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Chymical
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Posts: 3437
Location: The Orrible Bit of London
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 3:33 pm Post subject: The Epitome of Tokenism |
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I see Darling Blair is visiting the troops in Afghanistan...they must be thrilled...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6166242.stm
Quote:
"So what do you do?" Tony Blair asked one of the snipers, lined up to represent the garrison for a 90-minute trip to Camp Bastion.
He looked down at his long-barrelled rifle, shrugged as if to say "what do you think?" and was quiet.
Next in line for questioning, a Marine from 42 Commando standing in front of a very big rocket: "Tell me, what have you been using it against?" the prime minister asked.
"Er, a lot of houses at the moment," came a nervous reply, and with it a reminder that a mission to rebuild and redevelop is still very much based around fighting the Taleban.
Even more public money wasted in a futile exercise, would a politicians visit boost your morale as a soldier? Whilst the troops cry out for more kit, weapons that don't lock, and rations that don't resemble dog-droppings, what do they get? Blair the Gimp flying in on a luxury aircraft, wearing his nice suit, and even implying the futility and tokenism of his own visit in his own words!
Quote: Acknowledgement
There's still the feeling among some of the British troops that the intensity of the fighting over the summer has not really been properly represented.
But Tony Blair acknowledged the difficult job the joint forces are facing.
"That's all we politicians are good for... photographs," the prime minister repeated a couple of times.
Priceless! :lol: |
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Kilo Tango
Joined: 12 Apr 2006
Posts: 9066
Location: D.C.
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 3:39 pm Post subject: |
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| So it would have been better if he didn't visit the troops? |
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Chymical
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Posts: 3437
Location: The Orrible Bit of London
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 3:43 pm Post subject: |
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Yep, it would have saved a couple million, the troops could have had a better Christmas party ready, and they could have done something useful with their day rather then be asked stupid 'prince-Charles-esque' questions by some almighty nonce like Bliar. :(
But Blair's photo-op comes first...obviously. |
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DSwain
Joined: 09 Jun 2006
Posts: 3552
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 4:07 pm Post subject: |
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I don't agree, Chymical. Thisis one of those cases where a politician is damned for being a publicity seeking w**** if he visits the troops, or as being a cold fish who doesn't care enough about our troops that he can't even get off his arse and visit them if he doesn't make the trip.
The money concerned is paltry and it does serve to get the troops' mission to the top of the news bulletins for a day or so - which is invaluable.
(EDIT - ah - the censor deleted my word out! it's another word for prostitute btw) |
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Chymical
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Posts: 3437
Location: The Orrible Bit of London
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 4:10 pm Post subject: |
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That's true enough, personally I'd never go the cold fish route of criticism though.
Especially knowing full well he don't gove a rat's about the troops after sending them to Iraq.
I wonder if the cost truely was 'paltry' though. I'm sure it's chump change to the govt coffers, but we sorely need that cash, and even moreso the troops do!
Why do the troops need added media exposure I wonder? |
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indieinmich
Joined: 18 Oct 2006
Posts: 539
Location: michigan
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 4:26 pm Post subject: |
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If an official is going to truly get a sense and a feel from those on the front lines of the war they are waging then I say there is no problem with them going.
But If its all just a big publicity show or some feel good show then I say stay home. |
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Chymical
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Posts: 3437
Location: The Orrible Bit of London
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:20 pm Post subject: |
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They could always just ask the generals, for their sense and feel of the current situation. This was pure photo-op. Even worse Bliar actually admitted as much!
That photo-op cost the British People at least $2 million...I guaruntee. Even if it cost $50 it was a waste of money though. |
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bob.appleyard
Joined: 15 Oct 2005
Posts: 7684
Location: Manchestar, innit
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 8:50 pm Post subject: |
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| What exactly is "tokenism?" |
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CountryGuy
Joined: 04 Feb 2006
Posts: 1018
Location: Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 8:55 pm Post subject: |
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Chymical wrote: They could always just ask the generals, for their sense and feel of the current situation. This was pure photo-op. Even worse Bliar actually admitted as much!
That photo-op cost the British People at least $2 million...I guaruntee. Even if it cost $50 it was a waste of money though.
I disagree in this case, and I think the trip was meant for fact-finding and (possibly) morale-building. Here's why:
Blair is a lame-duck PM. He's not trying to stay in office - Far from it. Yes, while I'm sure he wants to keep his political capital intact, there simply wouldn't be a whole lot to gain from him directly. |
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Chymical
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Posts: 3437
Location: The Orrible Bit of London
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 8:58 pm Post subject: |
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bob.appleyard wrote: What exactly is "tokenism?"
A useless gesture undertaken for it's own sake. |
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Chymical
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Posts: 3437
Location: The Orrible Bit of London
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 9:01 pm Post subject: |
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CountryGuy, it sure does sound like Blair raised some morale out there, look at the dialogue...I bet the troops are still laughing at his moronic questions!
I wonder what he found out that he didn't already know? The equipment is crap? he knew that. Conditions are hard? he knew that...
Maybe blair will let us know what epihanies he gained with his two million dolar litle getaway from the wife and kids (oh and more importantly the domestic strife of his own nation he's ruthlesly screwed for the last 10 years.)
erm, i don't like Blair btw ;) |
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CountryGuy
Joined: 04 Feb 2006
Posts: 1018
Location: Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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Chymical wrote: CountryGuy, it sure does sound like Blair raised some morale out there, look at the dialogue...I bet the troops are still laughing at his moronic questions!
I wonder what he found out that he didn't already know? The equipment is crap? he knew that. Conditions are hard? he knew that...
Maybe blair will let us know what epihanies he gained with his two million dolar litle getaway from the wife and kids (oh and more importantly the domestic strife of his own nation he's ruthlesly screwed for the last 10 years.)
erm, i don't like Blair btw ;)
You don't? I never would have guessed! :lol:
I don't know the REAL reasons behind it -- I'm simply guessing, just like everyone else here. However, my point was I don't believe its for political gain given his circumstances. |
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Chymical
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Posts: 3437
Location: The Orrible Bit of London
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 11:08 pm Post subject: |
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Fair enough then mate, thanks for chipping in.
As an aside Sky news in the UK is giving this visit a whole 2 seconds of airtime...
what a waste ;) Could have had an update on the dogcat thing or something.. |
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