View Full Version : Why does Tony Blair believe in America?
SUBMAN1
11-21-06, 04:27 PM
In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we
should remember England 's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview.
When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America, he said:
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in .... And how many want out. Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ, and
2. The American G.I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom."
bookworm_020
11-21-06, 05:56 PM
So much for all the commonwealth soldiers who fought for Britian before America got involved!:-?
We will get our revenge!! We will take the ashes back from the poms, then beat them at rugby (Union and Leugue), and to top it off beat the the load of toffs who call themselves the English Football Players at their own game! (wait a sec, we already did that!!!:lol:)
So much for all the commonwealth soldiers who fought for Britian before America got involved!:-?
Not only that, but he sells his own people short too. The Battle of Britain proved that they were perfectly capable of defending their own freedom.
Good to see he's putting in a good word when there's so much rampant anti-US sentiment going around, but it's not really true.
PS: someone should start an Ashes thread. :rock:
I got no time for Tony Blair who has been a rotten Prime Minister.
bookworm_020
11-21-06, 06:41 PM
The Battle of Britain proved that they were perfectly capable of defending their own freedom.
Yes and no, 510 of the piolts that fought during the battle of Britain were from other countries. Without them the RAF would have had very little chance of overcoming the Germans.
Interesting note: The Pole's made up the largest number of foreign flyers (139) and they were the most experienced of the lot, with many of them having battle experience before ariving (Poland and France) and a large amount of Pre-war flying as well. One Squadron (303 Squadron) was responsible for 12%(126) of the total number of kills, despite making up only 5% of all the pilots avaible and only starting operations on the 30th of August.
Onkel Neal
11-21-06, 07:13 PM
Blair is a smart man with undeniable personal strength... but he didn't say all that the way it is portrayed. Snopes (http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/blair.asp)
Blair is a smart man with undeniable personal strength... but he didn't say all that the way it is portrayed. Snopes (http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/blair.asp)
Spin doctors and lots of them.
As an American I always thought the British made far better friends than enemies.
Onkel Neal
11-21-06, 10:38 PM
As an American I always thought the British made far better friends than enemies.
Agreed.
The Avon Lady
11-22-06, 01:27 AM
It's a very simple equation:
If you were stuck between America and France, which would you chose? :p
France, no doubt. It has far better wines :|\\
FIREWALL
11-22-06, 04:52 AM
U know I get tired about America bashing. Alota you ****'s wouldn't
even be speaking your own languang much less being on the internet
now. So be happy this "piece of $hit, contry" alway's the protecter
alway's proctet's you:up:
And if you think differtly "please speakup and tell a war you have won
and helped other's"
This to my Grandfather's &Grandmother's ,Uncles & Aunt's Brother's &
Sister's & Best Freinds who died for your FREEDOM TODAY
Gee...Tarzan, get down from the tree! Who's bashing your country?!
I'm getting sick and tired of this spreading attitude. :nope:
Whatever opinion which is even slightly critical (and it doesn't seem to me that in this thread there was any criticism, at least so far) is "bashing". Bah...I've long given up trying to understand some people...
Next time, please, feel free to decapitate me if I don't bow low enough.:nope:
U know I get tired about America bashing. Alota you ****'s wouldn't
even be speaking your own languang much less being on the internet
now. So be happy this "piece of $hit, contry" alway's the protecter
alway's proctet's you:up:
And if you think differtly "please speakup and tell a war you have won
and helped other's"
This to my Grandfather's &Grandmother's ,Uncles & Aunt's Brother's &
Sister's & Best Freinds who died for your FREEDOM TODAY
FFS did you read the Snopes article? Blair did not say aynthing about Jesus Christ and the GI. Did you forget about the Commonwealth troops? Lay off the attitude, I am generally pro-US but can't stand some of this yes thank us or else attitude. :x
FIREWALL
11-22-06, 06:32 AM
Gee...Tarzan, get down from the tree! Who's bashing your country?!
I'm getting sick and tired of this spreading attitude. :nope:
Whatever opinion which is even slightly critical (and it doesn't seem to me that in this thread there was any criticism, at least so far) is "bashing". Bah...I've long given up trying to understand some people...
Next time, please, feel free to decapitate me if I don't bow low enough.:nope:
And if I agree with you.... I"ll be as low as you :down: KMA:up:
I did not understand the reply. But, anyhow...can at least point out where in this thread there was any bashing or criticism towards your country? There must be a reason why you got all steamed up and I wish to understand.
