NationStates Jolt Archive


I really wanted him to go to Iraq...

Siylva
17-05-2007, 09:08
Press Association
Thursday May 17, 2007 6:18 AM


Prince's Harry's ambition of serving his country in Iraq lay in tatters with the news that he would not be deployed with his regiment to Iraq.

Clarence House insisted that he remained committed to his military career and would not quit the Army.

But some military figures said that he had lost credibility in the service and predicted that he would in due course resign his commission.

There was anger also at the way the matter had been handled by the Ministry of Defence, with MPs complaining that the insurgents had been handed a propaganda victory.

The head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt - who had previously said Harry would be deployed as a troop leader with the Household Cavalry - said that he had taken the decision because of "specific threats" to the Prince.

Following a visit to Iraq at the end of last week, he concluded that the Prince and those troops serving with him would be exposed to an "unacceptable" degree of risk if his deployment went ahead.

"Although the soldiers in his squadron and battlegroup are willing to share those risks with him, I am not prepared to export those risks to their families," he said.

He acknowledged that "recent episodes", including the apparent kidnap of three US soldiers who disappeared on Saturday following an ambush to the south of the capital Baghdad, had also influenced his decision.

A number of leading insurgents have claimed in recent weeks that they had detailed plans to seize the Prince as hostage, even boasting that they had informants in the British camps who would tell them of his movements.

Abu Zaid, a brigade commander in Moqtada al-Sadr's Mehdi Army - the most powerful of the Shia militias - said they had been circulating pictures of the Prince taken from the internet to other insurgent groups.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6639469,00.html

And I really wanted Prince Harry to go and get himself killed...

Oh well, am I the only one who was hoping he'd go?
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
17-05-2007, 09:18
I never cared either way, but it really sounds like a cop-out. Not because they aren't sending him, but because he's not going to do anything at all, in any capacity, according to the news I heard on the radio today.

So he's too much of a risk on the front lines - that's fine, keep him off. But he could at least work as a medic or supply clerk or loadmaster on a cargo plane or helicopter or something. You know, actually contribute, rather than be useless. Meh.
Philosopy
17-05-2007, 09:19
And I really wanted Prince Harry to go and get himself killed...
And what a nice guy you are.

He could never realistically go.

The announcement, which represents a U-turn on an earlier decision, was made amid reports militant groups in Iraq planned to kill or kidnap the prince.
He would have been targeted; that presents an unacceptable risk, both for him, and, more importantly, for all those people around him.
Nodinia
17-05-2007, 09:21
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6639469,00.html

And I really wanted Prince Harry to go and get himself killed...

Oh well, am I the only one who was hoping he'd go?

I for one would have liked to see the cultural exchange between the third in line to the throne and a bearded friend of Allah.....Whatever the logical arguments for him not going, I'd imagine anyone who has lost family there might not be too happy.
Siylva
17-05-2007, 09:29
And what a nice guy you are.

He could never realistically go.


He would have been targeted; that presents an unacceptable risk, both for him, and, more importantly, for all those people around him.

All I'm saying is I wish some priveleged asshole's kids went instead of poor and middle class Americans. I would love to see Paris Hilton or Britney Spears in Iraq. I'm tired of seeing people who haven't been given everything in life dieing for this bullshit.
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
17-05-2007, 09:30
All I'm saying is I wish some priveleged asshole's kids went instead of poor and middle class Americans. I would love to see Paris Hilton or Britney Spears in Iraq. I'm tired of seeing people who haven't been given everything in life dieing for this bullshit.

Phone your Congressman and ask him to reinstate the draft, then.
Newer Burmecia
17-05-2007, 09:32
Well, the argument that nobody should be there aside, I don't think that this decision will make anybody particularly happy - either Harry, who wants to go, as far as we know, and the parents of soldiers there, who don't get their son/daughter back because it's too dangerous for them. To be honest, it should never have been suggested in the first place.
Philosopy
17-05-2007, 09:33
All I'm saying is I wish some priveleged asshole's kids went instead of poor and middle class Americans. I would love to see Paris Hilton or Britney Spears in Iraq. I'm tired of seeing people who haven't been given everything in life dieing for this bullshit.

