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| CAMERON TELLS THE ARMED FORCES, "UP YOURS" |
David Cameron has laid bare his frustration with forces chiefs questioning the sustainability of Britain's military commitments, telling them: "You do the fighting and I'll do the talking." The Prime Minister was forced to insist that the mission in Libya can be maintained for as long as necessary after the concerns of the RAF's second-in-command were leaked.
But is Cameron right? I don't believe so. It is surely he duty of commanders to question the viability of operations particularly if their men are stretched by lack of numbers or vital supplies? I hope we have got over the days of the 1st World War when troops were seen as cannon fodder whose lives didn't matter a damn.
Ultimately, although it's never happened in this country, the Armed Forces loyalty should be to the people, not the politicians or for that matter, the Royal family. It always surprises me, although it shouldn't, the way armed personnel have this huge commitment to the Royal family. I remember being in the Scouts when I was but a slip of a lad and the same thing was rammed into us then, so perhaps it's not surprising. I come from a family where my father used to stand up for 'God Save the Queen', when it used to come on at the end of programming on TV for the night!
It is sad though that the Armed Forces don't seem to be able to think for themselves. Perhaps this is the start of them doing it. I hope so, because failed politicians like Brown and Blair are lauded with riches, instead of being put where they should be, in jail. If politicians were held accountable for their decisions and particularly, sending troops into conflicts where we have no right to be, then perhaps they would be of a higher calibre.
4 comments:
"You do the fighting and I'll do the talking."
A typical politician's statement.
So brave.
No wonder BoyDave is another Prime Minister held in such contempt by our Armed Forces & the electorate.
Most generals/ air chief marshals/ admirals wait until they leave the Forces before they have a go at the government about lack of resources / poor equipment etc. It's too late to moan then as they're out of the loop. This new plan by the Forces chiefs is a good one. Get your pension safe and knowing that you can't climb any higher up the career ladder get stuck in to the govt of the day and stick up for your boys. Generals like Dannatt were useless. Hanging on for their peerage and sucking up to Blair then Cast Iron. Then moving around sofas getting interviewed and being all knowledgable after the event and after they can do anything to improve things in the Forces.
Publes, a typical politician, although better than the last lot and perhaps a bit yet inexperienced. He will soon learn the ways of deceit and double dealing.
Fuckers, a very sensible comment for you! This must be something you hold dear, but you are right. It's far too late when you have left office as many of them do and politicians shouldn't be complaining about them going public if their private concerns haven't been answered to their satisfaction.
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