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Whatever it was originally meant to be, surely we should consider what it means to most of us now? And at least to me, that is to remind us of the sacrifices made by previous generations, whether willing or no, and whether those sacrifices may be deemed worthwhile with hindsight.
If we junked every good idea that was thought up by arseholes, we'd all be the poorer.
And please don't throw abuse at me just because I point out that you are in a very small minority, if the minute's silence means nothing to you. Fine, but don't denigrate the beliefs of others.

its a mark of respect giles,sometimes i think the same though wen i see duke of edinburgh with 1 on and he went to hirohitos funeral makes you think.

I always feel slightly guilty buying a poppy. Commemorating the people who made such a sacrifice is a worthwhile thing; just to stop and give a few moments' thought to what others had to pay in terms of their lives is something that should be done. Having the fund named after a butchering bastard, however, is counterproductive. Rather like the United Nations naming a world education day after Pol Pot.

What you term 'cheap one-upmanship' was a reply designed to point up what you've stated in the last post but apparently don't preach: that making smart cracks doesn't constitute a rational argument.
You seem to have categorised me as anti-free speech merely on the ground that I have had the temerity to disagree with you and question the basis for your opinions (which you have a perfect right to hold: as long as you realise that freedom of speech means that you have to be prepared to tolerate others disagreeing with you).
Evidence for the popularity of Poppy Day? Look up the sales figures.
I can't comment on the cynicism or otherwise of Blair et al- but in the absence of any evidence either way, I'll reserve judgment: the point is moot anyway, as it's the thoughts and emotions of the public that concern me rather.

Nobody imagines it would: but if one person in a hundred behaves better for even one day for having spent that minute in appreciation or contemplation, then maybe that's for the better.

It would be more logical then, to dislike the insincerity of the people who you claim use the Day as a vehicle for grandstanding. than the event itself.

Yeah, I agree Haig's name should be de-coupled from the Fund.