Paris Hilton and Britney Spears would never join the Army and be disappointed not to serve. This isn't Prince Harry saying he's above going and getting out of it on account of his title; until yesterday, he was going.

It is those at the top who have now decided that the risk is unacceptable, not him.
Non Aligned States
17-05-2007, 10:09
Phone your Congressman and ask him to reinstate the draft, then.

A draft aimed at the political elite I hope. Most political elite get out of drafts easy when they don't want to go.
Dundee-Fienn
17-05-2007, 10:13
Well, the argument that nobody should be there aside, I don't think that this decision will make anybody particularly happy - either Harry, who wants to go, as far as we know, and the parents of soldiers there, who don't get their son/daughter back because it's too dangerous for them. To be honest, it should never have been suggested in the first place.

But if Harry is sent over to serve with your son or daughter then they are most likely to be caught up in any attacks aimed at him. Really they're protecting more than just Harry
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
17-05-2007, 10:16
A draft aimed at the political elite I hope. Most political elite get out of drafts easy when they don't want to go.

Well, the truly "elite" will never serve. That's a given. But it might force them to flee to Canada again, which gets them out of our hair at least. That said, it doesn't seem wise to bring back the draft if it isn't absolutely necessary.
Non Aligned States
17-05-2007, 10:31
Well, the truly "elite" will never serve. That's a given. But it might force them to flee to Canada again, which gets them out of our hair at least. That said, it doesn't seem wise to bring back the draft if it isn't absolutely necessary.

No, no, no. A draft specifically for the elite. Nations would stop going to war real quick when policy makers realize that they'd be the ones dying for their country.
Vorlich
17-05-2007, 10:48
But if Harry is sent over to serve with your son or daughter then they are most likely to be caught up in any attacks aimed at him. Really they're protecting more than just Harry

Exactly - i think this it the most convincing argument to stop Harry from going.

the people he would be fighting beside would be at more risk.


At the same time - he shouldn't be allowed to live it up in Britain, but should be sent over to do other jobs - he could be sent over incognito - die his hair or shave it off, and not let anyone - esp the media know that he has been sent over, then he can do the right thing and not put the lives of fellow soldiers at any more risk.

Is this possible?
Saxnot
17-05-2007, 11:55
Exactly - i think this it the most convincing argument to stop Harry from going.

the people he would be fighting beside would be at more risk.


At the same time - he shouldn't be allowed to live it up in Britain, but should be sent over to do other jobs - he could be sent over incognito - die his hair or shave it off, and not let anyone - esp the media know that he has been sent over, then he can do the right thing and not put the lives of fellow soldiers at any more risk.

Is this possible?

Not really... the media would notice his absence and questions would very soon arise about his whereabouts.
IL Ruffino
17-05-2007, 11:58
Ah, yet even more anti-elitist bullshit.

And I was going to agree with you, I wanted him to go also.

Just not to die..
Kryozerkia
17-05-2007, 12:01
I didn't realise that from a distance terrorists could tell the difference between a plain old English lad and his princey, I kinda figured they all look like miscellaneous blobs from a distance in a nice shiny uniform.
South Lorenya
17-05-2007, 12:44
Sadly, even if they did reinstate the draft, people in office are still immune. Now, if laws were chanegd so that everytime politicians declare (or vote for) war raises the chance that they'd have to support it PERSONALLY....
Ifreann
17-05-2007, 12:49
Bah, Prince Harry in Iraq would have made for some decent news stories.
Siempreciego
17-05-2007, 12:50
I think it would have been good if he'd gone.

But realistically the gov. would have been stupid to let him go. He would have been too much of a target and he was captured the repercussions would have been to high.

he should have entered the navy, he would have been more likely to see 'action'.
South Lorenya
17-05-2007, 12:52
Bah, Prince Haryr in Iraq would have made for some decent news stories.

But nothing compared to top politicians suffering from Pinocchio Syndrome~
OcceanDrive
17-05-2007, 13:09
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6639469,00.html

And I really wanted Prince Harry to go and get himself killed...

