The footsteps of th' invader

Monbiot, in the Guardian, writes:

The Norman lords' superiority, Shoard writes, was established by two features of feudal society: the castle and their "association ... with the horse, which enabled them literally to look down on the serfs, who walked".

As an animal welfare issue, foxhunting comes in at about number 155. It probably ranks below the last of the great working-class bloodsports, coarse fishing. It's insignificant beside intensive pig farming, chicken keeping or even the rearing of pheasants for driven shoots. But as a class issue, it ranks behind private schooling at number two. This isn't about animal welfare. It's about human welfare. By taking on the hunt, our MPs are taking on those who ran the country for 800 years, and still run the countryside today. This class war began with the Norman conquest. It still needs to be fought.

He’s an astonishing guy, is Monbiot. In one article he’s managed to paint me into a corner. Drop me into no-mans land. Place me between a rock and a hard place.

I’m pro fox hunting but if this does turn out to be a class war against (near as damn it) French imperialist invaders then what can I do? I’m in a quandary.

I’ve decided to re-categorise the Normans. They no longer have anything to do with the French, never invaded England and have been our good friends ever since we taught them how to cook food properly.

See, it’s not just writers for the Guardian who can make crap up. Checkmate Mr. Monbiot! Aha!

Posted by John at September 14, 2004 08:47 AM | TrackBack