ΑΛΛΗΛΕΓΓΥΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΕ: ΕΞΕΛΙΞΕΙΣ ΣΤΟ ΠΕΔΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΠΡΟΣΦΥΓΙΚΗΣ ΠΡΟΣΤΑΣΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΚΛΗΣΕΙΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΕ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ
24 The concept and dimensions of solidarity Of course, the metaphorical (or ‘transferred’, according to the OED) sense of sol- idarity further facilitated the disassociation of the concept from its revolution- ary, class-related and internationalist connotations. The most notable authors quoted in the OED could now talk of the solidarity ‘of Breton and Welsh poetry’, of all translations of the Jewish scriptures, of all “the organs of speech that act and react upon each other”, or of “the solidarity existing between all parts of the lung”! 22 As the concept was incorporated in the English vocabulary to convey diverse and often conflicting meanings (and serve a vast array of interests), the difference between the literal and the metaphorical evaporated. According to the OED quotes under this first meaning of solidarity, the word was even used to de- scribe a loose form of alliance (a most beneficial policy option for Napoleon that, unlike his nephew, never chose to follow in his relations to England) 23 or Tory par- ty allegiance. 24 One of the most notable OED references is a quote from William Stubbs’ Constitutional History of England (Vol. II), 25 at least to the extent that it engulfs most of the conceptual mutations mentioned above, perhaps in the most tragic or farcical manner. There solidarity was evoked to address not only the ris- ing concept of national (English) solidarity, but most crucially the bond between the king (Edward I) and his people in the body politic of the rising English nation. It definitely deserves a quote more extended than the one provided by the OED: Edward intended to be wholly and fully a king, and he struggled for power. For twenty years he acted in the spirit of a supreme lawgiver, admitting only the council and the baronage to give their advice and consent. Then politi- cal troubles arose and financial troubles. The financial exigencies suggested rather than forced a new step, and the commons were called to parliament. In calling them he not only enunciated the great principle of national solidar- ity , but based the new measure on the most ancient local institutions. He did not choose the occasion, but he chose the best means of meeting the occa- sion consonant with the habits of the people. And when he had taken the step he did not retrace it. He regarded it as a part of a new compact that faith and honour forbad him to retract. And so on in the rest of his work. … Edward I 22. “ transf . 1867 M. ARNOLD Celtic Lit. 68 The solidarity, to use that convenient French word, of Breton and Welsh poetry. 1876 L. STEPHEN Hist. Eng. Th. 18th C. I. 220 Disput- ing the solidarity of all the writers of Targums. … 1860 MARSH Lect. Eng. Lang. 284 The organs of speech act and react upon each other; there is, to use a word, which if not now English soon will be, a certain solidarity between them all. 1898 Allbutt’s Syst. Med. V. 67 The solidarity existing between all parts of the lung.” Quoted in ibid . 23. “1862 GRATTAN Beaten Paths II. 378 Would he not have found his best policy [in] an alliance, if not quite a solidarity, with England?” Quoted in ibid . 24. “1884 L’pool Mercury 18 Feb. 5/2 The member for Woodstock here repudiates all soli- darity with his leaders.” Quoted in ibid . 25. “1875 STUBBS Const. Hist. xvi. II. 310 There was what is called, in modern phrase, solidarity between him and his people.” Quoted in ibid .
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