As for you getting as low as myself, no, please, stay on the tree if it makes you feel better.
kiwi_2005
11-22-06, 07:40 AM
U know I get tired about America bashing. Alota you ****'s wouldn't
even be speaking your own languang much less being on the internet
now. So be happy this "piece of $hit, contry" alway's the protecter
alway's proctet's you:up:
And if you think differtly "please speakup and tell a war you have won
and helped other's"
Its not bashing its more, envy. kiwis&aussies back the poms if the poms go to war we go. Although now all we send is peace troops :roll: but still we play our bit:yep: As for you americans with your mighty military power, subs i can only dream about but not touch, you dont need our help, but we will probably always need yours :p
So dont look on it as US bashing i dont think none of us really intend it that way.
Seriously though we have two main parties National & Labour. If National had won the election they would of sent our troops to fight along side the US in Iraq. But Labour won with Helen Clark the tree hugging hippie from way back who change the rules and instead sent our troops to be peace keepers and help rebuild iraq. She also got rid of our main fighting airforce:nope: We got no aircover man, unless you call a few heli's aircover.:roll:
kiwi_2005
11-22-06, 08:14 AM
Continue: Not only that but if National had won they were thinking about upgrading our navy and purchase 3 collins submarines not sure if thats the proper name but same types what the aussie navy have. I voted for national & would of voted twice if i knew i could get away with it!. I could just see myself on top of a hill near the naval base with binoculars, tent, food & water scouting out hoping to see a glimps of the subs sailing out of port. :arrgh!:
Phony Tony says a lot of things; and some of them are even true! :roll:
I guess the UK must be doing great as a country as (hehe, so it seems) everybody wants in, but what does it say about us that some indigenous residents wish sorely to leave what this country is becoming?
I feel Konovalov's signature sums it up nicely:
"You can always rely on the Americans to do the right thing... After they've tried everything else." - Winston Churchill Somewhat backhanded and slightly grudging admittedly, but there's obviously some good feeling there, and in that context you cannot say they didn't try every alternative course of action ;)
aside-
Unless they're from Glasgow, I don't think anyone will be kissing anything of yours FIREWALL, least of all your arse...
Adding a thumbs up smiley don't really change the sentiment, now does it?
Ahhh... so that's what KMA meant! :rotfl:
Well, I'm sorry to have misjudged you FIREWALL. You are not Tarzan on a tree, you're definitely something else, but I'm too polite to point it out. I won't lower myself to your level, whichever is the nation you live in.
Have a nice day.
SkvyWvr
11-22-06, 11:01 AM
U know I get tired about America bashing. Alota you ****'s wouldn't
even be speaking your own languang much less being on the internet
now. So be happy this "piece of $hit, contry" alway's the protecter
alway's proctet's you:up:
And if you think differtly "please speakup and tell a war you have won
and helped other's"
This to my Grandfather's &Grandmother's ,Uncles & Aunt's Brother's &
Sister's & Best Freinds who died for your FREEDOM TODAY
FFS did you read the Snopes article? Blair did not say aynthing about Jesus Christ and the GI. Did you forget about the Commonwealth troops? Lay off the attitude, I am generally pro-US but can't stand some of this yes thank us or else attitude. :x
I gotta say, I agree with you. Not all Americans respond like this. I don't.
I hear Tony Blairs next job is in America in the I.R.S he's got big plans to raise your tax's. ;)
SkvyWvr
11-22-06, 12:23 PM
I hear Tony Blairs next job is in America in the I.R.S he's got big plans to raise your tax's. ;)
The Dems will already have that done before he gets here:shifty:
I hear Tony Blairs next job is in America in the I.R.S he's got big plans to raise your tax's. ;)
The Dems will already have that done before he gets here:shifty:
Knowing are Mr Blair and his spin doctors they can think up hundreds more. ;)
I gotta say, I agree with you. Not all Americans respond like this. I don't.
I guess it all depends on when you enter the discussion. I could see people getting a bad attitude if the first thing they hear from a foreigner is how much they think our country sucks.
guess it all depends on when you enter the discussion. I could see people getting a bad attitude if the first thing they hear from a foreigner is how much they think our country sucks.
In the specific case of this thread, did anybody said something to that effect?
guess it all depends on when you enter the discussion. I could see people getting a bad attitude if the first thing they hear from a foreigner is how much they think our country sucks. In the specific case of this thread, did anybody said something to that effect?
I worded it badly. What I mean is when someone first talks to someone from another country, which at least in the US i'd expect is most often via the internet, their attitude will most likely be affected. First impressions and all that.
Of course it works both ways. Some foreigners could certainly be put off by some American jerk spouting off.
guess it all depends on when you enter the discussion. I could see people getting a bad attitude if the first thing they hear from a foreigner is how much they think our country sucks. In the specific case of this thread, did anybody said something to that effect?
I worded it badly. What I mean is when someone first talks to someone from another country, which at least in the US i'd expect is most often via the internet, their attitude will most likely be affected. First impressions and all that.
