I was dealing my emails this morning and had the radio on. It was the Remembrance Service.
I always find myself ambivalent. I do not find this a simple thing. Emotionally I am in a strange place. Perhaps it is my view towards the Vietnam War and the later Iraq and Afghan wars. Then we have Syria, Iran and Libya. War rarely sorts out anything.
Should I wear a red poppy, a white poppy or no poppy?
I do appreciate the fact that we are safe, that we have a democracy (imperfect but better than not having one), that we are ruled secularly, that we have freedom of speech and equality. I enjoy living in a pluralistic society without the misogyny, racism and intolerance of many cultures.
I do appreciate the huge sacrifice and bravery of our troops. My father and grandfather both fought in the world wars.
I would like to recognise the efforts and sacrifices of our soldiers.
However, I do not have any faith in the decisions made by governments. I believe they lie and misrepresent, that they have political agendas and economic reasons for their decisions. How many wars are created for political or economic reasons and have nothing to do with our security? What distorted propaganda was put out by the CIA and British Intelligence? What destabilising has gone on?
I only have to look at Chile, Argentina, Vietnam, Cambodia and Africa to see the result of political intrigue.
How important was oil? How are we playing one group against another to our own advantage?
Which wars would I support? Which do I think were legal? How much are our views being manipulated?
I do not find these easy questions.
I would like to wear a poppy to support the soldiers who have suffered tremendous life-changing injuries (mental and physical) or death and their families.
I would consider, as a pacifist, wearing a white poppy to show that support while opposing war.
But I do not like the whole pageant of Remembrance Day. I do not like the way the Establishment, who I consider to be behind many of the unjustified wars, take the leading part. The politicians and aristocracy, who made the decisions, now stand there while those who make the sacrifices march past.
I detest the military aspects. I find it very martial and all about military power and to have a triumphal air. The military music is not about remembrance to me. The uniforms, flags and marching speaks of arrogance, strength and war – not sadness.
The whole business reeks of hypocrisy to me!
Wholly agree. Given the events and if ever there was good reason to wage war perhaps WW2 was it. There was a time when Germany could quite easily have marched right in here. That would be the only instance.
But here we are 75 years later with an on-going farce.
Yes. And even World War Two could have been averted if Britain, France and everyone else had been more on the ball. They should have seen what was going on with the Jews and militarisation and taken strong steps to sort it out! I think there may even have been compliance.
Compliance certainly – some being an inertia, some blatant non belief that anything growling just one fence away won’t jump over and bite. And a somewhat weak leadership.
I think there were a group in the establishment who thought Hitler had the right idea and were keen on a partnership.
Initially these same people were outraged by the removal of the Kaiser. The mere mention of “national socialist” anything frightened the pounds out of their drawers. Some admired the en-masse getting things done approach. And it’s true that the Jew business did have it’s supporters.
Partnership to what?
There was a move to join up with the Nazis and sort out the world. A fascist conspiracy. As you say they loved the order, the regimentation, trains on time and regeneration. They liked the work ethic and happy with the anti-Semitic crap.
I always wear the red poppy because I consider its about remembering the dead and not about me but I am increasingly concerned about how that’s being hijacked by the far right.
Caught a few minutes of it on TV last name night and felt totally uneasy about the whole thing, can’t help but think the media will be dissecting the enthusiasm or Corbyns applause today.
And the etnd I can’t help but feel that a lot of our so called leaders will be gearing up for another conflict soon, it seems to be important for a politicians CV.
Maybe the general public might like a say in any such matters this time around…
Since when have they ever had a say?
I’ve worn red and white and none and vacillate.
I can feel another conflict developing. There will be a lot more poppies soon.
Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated.
I watched this morning the Ceremony and remembered for the two minute silence, but I hate war and all it does. I remember Vietnam, who could forget that little girl running down the road burnt from was it napalm. I still have, somewhere the Life magazine with that cover of the little girl. I watched the tv with my first son on my lap as those Lads left for the Falklands, what a bloody waste of life that was, Thatcher’s victory look at the cost. I watched this morning as the wreaths were laid who the sod cares if Jeremy Corbyn’s head lowered was not as deep as Cameron’s, he was there he laid a wreath forget it. I caught that bastard Blair there, how he could stand there such defiance, with so much blood on his hands, thanks to him and Bush we have Isis.
