Who is your greatest living Englishman?

Churchill is probably the finest example I can think of the tendency of modern society only being able to see/judge people in black and white because it’s too complicated to look at the whole picture. In addition, only ever judging someone by the standards and values of the present day. It’s pi$$ poor and lazy.

Here’s a man who was involved in British public life for decades. Because of my background (Irish/Coal mining/ anti empire(s) I obviously think he was ‘a bit of a tw@t’. However, his leadership role during the 2WW cannot be ignored. My issue is that, for some people, it’s all they do see - lazy. If you want a more considered view of how he was seen by the people of this Country, even at that time, ask yourself why - only a few weeks after the end of the war - how was so roundly booted out of office.

21st perspectives eh....

 

Except Stalin was a Georgian not a Russian.

The west tend to see 'Soviet' and' Russian' as being the same thing. Quite an important distinction and one the Soviets and even Russians use to muddy the waters of historical debate.

 

Paul McCartney

 

I always thought the greatest Russian was Maria Kirilenko. She was good at Tennis.

 

I think either Attenborough or cox are the two stand outs for me.. I can’t stand Churchill for obvious reasons but I don’t think any Englishman or woman can be considered the greatest if their life is littered with atrocities and controversies.

 

A very valid point. He also allowed 3 million to die of famine in Bengal.

 

I think Churchill put it best.

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it."

 

Sorry to Geganpresser. As It’s been taken over. By the dead.
But greatest ever Englishman ( to those spouting Churchill) . Doesn’t exist. For me. ( apart from my dad) People need to look at Folk like Harry Leslie Smith and his ilk. True heroes. EnglishMEN.

 

It would be easier if we were looking for the greatest living Scotsman as no-one could argue with it being former Leeds and Scotland centre-forward Arthur Graham. (One for the Viz readers there!)

 

Kipper Jackson.

 

Is he still alive? His finest moment been running on the pitch at maine road

 

Well, if Winston Churchill is being used as the greatest living Englishman, then I'm advocating Queen Boudica. I accept that presents some issues with it for Gegenpresser's original question:-
1) She wasn't English (as England didn't exist at the time);
2) She wasn't a man;
3) She's dead.
But she's just as valid as Winston Churchill!

 

I am strongly in favour of David Attenborough, but I am sure a more contentious one but i cannot see past the Queen. For all the faults of the monarchy the Queen has been a constant in public life for most of everybody's life time and when you look at other countries and their elected head of states over her reign i think as a country we have been very lucky

 

All she's missing is a pair of goolies.

 

in this crazy world i couldn't discriminate based on sex

But not many of the men mentioned so far could compete with her record

 

Cant see beyond Attenborough and Cox now they have been mentioned.

Ive learned more about science and nature from these 2 than from anywhere else.

 

It is so hilariously ironic that the people advocating for Churchill are apparently unable to read English.

 

Paul Sykes.

 

A constant who; for most of her reign ran a household that had a colour bar on clerical staff. And a single black guardsman who was subject to almost daily racial abuse.

But us lefties should stop talking about race, cos the problem will go away if we’re not bringing it to peoples attention right?

 

It's sad, rather than ironic, in that Churchill should not even be included in this thread.

We keep doing Churchill to death on this site. Even though he's not "living". It fits a general agenda though, I suppose.