Quote from TL Trader:
Aye, the Scots are a hardy breed. No argument from me. But then my comment didn't mention the Scots. I haven't been to the UK since 1991 or even heard of Brown until he replaced Blair, so I'll be happy to take your word for his reputation. My comment was based not on what he's done to establish such a reputation. But on what he's doing now. Specifically cowering to the terrorists by refusing to utter the words "war on terror" and instructing his administration to say nothing that might offend the terrorists.
Where I come from that behavior would be described as neither tough nor robust.
That's all I meant.
I understand and appreciate that you will see things differently. I was involved with an American lady for 3yrs and spent time in the US. Our cultures are very different.
What you see as cowering, I see as good, for want of a better word, "counterinsurgency" tactics. This is less about the terrorists and more about the population theyre trying to win the favour of. I couldnt give two hoots about the terrorists, the terrorists shall be put to the sword. These terrorists are attempting to radicalise a section of our(UK) society, but they will fail. We will not allow terrorists to cleave to, to inflame to our people. Now is the time for soothing words, and for calming fears. It is sound practise to not alienate a population group, in which a terrorist group is attempting to hide in and find succour,support and comfort.
This worked in Malaysia in the 50s, and would have worked in Northern Ireland in the 70s, if the horror of Bloody Sunday hadnt happened. Before Bloody Sunday, the Northern Irish Catholic population welcomed British troops as their defenders. However they were radicalised by the Bloody Sunday disaster, and driven into the arms of terrorists. Creating a 30yr armed conflict, that otherwise would have been, most likely, a 5to10 year period of nonarmed-conflict ethnic tension.
As to not using the phrase, "War on Terror". That always struck me as being better suited for a Hollywood movie, with jangly 80s rock music and Arnie festooned with bullet belts, hacking off his Uzi-9mm babieee
What is more interesting for me, is that apparently Brown is following guidelines from the EU!!That is more disturbing, as it demonstrates the everincreasing intrusive power of the EU, into areas that were traditionally responsibilities of each country. How soon before the EU feels it can tell a member country, it cant declare war. There's a coming war in Europe over this, between those who want a strong centralised federated state like the USA, and those happy with just confederation( the current setup)
"Gordon Brown's ban on the word "Muslim" in relation to terrorism can be blamed on the EU.
The prime minister has told Cabinet members not to mention "Muslim" and "terrorism" in the same breath.
It comes after the European Commission issued a guide for government spokesmen to avoid offence by ruling out the words such as "jihad", "Islamic" or "fundamentalist" in statements about terrorist attacks.
It has been working with governments to make sure "non-offensive" phrases are used when announcing anti-terrorist operations or dealing with terrorist attacks. "
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/li...ews.html?in_article_id=466130&in_page_id=1811
The daily mail is by our standard a center-to- hard rightwing paper for middle class people, who hold "middle england" values. "Middle england" values are similar to midwest values, without the religiosity