Oh well, am I the only one who was hoping he'd go?I would like Jena Bush to go to Iraq.
and at least 10 % of US Congressmen sons.
BackwoodsSquatches
17-05-2007, 13:12
Screw Iraq!

I want that little puke to go to work in a McDonalds for a couple years.
Make him pay his own rent and bills on minimum wage.
Make the spoiled little twit have an idea of what its like to have to work and slave like the rest of us.
Make him understand that there is a very real world out there beyond palatial estates, and sunday afternoon polo.

Those people are so disconnected from the real world they have no concept of what life is really like for the rest of us.
Ifreann
17-05-2007, 13:13
Screw Iraq!

I want that little puke to go to work in a McDonalds for a couple years.
Make him pay his own rent and bills on minimum wage.
Make the spoiled little twit have an idea of what its like to have to work and slave like the rest of us.
Make him understand that there is a very real world out there beyond palatial estates, and sunday afternoon polo.

Those people are so disconnected from the real world they have no concept of what life is really like for the rest of us.

If you have to work like a slave all the time, then how would you know what's it's like to be in the Royal family?
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
17-05-2007, 13:18
If you have to work like a slave all the time, then how would you know what's it's like to be in the Royal family?

Maybe he read about it?

Anyway, it makes no difference to me what they do with the princes of England, since it isn't my tax dollar they live on. No reason to get worked up over inequalities there. :)
Ifreann
17-05-2007, 13:18
Maybe he read about it?

Anyway, it makes no difference to me what they do with the princes of England, since it isn't my tax dollar they live on. No reason to get worked up over inequalities there. :)

Well if the Royals have no idea how everyone else lives, then surely it goes the other way and nobody knows how the Royals really live?
BackwoodsSquatches
17-05-2007, 13:20
Theres this magical invention called "television".

Or...

Theres this skill people can learn called "reading".
In fact, your doing it right now!

Do you think this kid knows anything about being an average person, who has not lead a sheltered life of priveledge and such?
Ifreann
17-05-2007, 13:23
Theres this magical invention called "television".

Or...

Theres this skill people can learn called "reading".
In fact, your doing it right now!

Do you think this kid knows anything about being an average person, who has not lead a sheltered life of priveledge and such?

Perhaps he read about it. Or saw it on television. Since you can fully experience his life by reading about it or seeing it on television then surely he can experience the life of an average person by reading about it or watching it on TV.
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
17-05-2007, 13:25
Well if the Royals have no idea how everyone else lives, then surely it goes the other way and nobody knows how the Royals really live?

I wish that were true. :p

Unfortunately, it seems that almost every event that occurs surrounding the English royalty requires a dozen photos in the tabloids and online, making it difficult not to know anything about them.
BackwoodsSquatches
17-05-2007, 13:29
Oh please!

The life of every "royal" is an open book for anyone who wants to know.
Do you have any idea of how big an industry thiose people are, based soley on books, and movies, and documentaries about thier lives?

Maybe youve noticed a little of that?

People have tremendous fascination with them and everything you wish to know is available.

These people are like Paris Hilton, only with better manners, and they dont need to have sex with truckers.
Ifreann
17-05-2007, 13:31
Oh please!

The life of every "royal" is an open book for anyone who wants to know.
Do you have any idea of how big an industry thiose people are, based soley on books, and movies, and documentaries about thier lives?

Maybe youve noticed a little of that?

People have tremendous fascination with them and everything you wish to know is available.

These people are like Paris Hilton, only with better manners, and they dont need to have sex with truckers.

And all these things are 100% accurate? The tabloids and other media represent the life of the Royal family sooooo accurately that the average person knows enough that they could very well have been a Royal?

Maybe you should reserve judgement on their lives and how easy they are or are not until you've walked the proverbial mile in their shoes?
Rhursbourg
17-05-2007, 13:33
if his great grandfather who was second in line to the throne fought at Jutland and serve in most of the Great War till he was withdrawn for medical reasons then why cant harry go to Iraq he is only third in line
Bewilder
17-05-2007, 13:35
[QUOTE=BackwoodsSquatches;12659562]Oh please!

