In 1265, a French nobleman named Simon de Montfort wrest the power from a hapless English monarchy and introduced the first Parliamentary system since the Senate of Roman times. The first Parliament was intended only for the Knights and the burgesses, in other words those with inherited money and incomes straight off the backs of the plebs and serfs, and the merchants likewise making their money off the plebs and serfs. Knights were not required to be elected, but the Commoners were. To gain this power, it took a war. The wealthy Church landholders weren't required to attend.

750 years later, not a lot has changed. OK, so we now elect all our representatives, but they are still overshadowed by the politically advantageous practice of currying favour with the gentry and the merchants.

Money smells the same in every language, on any continent, in any millennium.

750 years ago, the Christian power of Royalty waged war on the Jews; violence and unwed mothers were commonplace, the nobs and the King grew fat off the backs of the villeins who were taxed for everything, had little chance of advancement, often owned nothing of value and wasted their lives fattening their Knights and Burghers silken pockets. And not a lot has changed.

750 years ago, religion was as important as breeding to the ruling class, and the name of God was invoked at the beginning of more wars than God ever had time to be overseeing. Wealth bought might, numbers and weapons - in politics or in warfare, the backing of their Church gave them the strength to slaughter themselves across the battle lines. And not a lot has changed.

But in those years, the world grew, not just in population but in ability to come into conflict with a wider circle of adversaries.

750 years on, the Jews are fighting for their rights, the monarchy's still hapless, war still ravages the world, violence stalks our steets and homes, our kids will work their lives to line one burgher's pocket whilst paying rent into the other pocket for a roof over their heads, and 13 year olds are still getting pregnant.

So much for religion and Democracy. And just look at what the two combined create in an over-political, mercenarily ravenous and religiously over-zealous country with more fingers in other people's pies than any polydactal monstrocity should have.

More villeins dying.

Power and money. And isn't it sad, all that has changed in 750 years is the method and the scope?

That's Progress for you.