My own husband, David was in the last War RAF in Burma, he was big on this. I too hate the establishment and the hypocrisy of the Royals, only one of them is a real Soldier. I do not wear a Poppy now, I don’t need one to remember those that have sacrificed so much. All that money wasted this morning on the establishment could have gone to help those men/women injured from War. Rant over, sorry painkillers not working!!
Views and comments expressed with passion are not a rant. They are an interesting contribution.
All comments, views and rants are welcome on this blog.
Cheers Anna – sorry to hear that you’ve got pain. That is not good.
Hopefully few more painkillers and a strong G&T with them might help. What I need is a very rich handsome man to whisk me off to California and the sun, here it is God’s Waiting Room. Not that I go out unless it is the Surgery/hospital. Find I have built this brick wall around myself and do not want to go beyond it, make sense or just me being nuts.
That sounds bad. I hope the G&T works. Sorry – don’t know any rich handsome men who are heading for California right now. If one crops up I’ll post him your way!
I don’t like the sound of brick walls. That is a recipe for paranoia. A bit Roger Watersish. Knock down all walls immediately!
How’s the second book?
Make sure you pass him on. G&T will work hopefully, my youngest Son says there are like choking when I make him one. I get like this, been through a lot and have very little confidence. Used to “cut” a long time ago, Samaritans got me to stop. Hopefully going upstairs shortly to read your book.
Reading and blogging is much better than cutting. Writing is cathartic and so is sharing. Talking is always good. I’m glad you’ve got your sons for support. You’ve got to have a purpose in life.
Writing gives me a purpose though sometimes it all seems so pointless.
I enjoyed teaching – all those young, lively enthusiastic minds were so optimistic, idealistic and full of life. They gave me much hope for the future.
Good morning, I do find writing helps me iit always has. I do more writing now which I get carried away with, you might have noticed! I stopped cutting a long time ago, I had no where I could turn at that time and I just wanted “out”. Stuck in a house that is hard to keep going, a Town I never liked and but my feelings did not come into it. Health problems now hold me back or I allow them to and I just build this wall around me, an excuse not to live if I am honest – this is me Opher I created this life for myself and all the consequences that went with it. Yes thank God I have the Boys but they should be out in the World Living.
The new book I have started is “Times and Tales of a Sixties Freak.
Good Morning Anna.
Writing and reading is good but human contact is important too. I have found in life that you have to push yourself and make yourself do the things you are afraid of. Break down the walls. Reach out. Go and join something. Join the U3A or an adult ed class. Join in and meet new people, make friends again. Break down walls. We all put them up. But you are a warm friendly person with much to offer. It’s not good being lonely. Now is the time to do something. It would take your mind off your problems too – make you feel better.
Ah – that book was one of my first. I have the real one on my computer. All the chapters had appropriate lyrics from my favourite songs to illustrate them. Unfortunately I had to remove all of them due to copyright. I would have been sued. How are you finding it?
I so detest war… I don’t think it ever solves anything. Just unearths different problems. But like you, I have to respect the ones who get out there. My bff’s youngest son was in s explosion from an IED.He got a purple heart for it. Sure gave us a different perspective on what these Guys do.
I know. War is no answer. We should have better tastics by now.
I don’t even know what to say. All the comments are great. It’s so hard. I get really mad. Bush/Cheney. All the economics of war. People dying for other people’s money. Makes me sick. But I am grateful to the soldiers. So….
This is a dilemma, a conundrum, a moral tangle. Part of me thinks we’re being duped to fight wars on behalf of an elite and half of me wants to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of people defending our freedoms.
You book, I am enjoying it of course. I know all you say is so true and thank you for your kind comments about me. I am not lonely Opher, I am a Loner always have been and I am not a joiner of things. Yes, you are right you have to push yourself, I loved walking around London discovering all it has to offer but despite all pain tabs I am on, walking well what can I say I have to keep stopping because of my spine. When your mind is set the walls are up it is much easier to hide behind. This is why I am trying to push myself to make it to San Francisco, if I don’t do it well it will be another regret and I do not need anymore.
I’m glad to hear that you are not lonely. But you could become lonely. There are some great courses out there that would be really fun and if you met a good friend or two that would be a bonus.
San Fran sounds good. Do it. You’d love it.
I’m pleased you’re enjoying the book. I’m always on tenterhooks. The books are my babies.
Your advice is always welcome and I really am listening to you and know you are telling me the truth.
Will certainly let you know how I felt about the book and at the end another Review on Amazon for sure.
Cheers Anna.