The life of every "royal" is an open book for anyone who wants to know.
Do you have any idea of how big an industry thiose people are, based soley on books, and movies, and documentaries about thier lives?

~ and everything you wish to know is available.

QUOTE]

Which is something I personally would find unbearable anyway. I also like that nobody is wishing this little joe ordinary (me) would go to a war zone to die just because they don't like their perception of my life.
BackwoodsSquatches
17-05-2007, 13:39
And all these things are 100% accurate? The tabloids and other media represent the life of the Royal family sooooo accurately that the average person knows enough that they could very well have been a Royal?

Maybe you should reserve judgement on their lives and how easy they are or are not until you've walked the proverbial mile in their shoes?

Are you on crack?

Seriously.

Do you think anyone actually believes tabloids, or basis real opinions upon them?

They are ROYALTY.
They live priviledged lives, they live in PALACES.
They attend rediculously exspensive private schools, they dont often have "day jobs", they dont worry about paying bills, they dont have to work at all.
They get to do just about whatever they want, and can have nearly anything they want.

Do you debate this?

You cant seriouisly maintain any sort of arguement insinuating otherwise.
I dont need to BE one to know how they live.
THEY do.
Ogdens nutgone flake
17-05-2007, 13:45
All I'm saying is I wish some priveleged asshole's kids went instead of poor and middle class Americans. I would love to see Paris Hilton or Britney Spears in Iraq. I'm tired of seeing people who haven't been given everything in life dieing for this bullshit.

OI CHUM! thats fighting talk! Watch out or we'll send the red coats to burn down the White house again!
Dundee-Fienn
17-05-2007, 13:45
Are you on crack?

Seriously.

Do you think anyone actually believes tabloids, or basis real opinions upon them?

They are ROYALTY.
They live priviledged lives, they live in PALACES.
They attend rediculously exspensive private schools, they dont often have "day jobs", they dont worry about paying bills, they dont have to work at all.
They get to do just about whatever they want, and can have nearly anything they want.

Do you debate this?

You cant seriouisly maintain any sort of arguement insinuating otherwise.
I dont need to BE one to know how they live.
THEY do.

So you're getting angry at Prince Harry because other Royals don't have (very visible) day jobs?
Ifreann
17-05-2007, 13:46
Are you on crack?

Seriously.
Nope.

Do you think anyone actually believes tabloids, or basis real opinions upon them?
Nope

They are ROYALTY.
They live priviledged lives, they live in PALACES.
They attend rediculously exspensive private schools, they dont often have "day jobs", they dont worry about paying bills, they dont have to work at all.
They get to do just about whatever they want, and can have nearly anything they want.

Do you debate this?
Nope.

You cant seriouisly maintain any sort of arguement insinuating otherwise.
I dont need to BE one to know how they live.
THEY do.
I think you'll find that you do need to be one to know how they live.

How could you know that their life is totally easy and free from any kind of difficulty despite the fact that you aren't living their life?
Rhursbourg
17-05-2007, 13:49
Here is a typical day in the life of the Queen
http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page4685.asp
Nodinia
17-05-2007, 13:50
And all these things are 100% accurate? The tabloids and other media represent the life of the Royal family sooooo accurately that the average person knows enough that they could very well have been a Royal?

Maybe you should reserve judgement on their lives and how easy they are or are not until you've walked the proverbial mile in their shoes?


Emmm...Their ancestors and cronies walked a number of miles in their own boots - fucking over us, the Africans, Indians and Arabs to provide the basis for the fat cushy life they have now.
Hydesland
17-05-2007, 13:51
It is retarded to want him to go. Even if you want him to die, it will still also highly endager is squad as well. Definately not worth the risk.
Rhursbourg
17-05-2007, 13:51
Emmm...Their ancestors and cronies walked a number of miles in their own boots - fucking over us, the Africans, Indians and Arabs to provide the basis for the fat cushy life they have now.

being apart of the Monarchy isnt that very cushy really considering how long their working day is
Dundee-Fienn
17-05-2007, 13:51
Emmm...Their ancestors and cronies walked a number of miles in their own boots - fucking over us, the Africans, Indians and Arabs to provide the basis for the fat cushy life they have now.

