vox_rox

Yup, Yikes is right. Swift was a strong Irish Nationalist, even though he did work for the English in England for many years. If you read "Gullivers Travels" and really analyze it, most of the truly negative characters/creatures can be linked to personalities and groups that he dealt with during his time in England. It's absolutely amazing that he managed to do this. In fact, Lewis Carroll followed in his foot steps quite nicely with "Alice Through the Looking Glass."

But a modest proposal, although dripping with sarcasm, has one main point. If the Irish made things for the Irish, bought things made in Ireland, and had a better sense of the stength of a nation that supports itself, then that country will remain viable and healthy, regardless of external economic pressures. Whether or not he was right in any absolute sense is debatable, but "A Modest Proposal" stands as one of the first and still one of the best political parodies ever penned.

By the way, this is an awesome thread! Is it just me that thinks so?

Peace,

Pierre

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There is no such thing as strong coffee - only weak people.
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