Patriot Realm

These days, we hear an awful lot about polls. Polls about The Voice, Trans Gender, Abortion, Ukraine. In fact, polls are conducted on all contentious subjects. It is amazing to think that so many people when polled, respond with the third option of "I don't know. " 

I wonder. Is it because they don't know? Or is it because they are too scared to admit their true feelings? Who, these days, is brave ( or foolish ) enough to get off the fence and choose a side? 

It is more prudent to exercise caution when discussing political hot potatoes these days. Particularly if one doesn't know the personal beliefs of the person asking the question. There was a time when the advice was, if in doubt, just talk about the weather.  Not these days. That is one of the worst topics of all. 

" Do you believe in Climate Change?  "  

Best Answer: " I don't know. " And that is pretty much it for everything. 

Sitting on the fence is not a new phenomenon. Norway tried it. America tried it during WW II. But it is a bit like seeing your best friend's marriage break down, try as you might, you inevitably have to pick a side. 

When I wrote the article about Marshall Petain and the Vichy regime in World War II, it reminded me of a movie I have often watched and still regard as a bit of a classic. Millions around the world will agree. 

It is called " Casablanca " . Now, before I go any further, this is not a film review. It is a way of showing that what is going on today is not new. It has been going on for years. Fence sitting and trying to stay out of the fight doesn't work. And it never will. 

So, back to Casablanca.

 Sorry about the subtitles. It was the only free version I could find to put in the article. 

Released in 1942, during the height of World War II, the film serves as a powerful allegory for the turbulent times it was made in. Beyond its love story and ( let's face it )  memorable characters, "Casablanca" looks at American isolationism, the Vichy regime's control over Casablanca, and the plight of the refugees trapped within the city.

Just thought I would pop that in. 

At the time of "Casablanca," the United States maintained a policy of neutrality and isolationism, seeking to avoid involvement in the war. This view is mirrored in the film through the character of Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart. Rick initially embodies the isolationist sentiment, choosing to remain indifferent to the conflict and focus solely on his own interests. His famous line, "I stick my neck out for nobody," pretty much says it all. 

Rick wanted to sit on the fence, not get involved. It was easier to stick his head in the sand and get on with his own life than worry about other people. He is looking after number one.

He had fled Paris when the Nazi's took over and had arrived in Casablanca in Vichy-controlled Morocco,  a crossroads for spies, traitors, Nazis and the French Resistance. He set up a steamy smoke-filled bar where desperate refugees try to get hold of illegal exit visas to America. It is also where the Vichy Police hang out. 

One night, Rick’s old flame Ilsa (Bergman) turns up with her resistance leader husband in search of safe passage to the States. Cue the famous line:

Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.

Casablanca’s clearest theme is that neutrality – whether in war or in love – is difficult to maintain. And, as the movie continues, Rick, the fence-sitting immovable cynic realises that he cannot stay neutral and has to pick a side. 

We also meet Captain Louis Renault, played by Claude Rains. Renault's character epitomises the morally ambiguous position of those collaborating with the enemy for personal gain. His transformation from a loyal servant of the regime to someone who helps Rick and Ilsa escape represents a moral awakening and the realisation that he too is in the same boat as Rick: one day, you have to pick a side. 

A contingent of German officers is singing nationalist songs. Victor Lazlo (Paul Heinreid), a heroic resistance fighter who represents the nobility and sacrifice of the oppressed Europeans, demands that the band play La Marseillaise, the French national anthem. The band look to Rick, who nods assent and in that nod he relinquishes his isolationism. The anthem is rousingly played and the Nazis, who initially try to sing more loudly, are drowned out by the patrons singing in unison and they give up. By identifying with Rick, moviegoers were encouraged to make the same choice. source

Through the characters of Rick and Captain Louis Renault, we the transformation from apathy to action. Sometimes, we need to oppose injustice even in the face of personal risk.

So what is the point of today's article you may ask. It is simply this. 

Sitting on the fence, saying " I don't know " can only work up to a point. 

At some stage you will find yourself confronted with that life changing moment when you have to declare your position. 

It is all very well to say " I don't know " in an opinion poll, but when it comes to a vote, things get serious. 

In fact, the sheer relief of getting off the fence and standing on firm ground can be quite liberating. I suspect that there will be many more of us on this side of the fence than we realise. 

Which side?

The right side, of course.