the ultimate in irony ??

[channa]

I have just watched the news and there was a piece about the Anglian regiment coming home from Iraq and marching around Norwich I suspect.

But there were protestors ...holding placards that read ''Butchers of Basra'' etc ....

And here is the irony ..

If these idiots had the political environment for which they strive, realistically would they or their opponents have the same opportunity for free speech ?? that is afforded by our ''flawed'' system.?

I have an idea , deport each and every one of them to their utopia ....we are better off without them ..and afterall if here is so bad perhaps they are better served eleswhere.

Just a thought and I suspect politically incorrect one ..

Channa

[Masked Marauder]

The Royal Anglians are a fine Regiment. I served with them for five years. My attitude to those who protest about the involvement in conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan is that they have a right to, and in any case the soldiers probably don't care about the protesters, they are marching with their mates and anyone protesting is just a civvy oxygen thief anyway.

[ozzmare]

From the passing shot that I caught of the protest all the protesters looked as though they were Muslims?
What would happen to a British 'non Muslim' crowd if they were to protest, say in Basra, I wonder?

[Tiffany]

They come back from a hell hole.... only to be greeted with protesters.If they don't like our own soldiers marching on their own soil, then they should begger off to their own wonderful country.

I was sickened when I saw the news. That protest should have been stopped ASAP.

[Masked Marauder]

That protest should have been stopped ASAP.

And go down to 'their' level?

[channa]

I have to agree with you MM..

One of the things we can do is protest in this country as misguided as some protests appear to be.

I think the irony is that if these and others had the political set up they strive for. They wouldnt be able to protest.

Channa

[Toonman]

If I was to protest using the inflamitory placards that they used would I be treated the same?
If I was to protest in a Muslim area of Britain against "British" Muslims who are fighting against our troops in Afghanistan would I be treated the same or would I then be a racist.
That for me is the main question requiring an answer.

[channa]

If I was to protest using the inflamitory placards that they used would I be treated the same?
If I was to protest in a Muslim area of Britain against "British" Muslims who are fighting against our troops in Afghanistan would I be treated the same or would I then be a racist.
That for me is the main question requiring an answer.

And in this politically correct vacuum we seem to have immersed ourselves in ...a valid question ...to which we can accurately predict the answer ???

Channa

[Arryace]

If I was to protest in a Muslim area of Britain against "British" Muslims who are fighting against our troops in Afghanistan would I be treated the same or would I then be a racist.
That for me is the main question requiring an answer.
i guess that is a rhetorical question as no doubt you know the answer. it has been made quite clear that racism in this country is a one way street.
but when positive racism is the basis upon recruitment for those who police our country what chance have we got of living in a fair and balanced society.

[clinka]

Living very close to Luton, I watched my local news that showed the march past and subsequent disorder.

As a British citizen, I am pleased that we all have the right to freedom of speech which was demonstrated in Luton on Monday. Whatever we may think of the banners and what was written on them, the demonstration was lawful. Clearly some of the local folk did not share the views of the demonstration, but as with most arguments there are two sides to every story. The people holding the banners were not violent and did not attack anyone either in the parade or watching it.

The banner waving group took offence to the parade whereas those watching teh parade took offence to the banner waving group. Both groups of people share the same democratic right.

I was not at the parade (but many of my colleagues were), but it is my understanding that none of the banners were rascist in content. Had the banners been rascist in content, they would have been removed and the person holding it arrested. The rascist comments actually came from a very small minority that had turned up to watch the parade.

As for the comments about sending some of the demonstrators back home, they are home. Many of the demonstrators live and work in the Luton area as dis those that turned out to watch the parade.

I have to say, the banners did make me smile. The Royal Anglian regiment are hardly terrorists or butchers, but as have many public servants, the soldiers came under a verbal and written attack working for the very government that allows freedom of expression and speech. Are they bothered? Probably not! I'm sure they have heard and seen much worse.

Incidentally, I too served with the Royal Anglian Regiment (albeit 6th Battalion - MM will know the significance of this) and it is a fine regiment with an outstanding history. I was to be commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, but never took up the career. It has a very limited recruitment base and because of this it is more like a family.

And lets face it, if the small minority watching the parade had not reacted the way they did, the only news of the parade would have been that the Royal Anglian's marched through Luton.

[Mickey]

Fine group of men whom rightly so are proud to serve and they made me proud to be an ex serviceman too as none of this fazed them

[channa]

Fine group of men whom rightly so are proud to serve and they made me proud to be an ex serviceman too as none of this fazed them

Actually it was never going to faze them was it ??...when somebody has tried to bomb them etc etc ...a few idiots waving a placard is hardly going to upset morale me thinks.

Channa

[Mickey]

Actually it was never going to faze them was it ??...when somebody has tried to bomb them etc etc ...a few idiots waving a placard is hardly going to upset morale me thinks.

Channa


Indeed mate :tup: