Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Understanding sacrifice and mission

In an article last week on the outstanding performance of British snipers in AFG - there was this picture.

It says a lot about the ruling class making an effort to not only send their sons in harms way - as the British Royal Family does - but seeing up close and personal the sacrifices others make in their name.

The picture speaks enough on its own.


Leadership - doing it right.

33 comments:

Byron said...

The Lion might not have as many teeth as it used to, but they sure as hell are sharp!

Grumpy Old Ham said...

<span>It says a lot about the ruling class making an effort to not only send their sons in harms way...</span>

You just summarized what I find most offensive about America's "elites":  they want all the perqs of royalty, but none of the responsiblities of same.

ewok40k said...

Noblesse oblige...

DoesNotMatter said...

OTOH that is Camiila making the sacrifice. I am not sure the soldiers deserve that.

cdrsalamander said...

DNM,
Cut her and them some slack.  This isn't her first trip, and not all have a photographer ---- and never underestimate the fact that someone gives a damn.

She is, in essence and fact - the Step-Mother to two servicemen.  At least hold back the snark for that bit.  

Byron said...

"I am not sure the soldiers deserve that."

Would you care to explain that statement?

Sim said...

DNM-

One that hand writes letters to all the dead and wounded of The Rifles.

DoesNotMatter said...

It is Camilla.
Sure the effort is admirable. No question that there some who could take that as an example.

But the face... .

Yes, that is petty. But if you ask me "Name the three ugliest female politicians", then my answer would be: Camilla, Pelosi, Merkel. Order depending on the particular day the photo was shoot.

I have some additional nasty comments to that effect but even I can see when something is in very bad taste.

cdrsalamander said...

Dude.  Perspective and context.

Whatever it is that is eating you, you need to pray on it.

ShawnP said...

Never doubted the quality of the British military and never doubt the ability of the British military to kick your butt in a drinking contest.

Byron said...

"you need to pray on it"

Pray a lot.

DeltaBravo said...

Note the Duchess is on crutches herself.  She broke her leg walking in the Scottish Highlands.  She kept all her appointments through April.  Obviously though she was told to stay off the leg, she must have felt greeting the troops in May was important enough to follow through.   She seems to be doing it with good cheer.

And on the subject of our UK friends, hail and farewell... good luck to David Cameron as the incoming PM.  Goodbye to Gordon Brown as he departs. 

Spade said...

Go read Mike Yon's article on her.

Spade said...

I like Brit Royalty a hell of a lot more than our 'royalty'.

And my family was once from Ireland, so that says a lot.

Outlaw Mike said...

I'm not a military man. I've been cheering this war effort since 2001 and I don't regret cheering it. Or, cheering is perhaps not the best word. I just realize that it's necessary to take the war to the enemy.

That said... I 've had it light all those years, sitting safely on my warm ass. These guys out there... the blind guy - or dare I hope he's still got his right eye? The guy without legs and the stump...

... well, that's. I mean, it absolutely does not change my opinion regarding this war, and we have to continue till the bastards are dead or give up. But. Shit, I can't even say it hurts to see 'em like that since a couple of minutes from now I'm off my desk and gone home and this image is forgotten. But for these guys it goes on. I'm planning a holiday in Wales and Ireland, climbing the Snowdon and Carrauntohil, and this blind guy and the limbless guy, they are wheelchair bound for the rest of their lives.

Man, this is so sad. So sad. I'm not playing a weenie here, but these guys have paid an immensely high price. An immensely high price.

Something should be done to reward them, make their life easier and comfortable.

DeltaBravo said...

I second that emotion.  Being quite Irish meself.

ActusRhesus said...

Wow.  so because she's not "beautiful" she has no value as a human? How far we've come as a society...

ActusRhesus said...

Not entirely true.  Actually children of national level politicians are statistically more likely to serve in the armed forces.

UltimaRatioRegis said...

"<span>...because she's not "beautiful" she has no value as a human?"</span>

Jee-Zus I hope that's not the case.  If it is, I got NO chance, none. 

UltimaRatioRegis said...

AR,

Thank you for pointing that out.  Also, higher income is overrepresented in the Armed Forces by something like 25%.  I will have to dig for the figures, but the demographics were a surprise to quite a few people.

UltimaRatioRegis said...

Is it me or does Cameron look like Chandler from "Friends"?

UltimaRatioRegis said...

<span>Is it me or does Cameron look like Chandler from "Friends"?</span>

DoesNotMatter said...

Never said that she has no value. In that picture she displays a lot more than most public figures.

I just do not like looking at her.
That and she reminds the german yellow pages of Lady Di. Which usually means half a week of news squandered on yet another rememberance and paranoia about her death. It is mildly annoying when nothing is going on but infurating when there actual events to discuss.

Grumpy Old Ham said...

So this book is no longer accurate?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060888598/militarycom/102-5984046-5409741

UltimaRatioRegis said...

Er, I seem to remember that being the impetus for the debate.  No, her premise in the book was not accurate.  Some accused her (with some justification) of a deliberate falsehood, if memory serves me. 

Byron said...

Sorry you're vision was disturbed and your peace was ruffled...NOT. What are you, a 20 something that doesn't have a clue about debt to a service? That she believes it's her DUTY to honor these warrior returned from war? Must truly suck to be as shallow as you, that you cannot appreciate this act and the strong woman.

Oh, by the way, when you get her age, please send us a picture of YOUR mug, jackass.

Spade said...

She does a bit more than just that.

John said...

Good on the gentle lady for caring enough to show up, with her own broken leg.

Reportedly, she has been very supportive of the troops at a time when many UK elites have shunned them.

And, I bet she does not care if there will be a photo op or not, and would still show up out of respect for the troops, noton;y  from narcissistic or politicial opportunism like some U.S. politicians.

ActusRhesus said...

haven't read the book, so I can't comment on her statements, however the factoid I cited came out in factchecks of Fahrenheit 911. There's the "gotcha journalism" scene where micahel moore attempts to ambush senators about why their sons aren't in Iraq.  Research on the issue showed that the children of senators are more likely to have military service.  (And incidentally, if memory serves moore cut out the responses of the senators in the final cut of the film...one of them had no service age children.  the other responded he had a nephew in Iraq)

MR T's Haircut said...

THe British Soldiers are all standing or sitting a little prouder in this photo.  They know their place in history.  The Brits have one thing we try to shrug off.. traditions...

UltimaRatioRegis said...

Michael Moore misrepresenting facts and comments from those he opposes?  Whodathunkit. 

Master AssClown said...

Yeah, our royalty is just warmed over ignorant Chicago thugs and dishonorable hacks feigning royalty but behaving so fraudulently.

IMHO,

MAC

Salty Gator said...

Agreed.  She was nailed by the British public and media for being Charles' side piece for years.  Her care and concern is not to maintain or rebuild an image--she has none.  Moto.