The “Americans” are British children who rebelled against their legitimate parents. Like all children, their imaginations often run wild when they try to grasp the unfamiliar world of the grown ups. Misinterpreting a shadow here, misreading a sign there – these are the foundations of US anti-intellectualism. If the ludicrous Americanisms are filtered out of this narrative – then a readanle “narrative history” can be revealed. In reality, his campaign was a comedy of errors. The brave (working class) British Red Coats fought and died in a foreign land for no real advantage. And yet the means of their passing – the iron will and staunch discipline of the ordinary British soldier – constitute the bedrock of a nation that triumphed in two world wars.
Let us not forget the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders – those Kilted Celts – who advanced across the open field in New Orleans with bagpipes blaring and drums a banging! After the battle, the American rebels described how the British soldiers had died with arms, legs, and heads blown-off – whilst the wounded sat (or lay) laughing – trying to regain their their often non-existent feet – and still follow orders to advance! How difference this behaviour was to the average American soldier who often ran-away in the face of the enemy. The British had freed US slaves and intended to build a country for Native Americans – but the nefarious Americans put an end to all these utopian ideas. Not only this, but Mississipi, Louisiana, and Florida wanted to secede from the US and join “British North America” (Canada) – even if Spain re-established sovereignty over those areas.
Yes – Spain and England were allies at that time. Perhaps the greatest irony is that by the time the Battle of New Orleans took place (January 8th, 1815) – a Peace Treaty between the two enemies had already been signed six-week’s previously in France. (The year Napoleon was exiled on Alba). The US rather foolishly started the so-called “War of 1812” with its usual measure of delusion. Their expressed war aims, as modest as they were, was to invade and annex British North America (Canada) – and take on and destroy the entire British Royal Navy which ruled the seas. Obviously, the US achieved none of these objectives. Instead, even Maryland threatened to secede and join Britain – whilst the fledgling US Army was crushed and expelled from Canada.
British Regiments then moved in and out of US sovereign territory with ease – even burning down the Whitehouse in 1814. Indeed, many Americans mistakenly believe that their anthem – “The Star Spangled Banner” was penned during the American rebellion of 1770s – when in fact it was written during a fabricated victory in 1814 (after a US fort withstood a night of bombarding initiated by Royal Navy ships). Like all good parents – the British issued a bloody good spanking to their wayward off-spring. The Americans were terrified to learn that the Scots wore nothing under their kilts! Still, I do not agree with British (English) imperialism – but view America as a special case. Meanwhile, the 93rd Highlanders were brutally used around the world in extending English rule – particularly in India – but also in Crimea against Russia and Hong Kong against the Chinese. Remember the English invaded and subjugated Scotland and forced their soldiers to fight in the front-row of the British Army during all major conflicts. I can admire their bravery in battle whilst detesting the reasons they are having to fight. This is why I have supported Scottish Independence.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 