Oh, yes, and that dragged me off the main point. I am pretty clear that the general reaction here (ie here, on the Mudcat) at least to every suggestion that English traditions should be preserved, every suggestion that the English should sing the songs and play the tunes that are English roots, and every suggestion that the English might be more reserved about adopting Irish, American, Scottish, or other tunes and songs, is to label it racist.

It is demonstrated time and time again.

One only has to mention England/English culture/English traditions and there is a chorus of disapproval that makes Winston Churchill's evaluation of the proud traditions of the Navy ("Rum, sodomy, and the lash") seem quite muted, and a series of flanking attacks along the lines of "Ah, but who is English any more" (that apply equally as much if not more to other nationalities and cultures).

One understands of course that the BNP's adoption of folkloric motifs muddies the waters, as the Hitler regime's arrogation of "Volk" did in Germany in the 30s, (and indeed so do some of the unfortunate postings of some 'catters, no names no pack drill at this point) but that is not the be-all and end-all of the issue.