Of course it works both ways. Some foreigners could certainly be put off by some American jerk spouting off.
Exactly August, I've chimed in when I thought someone was slagging off the US for a stupid reason, or any other country and I throw in my 2 cents if I see an American acting like a jerk too. Most of the time I try to let it slide though.
Exactly August, I've chimed in when I thought someone was slagging off the US for a stupid reason, or any other country and I throw in my 2 cents if I see an American acting like a jerk too. Most of the time I try to let it slide though.
I know you have Joe, but maybe we shouldn't have such tolerance.
I hope this isn't too far off topic but I believe that people tend to let their first impressions carry too much weight when forming their opinions, especially political ones, and the internet with its ability to give fools, bigots and haters a world wide voice exacerbates it.
It's like the whole "Freedom fries/American war monger" hissy fit the media loves to incite lately. Reading the news (and especially internet forums) one would hardly know that the French are the US's longest standing allies, even longer than our British cousins by about 100 years in fact. Throughout that time we have admired and drawn inspiration from each other to the degree that both peoples have shed the blood of our countrymen upon the soil of the other helping defend it against strong and dangerous foes.
You just can't build much stronger ties with another country than that.
Yet the person who first became politically aware in the last 4 years or so all too often sees only the words of modern loudmouth rabble rousers (on both sides) and forms a strongly entrenched negative opinion of the other nations people forgetting or minimizing the enormous significance of that history.
If they did they'd see these modern petty family squabbles are nothing that can't or shouldn't be worked out between us. Unfortunately these things have a way of feeding on each other to the point that it becomes the total reality and this long and rich relationship between our two nations is forgotten in a wave of mutual national selective amnesia. Lafeyette and Washington must be rolling in their graves.
Every idiot who pops on these internet forums and calls the French "surrender monkeys" or conversely calls Americans "war mongering cowboys" creates a whole new generation of people with negative opinions. This, imo, does a huge disservice to the thousands of their fathers and ancestors who gave their fortunes, health and very lives to help the other survive.
To paraphrase Benjamin Frankin:
"We of the west must hang together, gentlemen...else, we shall most assuredly hang separately".
Sorry, I'm ranting i guess. :oops: but thats how I feel.
Takeda Shingen
11-23-06, 08:13 AM
For future reference:
Suggesting that one's fellow members kiss a portion of his lower posterior is not appropriate or acceptable forum candor. Accordingly, I do not expect to see it in use.
Thanks,
The Management
Onkel Neal
11-23-06, 09:13 AM
I hope this isn't too far off topic but I believe that people tend to let their first impressions carry too much weight when forming their opinions, especially political ones, and the internet with its ability to give fools, bigots and haters a world wide voice exacerbates it.
It's like the whole "Freedom fries/American war monger" hissy fit the media loves to incite lately. Reading the news (and especially internet forums) one would hardly know that the French are the US's longest standing allies, even longer than our British cousins by about 100 years in fact. Throughout that time we have admired and drawn inspiration from each other to the degree that both peoples have shed the blood of our countrymen upon the soil of the other helping defend it against strong and dangerous foes.
You just can't build much stronger ties with another country than that.
Yet the person who first became politically aware in the last 4 years or so all too often sees only the words of modern loudmouth rabble rousers (on both sides) and forms a strongly entrenched negative opinion of the other nations people forgetting or minimizing the enormous significance of that history.
If they did they'd see these modern petty family squabbles are nothing that can't or shouldn't be worked out between us. Unfortunately these things have a way of feeding on each other to the point that it becomes the total reality and this long and rich relationship between our two nations is forgotten in a wave of mutual national selective amnesia. Lafeyette and Washington must be rolling in their graves.
Every idiot who pops on these internet forums and calls the French "surrender monkeys" or conversely calls Americans "war mongering cowboys" creates a whole new generation of people with negative opinions. This, imo, does a huge disservice to the thousands of their fathers and ancestors who gave their fortunes, health and very lives to help the other survive.
To paraphrase Benjamin Frankin:
"We of the west must hang together, gentlemen...else, we shall most assuredly hang separately".
Sorry, I'm ranting i guess. :oops: but thats how I feel.
Classic :yep: This should be an international FAQ item for the web somewhere.
kiwi_2005
11-23-06, 01:54 PM
Exactly August, I've chimed in when I thought someone was slagging off the US for a stupid reason, or any other country and I throw in my 2 cents if I see an American acting like a jerk too. Most of the time I try to let it slide though.
I know you have Joe, but maybe we shouldn't have such tolerance.
I hope this isn't too far off topic but I believe that people tend to let their first impressions carry too much weight when forming their opinions, especially political ones, and the internet with its ability to give fools, bigots and haters a world wide voice exacerbates it.
