My … Continue reading Closing Borders is not a Moral Option #WATWB

UK politics, World Affairs5 Comments

#Brexit and Trump: Two Great Confidence Tricks

franklparker

I don’t generally give much credence to conspiracy theories. But in these times of “fake news” and “alternative facts” it’s becoming increasingly difficult to avoid them. George Monbiot is a journalist and commentator that I trust. He references all his claims to well documented real facts. So when he writes about a long term plan to undermine the European Union and promote the agenda of corporate America I believe him. And the tragedy is that, in order to achieve their aim, this small but powerful group have conned the most disadvantaged citizens of both Britain and America into supporting their … Continue reading #Brexit and Trump: Two Great Confidence Tricks

Irish History 1845-514 Comments

Salutary Lessons for a Would-be Historian

franklparker

Janet Cameron has posted a thoughtful blog about the pitfalls of historical writing. In my reading about the Great Irish Famine I have yet to discover a full length book by an English historian, something I believe is necessary in order to gain a proper English perspective on the events. I have read several books by Irish historians and it is sometimes too easy to conclude that the writer’s view point – the unconditional condemnation of the British authorities and the British landlords – is distorted by excessive subjectivity. That is not to say that I have not read accounts … Continue reading Salutary Lessons for a Would-be Historian

Original writing10 Comments

30 Raids

franklparker

This was written in response to a prompt from our writers’ group: “It throbbed and vibrated”. I think the person who came up with it had in mind something in the ‘weird science’ genre. My take on the phrase turned into a tribute to my dad and, by extension, all those who have given their lives in the name of freedom. I didn’t initially have the significance of 11th November in mind. The engine throbbed and vibrated. Uncle George released the clutch lever and set off at a fast pace behind the mower with its sputtering exhaust, the sound uncannily … Continue reading 30 Raids

General posts1 Comment

Stranger in a Strange Land

franklparker

Thanks to Stevie over at https://steviet3.wordpress.com/ for nominating me for the ‘Three Quotes for Three Days’ challenge. The rules of the challenge are: Three quotes for three days. Three nominees each day (no repetition). Thank the person who nominated you. Inform the nominees. For my third and final quote I am going to take another from George Bernard Shaw: Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it. George Bernard Shaw. I have been unable to find the context for this quotation, but he had this to say on the … Continue reading Stranger in a Strange Land

General postsLeave a comment

What next?

franklparker

Now that Transgression is finished, aside for changes I might be minded to make following the suggestions of my editor, I need to start work on a new project. I began thinking about this some time ago but am still prevaricating. The Easter Rising – 1916 For a while I was keen to do something related to the events of 1916 in Ireland. It’s a part of the history of the British Isles of which I had only limited knowledge. I knew that there was a rebellion and that the British army put it down fairly quickly. I knew, too, … Continue reading What next?