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Post by Johnny on May 22, 2006 13:00:57 GMT
 Sorry, but I couldn't help but comment on another stupid bit of "political correctness" that this country is fast becoming the global champion of. This is not a "political" post - it's simply my thoughts on an issue I care very much about. As many of you are aware - the Royal Air Force operates the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - a Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster, as a flying reminder of the sacrifices made by RAF personnel during the war, in helping to defend our country, and ultimately - in playing a role in securing the liberation of freedom and democracy throughout Europe. I was watching the news today, and they were reporting on the big party that the Beckham's were hosting. They were due to have the Battle of Britain Flight fly over, but it was "cancelled at the last minute, in case it might be offensive to the Germans". But ......................... if the Germans would find these 60 year old aircraft, and what they signify "offensive" - I'd like to know why? Because after all - it was aircraft such as these, and the men who flew them - that defended our country in it's darkest hour, and saved us from the tyranny of Nazi dictatorship. People flying and maintaining machines like that, fought alongside other peoples of free nations - to give freedom and democracy back to Europe, including the German people themselves. To me, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight stands for the bravery and courage of my parent’s generation, who suffered so much during the war years to fight for a cause that was so obviously right - FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY! Without them – we would be living under a totalitarian dictatorship, and a New World Order founded by Adolf Hitler and the Axis Powers! Those dear old aircraft are an important part of this country’s heritage, and to “politicise” them, view them as "offensive", or to diminish our pride for those who stood up against the evil of tyranny - is surely a gross insult to them? LONG MAY THEY FLY!  |
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Post by Stuart on May 23, 2006 21:22:37 GMT
I love seeing those plans especially the Lancaster, its so big yet so graceful, it brings a lump to my throat when they come to the Lowestoft Air festival, everyone always runs on about the Tornado's and other jets but they ONLY planes that interest me are these three works of art, Sarah's step-dad doesn't talk much about the war but he has told me some fascinating stories about the aircraft he has been in INCLUDING the Lancaster which he actually had to lie in the nose of one on his way back from some campaign he was involved in! Not very comfortable he assures me!  It would be a disgrace and embarrassment to our country if they were grounded, that sucks! [img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/stwaty/smilies/ ![]() img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/stwaty/smilies/mad29.gif"].gif[/IMG] |
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Post by Johnny on May 24, 2006 18:19:13 GMT
My father stood guard around many aircraft like that during the war. He knew several local lads from the Earlham area, who joined up as aircrew, and that went on to get lost whilst flying over occupied Europe. Just for your interest - Here's a picture of my dad, with the rest of his platoon's rifle section. The photo was taken when they were stationed in India, in 1944-45. They are wearing white web equipment, as they were trying to look smart for a Group Captain - who never even turned up in the end! Dad's the one who's arrowed in the photo:  |
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Post by Sighthound Fan on May 25, 2006 15:56:58 GMT
I love old planes, it's sad that in our own country we have to consider and follow what people from other countries think. It's like in my town - they banned christmas lights and decorations because they were "racist" but let the immigrants put up diwali etc decor
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Post by Stuart on May 25, 2006 22:42:42 GMT
Well if the World Cup is good for anything its giving us back our flag, not alot them goverment can do about all the St Georges flying at the moment, i'm sure they will probably say thats discrimination of some sort too eventually!! What makes it even more annoying is that the ethnic minorities aren't even the ones complaining!!  Don't get me started!!! |
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Post by Johnny on May 26, 2006 17:44:51 GMT
Well if the World Cup is good for anything its giving us back our flag, not alot them goverment can do about all the St Georges flying at the moment, i'm sure they will probably say thats discrimination of some sort too eventually!! What makes it even more annoying is that the ethnic minorities aren't even the ones complaining!! [img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/stwaty/smilies/ ![]() img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/stwaty/smilies/mad29.gif"].gif [/IMG] Don't get me started!!! [/quote] I am really straining at the bit now ....................... I'm trying to not comment on a subject which I feel so very passionate about! BUT - I'm not supposed to do that as Chairman. So, instead of commenting directly on this board on a political subject - I will put a link to our business website. If you scroll right down to the bottom of the page - you can observe the opinions of Kitty & I. It's off the Gery website, it's our personal views, and it's not the position to debate it on a site such as this. If you're not politically orientated, please do not look! www.jrwcollectables.co.uk/ |
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Post by Sighthound Fan on May 28, 2006 21:36:42 GMT
Actually they have banned England flags in certain areas of my town
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Post by Stuart on May 29, 2006 7:37:04 GMT
Actually they have banned England flags in certain areas of my town See the people who think they are in chrage are idiots!! I say fly it anyway, what are they gonna do arrest you and charge you for flying your own countries flag, i'd like to see them get away with that!! They would be ripped to shreads by the media!  |
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Post by Johnny on May 31, 2006 9:24:35 GMT
Actually they have banned England flags in certain areas of my town As far as I'm concerned, banning your own country's flag, and being ashamed to fly it - is nothing short of treason, because there's been too many people through the ages (including members of my own family) who have fought and died to preserve our way of life, and the values that it's people hold dear (or at least used to). If "do-gooders", like the "ban-the-flag" brigade really dislike this country of ours so much, then why don't they just stop their pathetic complaining and whinging, and ........................... JUST LEAVE! |
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Post by Johnny on May 31, 2006 9:50:06 GMT
PS - I apologise for anyone who thinks this is a "political" post.
I do not consider it is, as it goes way beyond the realms of everyday politics.
No one - Politicians, Big Businesses, the Monarchy, the Armed Forces, or any outside "powers" have the right to take away people's long-established freedoms. The type of things we see happening today are totally undemocratic, totally unaccountable, totalitarian in their nature - and are completely alien to the core principles of our society!
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