WE'VE GOT MAIL

Clearing out the old junk that had accumulated on my computer, I came across an article that someone had sent me as an email attachment after the terrorist incidents in England in 2005.

Reading it again, I realised that I and all British people living abroad were now the immigrants. The comments made by the unknown author applied to us as much as the new people who live in Britain as our replacements. Maybe we foreigners in a foreign land should read it and see just how much it applies to us now the shoe is on the other foot. So here it is:

The immigrants must adapt, not the British

“I am tired of this country worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on London, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Britons.

However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the ‘politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism would offend others.

I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Britain. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country and apparently some born here need to understand.

This idea of Britain being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As British, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak English, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!

‘In God We Trust' is our National Motto. This is not some Christian, rightwing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world for your new home, because God is part of our culture. If the Union Jack offends you, or you don't like ‘A Fair Go', then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.

We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is our country, our land, and our lifestyle, and we will give you every opportunity to enjoy it all.

But once you are done complaining, whining and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our National Motto, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great British freedom, ‘the right to leave'.

If you aren't happy here then leave quickly! We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country you accepted. Pretty easy really, when you think about it.”

If you substitute Bulgaria for Britain it certainly makes you think and I for one don't think that I will ever complain again about anything Bulgarian, (with possibly the exception of builders!).

So, if you hear me talking about how bad the roads are, or how difficult it is to learn the Bulgarian language, I am not moaning or criticising, just making an observation.

This is Bulgaria and I chose to come here to enjoy, live and experience all of it. “Wart's an' all“.

William J Ford


DEAR VAGABOND

Does Bulgaria have an Alcoholics Anonymous for foreigners? The European site says there are no meetings in English at this time, yet I have heard of unofficial meetings. I know other countries such as Spain and Portugal do have official AA meetings, which highlights how many people move abroad with existing drink problems or develop them whilst here. I certainly know of a few people here who drink more than is healthy.

K. W., Sofia


VAGABOND

As far as we know, there are no foreigners-only AA meetings in Bulgaria. However, anyone in need is welcome to join the AA groups that exist throughout the country. Their current schedule is as follows:

Sofia

33 Veslets St, Second Floor - Wednesday, Sunday, 7 pm
117 Pirotska St, First Floor - Monday, Friday, 7 pm, phone: 0885 708 198 or 0887 467 243 for more information

Burgas
Slaveykov quarter, Block 1-A, at the back of Mistral Café - Monday, 5 pm, phone: 0887 524 424 for more information

Varna
27 Ivan Rilski St - Wednesday, Friday, 6.30 pm

Stara Zagora
Youth Health Centre, or Mladezhki zdraven centar, 35 Mitropolit Metodi Kusev St - Tuesday, Thursday, 7 pm

Radnevo
State Psychiatric Hospital, 1 Magda Petkanova St, First Floor - weekdays, 8 am