Who shot Edmund Burke?

bristol | community | opinion/analysis

Friday April 25, 2008 08:41

by Tony

Bullet holes have appeared in the statue of the 18th century Whig politician, which stands in the centre of Bristol.

Edmund Burke, with “bullet holes” to head, chest and forearm.

Even though the oft attributed, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”, may not actually be Edmund Burke’s, it is certainly “in the style of.”

The inscription on the granite base of his statue reads, “Burke 1774 -1780. "I wish to be a Member of Parliament to have my share of doing good and resisting evil". Speech at Bristol 1780.”

Edmund Burke’s presence in Bristol city centre reminds us of how our politicians should serve. And then we compare that with the conduct of our present-day self-serving politicians, with their total disregard for the wishes of the electorate.

Our own West Country politicians who voted for this illegal Iraq invasion, a Crime of Aggression, with all the foreseen horrendous consequences, not only did they do nothing to prevent warmongers Bush and Blair, their votes have actually enabled this evil to triumph.

The philosophy of Edmund Burke contrasts so starkly with their own Iraq war voting record, and their more recent corrupt expenses practices where family political businesses have been proved to be an expensive con-trick on the people.

Not to mention the 10p tax-band scandal where the poorest in the land are paying an extra £250 a year tax. While the rich are getting a tax cut.

There is a theory is that they have somehow caused these holes to appear in the statue. Now Edmund Burke’s statue, a source of embarrassment to today’s corrupt politicians, may be removed for repairs, never to be seen again. Just a theory.

Edmund Burke’s statue in Bristol city centre.