Wales needs a more progressive view of itself and of its future, based on consideration for reality.

National Pride vs. Nationalism, in Wales

The legacy of the founding members of Plaid Cymru — and other notable Welsh Nationalist politicians thereafter, is: Wales, today, is still unable to face current realities and pressures.

Plaid Cymru appear obsessively preoccupied with “independence”.

They appear as a group driven by politically motivated nationalism.

Yet, on the other hand, the Welsh language is in decline, Wales is set to see an increase in poverty levels, and parts of Wales appear defenseless against the issues of organized drug crime.

Consider Plaid Cymru leader contender Adam Price who believes that it would be better if Wales were an independent nation.

He wants to change the name of Plaid Cymru to Cymru Newydd / New Wales — to reflect its ambition to create nationalist government for a nationalist Wales.

Plaid Assembly Members. Wales needs to claim a more prominent part on the global stage, and work according to the actual needs of the people of Wales. Based on reality, NOT nationalism.

How does nationalism manifest in Wales?

When appealing to people’s sense of identity, it’s vital to not stir up ideas of oppression, no matter how least or mild. There are plenty of unreasonable people who will act unreasonably if they believe they are being oppressed.

Vandalism to bilingual public road signs, with the English version sprayed over with graffiti.

It is the “English go home” mentality even though it is the indigenous Welsh who sold their detached cottages to second-home-owning wealthy English people in the first place.

It is ignoring the needs of the general non-Welsh population, whilst focusing only on the needs of the select few. Welsh speaking, who believe that Wales should be under the governance of nationalists.

Today, there are people in Wales who still believe they are resisting “English rule”, and that they are spiritually oppressed.

Wales is still recovering from its nationalistic and troubled past. Reactions to perceived oppression themselves became modes of oppression.

Prosperity depends not on control, but on progressive ideals. A thriving language and culture depend on a thriving economy.

Ideology and opposition creates and reinforces poverty by allowing for the normalization of regressive nationalistic attitudes within communities and regions.

Independent from what exactly?

Wales has its own government, devolution, and is able — through the democratic process — to enact certain policies for the benefit of the nation.

For Plaid Cymru — this appears to be not enough, for now. They would prefer if the nationalists were in complete control over the governance of Wales.

Alongside the sad decline of the Welsh language is the inevitable decline of Plaid Cymru. Nationalism has no place in a modern Wales.

Given that Hywel Williams MP held his seat by a fraction, and that only 8000 people count themselves as plaid members (a figure unchanged in recent times), it is time for a more progressive Welsh politics — based not on the past, but on the realities of today, and for the future.

The call for: freedom!!!!

Given that current Plaid politicians support The Catalan independence movement, demonstrated by mutual flag waving — it seems Plaid Cymru’s subculture is more concerned with freedom than it is with practical and reasonable solutions to many of the most urgent issues facing Wales.

The same people who bemoan the decline of Wales and the Welsh language are the same people who declare independence.

But, there is a difference — between feeling proud of your identity, your language and cultural heritage — and wishing to impose a political regime based on ideologically-driven notions of difference, separation and division from some by-gone medieval era of conflict and subordination.

The mighty Owain Glyndŵr fought against oppression and freedom from English rule.

Owain Glyndŵr has since retired from Welsh politics, thankfully. But he did vote Leave in the EU Referendum — as did most of Wales, despite the nation receiving billions in EU cash. Can’t buy love?

So much for being independent whilst being under the control of a supranational government, which is what Plaid Cymru believe in: Wales should be a member of the EU.

As the world races forward towards globalisation, Plaid Cymru’s declining voice can still be heard whimpering: independence for Wales.

No more Welsh nationalism, please. No more nationalism.

Wales is already independent, and is beginning to move on from its troubled past of discontent and narrow-mindedness.

Wales and its people should not be defined by ideology.

Don’t let the cuddly nationalists impose their ideology on you.