Comments on: Sometimes the “politically correct” have a point

By: Political correctness story not correct, or political | Daily Mail Watch

Political correctness story not correct, or political | Daily Mail Watch — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:53:26 +0000

[...] you believe it’s a tool used by the state to suppress freedom of speech and kow-tow to minorities, or think it’s just another example of different people forcing [...]

By: Dave Semple

Dave Semple — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:34:50 +0000

Of course I’ve nailed my colours to the mast. Why else write anything?

I am anti-police; though I have multiple relatives in the force, I have no sympathy with an organisation that beats demonstrators or seeks ever more powers to be used against dissenters.

I am anti-army, insofar as the army is used as a political weapon against innocent civilians in other countries.

I am certainly anti-monarchy; what right does any unelected institution have to wield any degree of power or influence in this country?

As for not having any values, you’ll notice that your comment has been posted on this website. Freedom of speech, of disagreement, of protest are my values, among others – and unlike the police force and various politicians I don’t seek to restrain them. What you really mean is, I don’t share your values – and I am thankful for that, since I have no desire to live in the 1950s.

By: patrick o riordan

patrick o riordan — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:28:07 +0000

Is it any wonder police officers despair.the teacher who made the previous comments has nailed his own colours to the mast very clearly.while my colleagues quite clearly are showing support for the country they work for.this tit is displaying the same liberal pc,anti police,anti army,anti monarchy stance that has turned this country into a huge cess pit with no values ,bottle or character.

By: Andrew Baker

Andrew Baker — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:43:57 +0000

I agree.

In any case one doesn’t need badges to show everything you believe or feel. If an individual officer chose quite legitimately not wear such a badge would this not create barriers and an overlay of others judgment.

By: Afghanistan – a just war against the Taliban. « Zebra-Mbizi

Afghanistan – a just war against the Taliban. « Zebra-Mbizi — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:59:24 +0000

[...] in Afghanistan. Because casualties have inreased during Operation Panther’s Claw there is a knee jerk reaction that leads some people to think we should run away from Afghanistan. In other words surrender the [...]

By: Dave Semple

Dave Semple — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:58:56 +0000

I have no trouble with soldiers, per se. I am all for securing the welfare of the troops – just as I am all for securing the welfare of all workers. But what I will not countenance is standing under a banner of “Support Our Troops” while attached to it comes such nationalist paraphernalia as the Royal British Legion and the Daily Mail offer.

“Support Our Troops” in this context is not to do with their welfare, or they’d be clamouring to bring the troops home, where, y’know, they’re not likely to be shot at or blown up by a roadside bomb.

By: Miller 2.0

Miller 2.0 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:53:00 +0000

“I, and many others, do not support the troops in Afghanistan or Iraq”

I think it all depends what you mean by ‘support’. I don’t think supporting the welfare of troops implies support for the political decision to engage in conflict X or Y. Nor does not supporting the wars mean that we should allow troops to be issued with dodgy equipment, or to live in uninhabitable conditions at home or abroad.

You’d probably agree with me on all of this? Interesting stuff to learn from Russia on it any way, having support in the army was crucial to the success of 1917. It’s also electorally crucial for the left. As well as being right as a matter of principle, bearing in mind what elected politicians ask them to sacrifice.

I basically don’t think individual troops can be blamed for the conflicts into which they are sent. Armies are a symptom of our politics, not a cause. Full culpability should rest instead on the shoulders of those who take the political decisions.

Your points about war crimes etc are of course completely sound. Those who commit war crimes should not be supported under any circumstances. In fact, we have a moral duty to root them out. I don’t think this is controversial.