Poppies and the "Heroes Industry" ?

[ahinton]

You find the language unacceptable but war crimes seem to be OK ?
hummmm something odd about that don't you think ?

I won't presume to speak for Mr Pee but I certainly do not find war crimes "acceptable" - nor do I find the action of Marine A "acceptable". All that I am saying to you is that you didn't have to address what you did to Mr Pee in order to let him know what you think of his ideas and arguments. That's all. No one is suggesting that trenchant views should not be responded to with equally trenchant challenges - but this is primarily a discussion forum, not a place to hurl insults.

[MrGongGong]

I won't presume to speak for Mr Pee but I certainly do not find war crimes "acceptable" - nor do I find the action of Marine A "acceptable". All that I am saying to you is that you didn't have to address what you did to Mr Pee in order to let him know what you think of his ideas and arguments. That's all. No one is suggesting that trenchant views should not be responded to with equally trenchant challenges - but this is primarily a discussion forum, not a place to hurl insults.

I understand and respect what you are saying
BUT given that mr pee made a huge flounce about "ignoring" what I wrote then started commenting on it at the same time my response (f word and all) seemed entirely appropriate in the context.
From what he says it DOES seem that he is more offended by the f word (and it's not the F that was broadcast from HCMF last night either ...... wonderful stuff) than the murder of defenceless people.... that to my mind is most offensive.
I'm not always convinced by the argument that folks come out with about "civilised" conversation etc , talking politely doesn't always work IMV ....

It IS a discussion forum indeed , which is why I posted this HERE , the comment # 3 wasn't an attempt at discussion at all IMV

[ahinton]

I'm not always convinced by the argument that folks come out with about "civilised" conversation etc , talking politely doesn't always work IMV ....

I wrote that "no one is suggesting that trenchant views should not be responded to with equally trenchant challenges"; I am therefore neither expecting nor advocating mealy-mouthedness, but one can be vociferous and forceful with arguments without being rude or uncivilised.

[MrGongGong]

I wrote that "no one is suggesting that trenchant views should not be responded to with equally trenchant challenges"; I am therefore neither expecting nor advocating mealy-mouthedness, but one can be vociferous and forceful with arguments without being rude or uncivilised.

OK
back OT methinks

It is interesting that what I thought might be a rather "unusual" view that the whole poppy thing has become something else isn't confined to people like myself. With a few exceptions (:whistle:) it seems that unease about the way in which this is portrayed and used is rather widespread. I'm not looking forward to next years WW1 stuff which promises to be more of the same !

[amateur51]

You find the language unacceptable but war crimes seem to be OK ?
hummmm something odd about that don't you think ?

He must've had a terrible time during his service career as one of The Boys In The Band, with such a delicate disposition!

"Sergeant Major! I say, oh Sergeant Major?!"

"Kiss me goodnight, Sergeant-Major
Tuck me in my little wooden bed
We all love you, Sergeant-Major
Even when your neck grows rather red

Don't forget to wake me in the morning
And bring me 'round a nice hot cup of tea
Kiss me goodnight, Sergeant-Major
Sergeant-Major, be a mother to me"

[amateur51]

So if NATO got rid of the Taliban in 2001, as you say, how come Marine A is up in court for "murdering" a Taliban prisoner? Clearly, if the Taliban were defeated 12 years ago, there is no case for him to answer. And all those Taliban attacks since 2001, such as the shooting of Malala Yousafzai just over a year ago, are all a figment of the imagination.



Oh well, I am not surprised that you take those Party Political Broadcasts seriously. Most observers, with the exception of their fellow travellers, regard them, quite rightly, as the rantings of deranged lunatics.

Oh sorry Mr Pee, I forgot it was you - I remember I have to move my lips very slowly when it's you ...

My point is that NATO had Taliban in retreat in 2001, heading off to Pakistan with its tail between its legs. And somehow the pressure was eased off, and they're back worse than ever. That's how it will be when NATO leaves. As bad as before.

As for your not believing the suicide videos , what's not to believe? That's what rhey beelieve - they'#ll go to Paradise if they kill themseolves and a.ll these non-believers who are occupying 'their' land. It's what they think right up to the moment they detonate their explosives hidden on their body or in their van, killing and maiming dozens of people. What you think is irrelevant. They are not deterred by your scorn and complacency and your name-calling.

[Mr Pee]

What you think is irrelevant. They are not deterred by your scorn and complacency and your name-calling.

I wasn't even aware that the Taliban are readers of these boards. You learn something new every day.

[Mr Pee]

He must've had a terrible time during his service career as one of The Boys In The Band, with such a delicate disposition!

"Sergeant Major! I say, oh Sergeant Major?!"

"Kiss me goodnight, Sergeant-Major
Tuck me in my little wooden bed
We all love you, Sergeant-Major
Even when your neck grows rather red

Don't forget to wake me in the morning
And bring me 'round a nice hot cup of tea
Kiss me goodnight, Sergeant-Major
Sergeant-Major, be a mother to me"

The RAF doesn't have Sergeant-Majors.

<D'Oh>

[ahinton]

I wasn't even aware that the Taliban are readers of these boards. You learn something new every day.

Do you really?! Am51 wrote of the Taleban that "they are not deterred by your scorn and complacency and your name-calling"; does that not suggest to you that they are not - and am51 is well aware that they are not - "readers of these boards"?

[MrGongGong]

The RAF doesn't have Sergeant-Majors.

<D'Oh>

It does (or is that "did") have........................ errrr blue uniforms ?

[amateur51]

The RAF doesn't have Sergeant-Majors.

<D'Oh>

You were in 'the services' you said? I don't give a tinker's toss what service. But trust you to latch on to the unimportant error.

Priceless!

[Mr Pee]

Do you really?! Am51 wrote of the Taleban that "they are not deterred by your scorn and complacency and your name-calling"; does that not suggest to you that they are not - and am51 is well aware that they are not - "readers of these boards"?

In order for them not to be deterred by it, they would first have to read it; and then not be deterred. If they haven't read it in the first place, they can neither be deterred or not deterred by it, since they would be unaware of it, and therefore the whole point is irrelevant.

The nuclear deterrent wouldn't be much use if nobody knew it existed, would it?

[Mr Pee]

You were in 'the services' you said? I don't give a tinker's toss what service. But trust you to latch on to the unimportant error.

Priceless!

Whatever....

I should have thought, though, that the link I posted earlier in the thread to an RAF Central Band recording, which I said I was proud to be playing on, might have given you a clue....

<D'oh> again.

[amateur51]

I wasn't even aware that the Taliban are readers of these boards. You learn something new every day.

Cheers for that insight.

[ahinton]

In order for them not to be deterred by it, they would first have to read it; and then not be deterred. If they haven't read it in the first place, they can neither be deterred or not deterred by it, since they would be unaware of it, and therefore the whole point is irrelevant.

No. Not being deterred by something does not necessarily mean that you are aware of it and consciously undeterred thereby.

The nuclear deterrent wouldn't be much use if nobody knew it existed, would it?

No - but we weren't talking about "nobody" at all but just the Taleban. I'm less and less convinced that you're the most persuasive person to listen to about which planet others might be on, frankly...