It's like the whole "Freedom fries/American war monger" hissy fit the media loves to incite lately. Reading the news (and especially internet forums) one would hardly know that the French are the US's longest standing allies, even longer than our British cousins by about 100 years in fact. Throughout that time we have admired and drawn inspiration from each other to the degree that both peoples have shed the blood of our countrymen upon the soil of the other helping defend it against strong and dangerous foes.
You just can't build much stronger ties with another country than that.
Yet the person who first became politically aware in the last 4 years or so all too often sees only the words of modern loudmouth rabble rousers (on both sides) and forms a strongly entrenched negative opinion of the other nations people forgetting or minimizing the enormous significance of that history.
If they did they'd see these modern petty family squabbles are nothing that can't or shouldn't be worked out between us. Unfortunately these things have a way of feeding on each other to the point that it becomes the total reality and this long and rich relationship between our two nations is forgotten in a wave of mutual national selective amnesia. Lafeyette and Washington must be rolling in their graves.
Every idiot who pops on these internet forums and calls the French "surrender monkeys" or conversely calls Americans "war mongering cowboys" creates a whole new generation of people with negative opinions. This, imo, does a huge disservice to the thousands of their fathers and ancestors who gave their fortunes, health and very lives to help the other survive.
To paraphrase Benjamin Frankin:
"We of the west must hang together, gentlemen...else, we shall most assuredly hang separately".
Sorry, I'm ranting i guess. :oops: but thats how I feel.
Well said. I admitt im one of those fools from time to time. :oops:
Going way of topic here: I'm convinced each countries inside enemy is the media they feed more negative crap than postive to the audience. Yesterday the National Leader Don Brash resigned, the media harassed him where he had no choice but to resign all over a book and leaked email nothing damaging to our country. The man was a legend in my books National have 1 yr to convince voters they can still lead the country. As far as im concerned NZ is now stuffed.
Aussie looks like the land of honey for me.
I've never been interested in politics until this man came along and said things that made me stand up and listen, now hes resigned:nope: Shattered!:damn:
Don Brash - the man, the legend:rock:http://www.donbrash.com/
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/mischazion/AVATARS/don1.jpg http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/mischazion/AVATARS/don2.jpg http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/mischazion/AVATARS/don3.jpg
Tchocky
11-24-06, 08:27 PM
Yet the person who first became politically aware in the last 4 years or so all too often sees only the words of modern loudmouth rabble rousers (on both sides) and forms a strongly entrenched negative opinion of the other nations people forgetting or minimizing the enormous significance of that history.
If they did they'd see these modern petty family squabbles are nothing that can't or shouldn't be worked out between us. Unfortunately these things have a way of feeding on each other to the point that it becomes the total reality and this long and rich relationship between our two nations is forgotten in a wave of mutual national selective amnesia. Lafeyette and Washington must be rolling in their graves.
Seeing as you mentioned France, America, and disagreements over the last few years, I'm going to assume that the dispute before Iraq War is involved.
It wasnt "petty". It wasnt a "squabble". A lot of people are dead. Thousands, in fact.
Have a little respect
Yet the person who first became politically aware in the last 4 years or so all too often sees only the words of modern loudmouth rabble rousers (on both sides) and forms a strongly entrenched negative opinion of the other nations people forgetting or minimizing the enormous significance of that history.
If they did they'd see these modern petty family squabbles are nothing that can't or shouldn't be worked out between us. Unfortunately these things have a way of feeding on each other to the point that it becomes the total reality and this long and rich relationship between our two nations is forgotten in a wave of mutual national selective amnesia. Lafeyette and Washington must be rolling in their graves.
Seeing as you mentioned France, America, and disagreements over the last few years, I'm going to assume that the dispute before Iraq War is involved.
It wasnt "petty". It wasnt a "squabble". A lot of people are dead. Thousands, in fact.
Have a little respect
Fine. We'll hate France and the French for ever more. Would that satisfy you?
Tchocky
11-26-06, 10:03 PM
Fine. We'll hate France and the French for ever more. Would that satisfy you?
Um, no. Why should it?
Fine. We'll hate France and the French for ever more. Would that satisfy you?
Um, no. Why should it?
Well either this newfound animosity should be taken in context as I propose, or define the context as you propose.
Is that the word from the "ruins of Europe"?
Tchocky
11-27-06, 12:22 AM
referring to an argument over whether or not to go to war as "petty" and a "squabble" seems callous, given that the direct result of that argument, has been the deaths of thousands of people. I'm not taking issue with what you said, but the way you said it.
referring to an argument over whether or not to go to war as "petty" and a "squabble" seems callous, given that the direct result of that argument, has been the deaths of thousands of people. I'm not taking issue with what you said, but the way you said it.
Maybe so, but you'll note I said "squabbleS" as in plural....
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