Re: White poppy ?
Originally Posted by
Twink55
->
I have nothing against people promoting peace and people like your great uncle did a wonderful job, whilst adhering to their personal beliefs, but I just wish they would choose their own date to promote peace ( and I would support it) rather than Armistice day, when we remember those who died for their country.
I completely agree.
The white poppy organisation is detracting financially, even in a small way, and morally from the real reason the red poppy appeal was initiated by Field Marshal Haigh after the end of the First World War.
Where does the money go?
"Money raised over and above the cost of producing, publicising and distributing the poppies goes to fund our education and campaigning work, thus promoting nonviolent approaches to conflict and challenging militarism. Such work regrettably does not attract much funding and so we rely heavily on the generosity of people like you." (From the Peace Pledge Union's own web site.)
A political incentive.
Why do the white poppy supporters insist on placing white poppies and wreaths on the same day as the Remembrance Day parades?
There is absolutely no reason why the 'white poppy parades' should take place on or near to Armistice Day. They have nothing to do with Armistice Day, and there is no reason why a 'peace protest' should need to take place on that day, especially since opponents of the white poppy argue that the traditional red poppy already encompasses the sentiments claimed for the white poppy, such as "remembering all victims of war", and consider that it undermines the message of remembrance. As others have said, white poppies could equally be sold on a different day of the year.
So why do they do it?
Presumably because they are 'jumping on the bandwagon' of red poppy sales in an attempt to drum up more financial support for their political motives, and this is likely to be to the detriment of monies raised by red poppy sales which are spent on the support of injured servicemen and their families.