Prince Harry

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:05 pm

Look, we had him living in my town for years and seriously, he doesn't move out of the sight of his security detail. Nobody could be so daft as to think he's not surrounded by protection where he is just as much as he was as a student. The Lacota felt entirely different whenever he was in there, I'll tell you, people practically bowed as they carried their drinks past the muscle.

He isn't capable of being in danger. He's more in danger skiing simply because he can't have a lead tied to him when he's pointed downhill.

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:08 pm

The sas had his back covered but kept at a distance. Im sure that was not Harrys choice, however he was still there and trying his best to fulfill his ambition.

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:10 pm

And, just so we're clear about things, he has actually been killing Muslims by calling in air strikes on them? Despite the lack of personal danger and all that?

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:12 pm

spot;791237 wrote: And, just so we're clear about things, he has actually been killing Muslims by calling in air strikes on them? Despite the lack of personal danger and all that?

Thats his remit.

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:20 pm

He's third in line to the throne. Anything he does is going to be under a media spotlight. Lots of things he doesn't do will be invented. He's stuck with living one of the least enviable lives it's possible to live outside of a cancer ward. We owe him a huge unpayable debt in that he has this burden without inviting it and there's no way he's ever going to escape from it. It's quite impossible for him to choose to do anything normal and actually manage to do it.

What does that have to do with him being a pawn in the despicable PR hype from the Royal Court flunkies, the Army and the Government?

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:24 pm

spot;791246 wrote: He's third in line to the throne. Anything he does is going to be under a media spotlight. Lots of things he doesn't do will be invented. He's stuck with living one of the least enviable lives it's possible to live outside of a cancer ward. We owe him a huge unpayable debt in that he has this burden without inviting it and there's no way he's ever going to escape from it. It's quite impossible for him to choose to do anything normal and actually manage to do it.

What does that have to do with him being a pawn in the despicable PR hype from the Royal Court flunkies, the Army and the Government?

Most probably because yet again the poor lad doesnt want it to be like that, so were just saying poor Harry but good job anyhow.

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:36 pm

Would it not be kinder just to ignore him? As a gesture of goodwill?

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:37 pm

spot;791255 wrote: Would it not be kinder just to ignore him? As a gesture of goodwill?

maybe but hes far too sexy to be ignored spot:D

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:50 pm

It's entirely fair on them, they volunteered and thereby gave the politicos the option of killing large numbers of foreigners. It's the fault of the volunteers down at the root of things, beneath all the layers of argument.

I'm a huge admirer of our current monarchy and I'd hate to see the UK under any other constitution.

Chuckle. Trouble is, I haven't been on here long enough to know when your sarcasm is kicking in. One of the limitations inherent in the written word - no tone of voice. Worse for you Welsh than we English perhaps: thinking of the Welsh without tone of voice is like thinking of the Scots without whisky.

My feeling about the Monarchy is that when you look at the alternatives its appeal increases. Keeping politicians out of the top job looks like a good thing to do in many respects, as long as the power is delegated.

But in many respects the Royal family pay the price: They are prisoners in a gilded cage from birth (ie without choice) and I think much of what you see from Royals in general and Harry in particular reflects this. Both Charles and Diana were desperately concerned to protect their children from the Press and when you add terrorist threats...well, they are targets for all. They are symbols of the State. Uneasy sleeps the head that wears a crown etc, and this lot don't have the power that used to go with the job.

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:53 pm

There was no sarcasm, I often mean exactly what I say.

Post by **spot** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 12:21 am

I do apologize, I suspect you're asking what he should do in the specific area of killing foreigners from a position of relative safety - you know, to an extent I disagree with fox hunting on much the same grounds with the added frustration that I think the life of each of these foreigners is worth rather more than that of a fox. Both involve cruelty, a lack of necessity and a cold-blooded demonstration of superior worth. Anyway, Prince Harry and what he should do. What he can't do is chain himself to the Palace of Westminster with a placard saying Jews Out Of Gaza Now or Stop The War, he's meant to be apolitical and it would destroy the basis of constitutional monarchy for him to do that. Actually joining the bloody army is just as extreme in the other direction though, just as political a statement, just as destructive of the Royal Family's ability to represent all citizens of the Kingdom. I think he should quietly leave the military immediately. I think he should learn the harmonica and start a blues band. Woke Up This Morning My Servant Done Left Me Again, that sort of thing.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:23 am

Spot: :wah::wah::wah: So that's a "don't know" then?