And to provide the basis for the fat cushy life we have now. They didn't do it alone
Ifreann
17-05-2007, 13:53
Emmm...Their ancestors and cronies walked a number of miles in their own boots - fucking over us, the Africans, Indians and Arabs to provide the basis for the fat cushy life they have now.

So? What does it matter what their ancestors did?
Ogdens nutgone flake
17-05-2007, 13:56
Are you on crack?

Seriously.

Do you think anyone actually believes tabloids, or basis real opinions upon them?

They are ROYALTY.
They live priviledged lives, they live in PALACES.
They attend rediculously exspensive private schools, they dont often have "day jobs", they dont worry about paying bills, they dont have to work at all.
They get to do just about whatever they want, and can have nearly anything they want.

Do you debate this?

You cant seriouisly maintain any sort of arguement insinuating otherwise.
I dont need to BE one to know how they live.
THEY do.
They get to do what ever they want? Prince Harry wanted to go to Iraq to be with his troops and do the job he trained for. Well he can't. The one thing our royal family cannot do is not be royal. The queen has been head of state for Britain and most of the commonwealth since she was 25. She has done this difficult job better than any elected president you care to mention. She will do this until she dies. Yeah, they are rich and privaliged but they are under press scrutiny all their lives and they cannot retire, unlike certain dumbass US presidents who can behave like base idiots and then bugger off with a hatfull of company chairmans posts given to them!:rolleyes:
Ogdens nutgone flake
17-05-2007, 14:04
Maybe he read about it?

Anyway, it makes no difference to me what they do with the princes of England, since it isn't my tax dollar they live on. No reason to get worked up over inequalities there. :)
No, your tax dollar pays for a hick idiot who cannot speak English and was placed in power by election fraud! Oops!:D
Ogdens nutgone flake
17-05-2007, 14:14
Emmm...Their ancestors and cronies walked a number of miles in their own boots - fucking over us, the Africans, Indians and Arabs to provide the basis for the fat cushy life they have now.

Ah! pax Britannica! The good old days! Now the US is having its go... and fucking it up!:D And as for fucking people over, talked to any native Americans lately?:rolleyes:
Kinda Sensible people
17-05-2007, 14:16
Well, the truly "elite" will never serve. That's a given. But it might force them to flee to Canada again, which gets them out of our hair at least. That said, it doesn't seem wise to bring back the draft if it isn't absolutely necessary.

Because, y'know, the draft is evil? Pseudo-slavery of the old? Yeah, that's what I thought. :rolleyes:

Anyone advocating for restarting the draft is both living in a pre-modern world, and supporting a return to a worse one. First off, in the modern world, the strength of an up-to-date army is more about its training and equiptment than it is about its numbers. A draft fucks all of that up by making the aquisition of people, rather than skill the first goal of the military. Second, the draft is evil and unnecessary, and to advocate for it is to advocate for the young dying for a war that the old started.
Nodinia
17-05-2007, 14:18
So? What does it matter what their ancestors did?

Well, it doesn't endgender any sympathy in me to know that (a) they were a pack of bastards and (b) its their loot that now feeds this bunch.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 12:55
How could you know that their life is totally easy and free from any kind of difficulty despite the fact that you aren't living their life?


Not so fast...

I did not claim that the life of a Windsor is totally easy, nor trouble free.
The boys mother died a very public death, and those rags even insinuated thier own grandmother had something to do with it, among a host of other rediculous stories.

Those poor saps probably get very few moments truly to themselves.

Life is shit for most people, and no one is ever truly free from it.
For some however, the shit sandwich just comes on different bread.

The trade off, it seems, is in return for a life of priviledge (and make no mistake, thats what they have) is less privacy than most people get.
That, and having your face on every trashy peice of media in Britian.

All that may be a drag, but Im pretty damn sure Prince Harry isnt worried about where his next meal is coming from.
He isnt worrying about wether he'll be able to get a good job someday, and buy a decent home for his family.
Hes not worried about a failing economy, and the grim outlook of the job market.

