The nanny / police state in the U.K. marches on… (HT: DG)
Scots celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when the forces of Robert the Bruce defeated the army of Edward II in the first war of Scottish independence, have been told by council officials not to carry replica weapons. The decision follows an alleged incident at last year’s rally in which a car on the route was said to have been hit by a shield and a Union flag was burnt.
The annual rally in the small town of Bannockburn outside Stirling involves a short march along a single street to the site of the battle.
In recent years, many of those taking part have worn medieval costumes, complete with swords, axes, daggers and shields. But Stirling council has told the organisers — the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement — that for safety reasons no arms can be carried during the march. Under a compromise worked out with the National Trust for Scotland, which manages the battlefield, participants have been told they can keep their weapons in their cars and take them out when they arrive at the historic site.
I like DG’s comment at his link of this story:
The prospect of an organization called the ‘Scottish Republican Socialist Movement’ parading in medieval arms and armor is just too precious for words. I don’t care who you are, that’s funny.
It is funny, indeed. And it’s also rather ironic, since it’s just those very tendencies – republican, leftist – that has given rise to the very sort of policies that interfere with their ability to carry those weapons on parade. Hoisted on their own petard; I’m sorry about the nanny-state juggernaut, but I don’t particularly feel much sympathy, personally, for this revolting lot. Serves ‘em right, really…