JAB: I'm probably going to be in trouble with Spot now, but he's (think Spot is he?) is so wonderfully Welsh that this Englishman who has got to know them over the years thinks he recognises the type and might be able to help an American understand:

He might appear to have become angry, but he's just being emphatic, and when a Welshman does that there is a often sort of scattergun effect and anything in the conversational vicinity is likely to get blasted. It's just a side effect and can be essentially ignored. What is of frankly scientific interest is that your average Welshman at rest chunters along at a steady, say 250 words per minute but when revved has been known to manage 6000 wpm for hours at a stretch (eg a good party) and can peak in the region of 25,000 wpm (anything to do with Rugby). The current record is held by Martyn Thomas of Ccccllllddddgogoggoch who expired at 36,784 wpm while simultaneously discussing his niece's wedding, the Welsh Assembly, coal, and several Welsh Rugby sides from the '70s to the present day (in Welsh). The Coroner's report gave the cause of death as an overdose of consonants.

Right, I'm off to hide. (giggles in childish fashion and goes off to hide behind the sofa)

Post by **spot** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:37 am

I suspect it's my brother logging on in disguise to annoy me.

Imladris · Post by **Imladris** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:40 am

spot;791590 wrote: I suspect it's my brother logging on in disguise to annoy me.

Is it working??? :wah:

Sorry Spot, but I think he's funny but there again I find Jimbo funny so what do I know!

Post by **spot** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:44 am

It takes a lot to annoy me, even relatives.

I'll look forward to the pint and even more to the chat.

Post by **spot** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:53 am

I'm allowed to tidy up every now and then!

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 2:19 pm

Clodhopper;791433 wrote: Spot: :wah::wah::wah: So that's a "don't know" then?

JAB: I'm probably going to be in trouble with Spot now, but he's (think Spot is he?) is so wonderfully Welsh that this Englishman who has got to know them over the years thinks he recognises the type and might be able to help an American understand:

He might appear to have become angry, but he's just being emphatic, and when a Welshman does that there is a often sort of scattergun effect and anything in the conversational vicinity is likely to get blasted. It's just a side effect and can be essentially ignored. What is of frankly scientific interest is that your average Welshman at rest chunters along at a steady, say 250 words per minute but when revved has been known to manage 6000 wpm for hours at a stretch (eg a good party) and can peak in the region of 25,000 wpm (anything to do with Rugby). The current record is held by Martyn Thomas of Ccccllllddddgogoggoch who expired at 36,784 wpm while simultaneously discussing his niece's wedding, the Welsh Assembly, coal, and several Welsh Rugby sides from the '70s to the present day (in Welsh). The Coroner's report gave the cause of death as an overdose of consonants.

Right, I'm off to hide. (giggles in childish fashion and goes off to hide behind the sofa)

Magnificent!

Spot in scattergun mode is indeed a sight to behold

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 3:17 pm

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/ar ... rtindex=-1

Come on chaps, I know I said to treat me like any other newbie, but, really, superglue!

Forget that Nazi uniform, this is much more fun.

Actually this one caught my eye.

The General by Siegfried Sassoon 1918

"Good-morning; good-morning!" the General said

When we met him last week on our way to the line.

Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of them dead,

And we’re cursing his staff for incompetent swine.

"He’s a cheery old card," grunted Harry to Jack

As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.

But he did for them both by his plan of attack.

The Minister 2008

“Good morning, good morning the Minister said

At immunizations for Afghan front and Iraq

Now some soldiers he smiled at have wished themselves dead

Calling it war or defence don’t bring back life’s spark

He’s a silver tongued guy, grunted Harry to Jack

Widow making equipment mixed with sand in their pack

But it’s Mum nursing Jack and his stumps since they're back

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 6:44 am

Spot: Sorry if I've caused offence and spare your brother. I'm not him. Honest. Let me make it quite clear that I am glad there are three other nations in these islands and think the place would be duller without you. This may possibly place me in a minority of one, but there you are.

Post by **spot** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:00 am

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.j ... phil09.xml

The fourth paragraph.

That's the spirit. Cliff Morgan, Barry John, Owen Glendower, Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett. Names to conjure with.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:29 am

Spot: Chuckle. I know. I remember as a lad in the '70s turning on the tv with the family to watch the annual hammering by the Welsh, and renting cottages in various parts of Wales for holidays hopping around in the mountains. Back then I though pit props were what you were mining for, and coal was just a by-product.

Actually the County I was raised in fought one of the lesser known terrorist campaigns of the last 30 years. "Terrorist" is perhaps overstating it. "Very slightly scary" might be better. Rutland was absorbed into Leicestershire in one of the County reorganisations so the County signs were taken down. A week later they reappeared. Every time they were taken down, they reappeared. Eventually, terrified by this callous disregard for Council property the Powers That Be granted Rutland her independence from the Evil Empire that is Leicestershire. Now the happy inhabitants of Rutland roam freely in their meadows and pay much higher prices to buy in from Leicestershire the same services as they got before...

Post by **spot** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:16 am

I'm trying hard to recall the name of a short story - or, indeed, I fear, that of its author - relating the eternal damnation of a Rutland Regiment, allowed only to return once a year to hold its ghostly Regimental Dinner until dawn on account some devilish escapade or general notoriety. It's completely escaped my mind.

If, on the other hand, you take the A47 West and pass Skeffington and Houghton on the Hill and Thurnby, descend the hill to the city boundary and turn immediately left you'll find my old stomping grounds and school, behind whose playing fields I lived for some years. At this distance I can't count the occasions I walked or biked (though not usually on the A47 itself, more on the lanes) to Uppingham, up to Oakham, a picnic lunch overlooking Empingham Reservoir and then back through Cottesmore to look over the fence at the Vulcans, but it was several. There was a curious disused (think Beeching) line from Leicester to Melton Mowbray which had a mile-long tunnel I walked into once, only to find the far end collapsed and that I had to reverse my tracks and find another way around. I'm not sure I was aiming to reach Rutland that day though. Launde Abbey sounds more likely.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:50 am

!!!!

Well there's a coincidence. I'm trying to think of the school you are referring to to and have this this vague feeling it started with a "W" but that's all I can trawl up. Lovely area in a quiet way: Lyddington, Ridlington, Wing with its maze, Thorpe-by-Water, all beautiful little villages in that rusty golden stone and such evocative names. I remember Empingham Reservoir being built, and the way the weather changed in the years afterwards: more fogs. It was said a third of the County had gone underwater. Was only there during the term time and winter holiday though, so didn't travel as widely as you.

Never heard of the story you mention. I'm curious, though. Let me know if you remember its name.

Post by **spot** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:16 am

I shall guess. It was written by Anthony Hope, who also wrote of Ruritania and Raffles. The story has, as I recall it, all of his charm and language.

Post by **spot** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:08 pm

Clodhopper;792886 wrote: Never heard of the story you mention. I'm curious, though. Let me know if you remember its name.

It was, it now occurs to me, by Major Drury, author of a couple of volumes of short stories one of which was "Bearers Of The Burden" and the other "The Passing of the Flagship" both of which I have on a shelf somewhere here. It's in one of those.

Staying on topic, here's two mirror headlines from today's BBC news website:Princes hope for frontline duty

Suspect 'wanted to kill infidels' No comment needed really.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:34 pm

spot;1205254 wrote: Staying on topic, here's two mirror headlines from today's BBC news website:

Princes hope for frontline duty

Suspect 'wanted to kill infidels'

No comment needed really

I wish life were that black and white for me. Seems like it would be easier. Im a pacifist but I think I also understand why people kill eachother. I dont understand why the Princes would feel the need to involve themselves in ugliness much the same way I dont understand why Western soldiers sign up to kill Middle Eastern soldiers when they could be home having a beer or whatever. I mean really who wants to fly halfway across the world and get messed up with death and horror when you could be playing with your kids instead.

Its not like Iraq was a threat to us. They werent mounting an offense against us that Im aware of. Its easier for me to understand why a neighbor would kill a neighbor than to go out of your way to kill a stranger.

Post by **spot** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:50 pm

Nomad;1205284 wrote: I mean really who wants to fly halfway across the world and get messed up with death and horror when you could be playing with your kids instead.Patriots. Otherwise known as natural born killers. People with a total lack of even vestigial moral sense. It would be both cheaper and more reasonable to put them straight into the nearest crematorium than to send them abroad.