Why?

Becuase he's a prince, and fantasically wealthy, and has been from the moment he was born.
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
18-05-2007, 13:04
Because, y'know, the draft is evil? Pseudo-slavery of the old? Yeah, that's what I thought. :rolleyes:

Anyone advocating for restarting the draft is both living in a pre-modern world, and supporting a return to a worse one. First off, in the modern world, the strength of an up-to-date army is more about its training and equiptment than it is about its numbers. A draft fucks all of that up by making the aquisition of people, rather than skill the first goal of the military. Second, the draft is evil and unnecessary, and to advocate for it is to advocate for the young dying for a war that the old started.

Evil, really? That's silly.

Anyways, all wars are started by the old and fought by the young, draft or no draft. If an important conflict comes along and we're dangerously short on troops, a draft is the natural course of action. It's not ideal, but as a temporary measure in time of emergency, it's the only sensible course. It probably won't be necessary in our more recent conflicts, thankfully.
Ifreann
18-05-2007, 13:05
Not so fast...

I did not claim that the life of a Windsor is totally easy, nor trouble free.
The boys mother died a very public death, and those rags even insinuated thier own grandmother had something to do with it, among a host of other rediculous stories.

Those poor saps probably get very few moments truly to themselves.

Life is shit for most people, and no one is ever truly free from it.
For some however, the shit sandwich just comes on different bread.

The trade off, it seems, is in return for a life of priviledge (and make no mistake, thats what they have) is less privacy than most people get.
That, and having your face on every trashy peice of media in Britian.

All that may be a drag, but Im pretty damn sure Prince Harry isnt worried about where his next meal is coming from.
He isnt worrying about wether he'll be able to get a good job someday, and buy a decent home for his family.
Hes not worried about a failing economy, and the grim outlook of the job market.

Why?

Becuase he's a prince, and fantasically wealthy, and has been from the moment he was born.

So why on earth were you saying that Prince Harry should have to get a job in McDonalds?
Dobbsworld
18-05-2007, 13:09
All I'm saying is I wish some priveleged asshole's kids went instead of poor and middle class Americans. I would love to see Paris Hilton or Britney Spears in Iraq. I'm tired of seeing people who haven't been given everything in life dieing for this bullshit.

Then persuade them not to enlist. After all, there isn't a draft - yet.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 13:16
So why on earth were you saying that Prince Harry should have to get a job in McDonalds?

You cant guess?

Im being so cryptic, that youre not sure?

Because hes never had to do the things that most of us have had to do to get by. His lifes troubles are NOTHING compared to what the rest of us deal with day in and day out. You'd be hard pressed to find many people who wouldnt trade thier lives for his.
Hes a spoiled child of means and priviledge, and what better way to show him how very lucky he really is, than by making him work at a crappy job that pays shit, and be forced to try to make ends meet.

God forbid, such "important" people should have to walk a mile in the very shoes they make policy for.
Dundee-Fienn
18-05-2007, 13:18
You cant guess?

Im being so cryptic, that youre not sure?

Because hes never had to do the things that most of us have had to do to get by. His lifes troubles are NOTHING compared to what the rest of us deal with day in and day out. You'd be hard pressed to find many people who wouldnt trade thier lives for his.
Hes a spoiled child of means and priviledge, and what better way to show him how very lucky he really is, than by making him work at a crappy job that pays shit, and be forced to try to make ends meet.

God forbid, such "important" people should have to walk a mile in the very shoes they make policy for.

But you just said that he had to suffer the same level of hardship just in a different way. He may have never dealt with what you have but you've never dealt with what he has.

And since when has he made policies?
Ifreann
18-05-2007, 13:21
You cant guess?

Im being so cryptic, that youre not sure?

Because hes never had to do the things that most of us have had to do to get by.
And you haven't lived his life and experienced the hardships he has.
His lifes troubles are NOTHING compared to what the rest of us deal with day in and day out.
In your opinion. Maybe he'd say differently.
You'd be hard pressed to find many people who wouldnt trade thier lives for his.
Well I guess that means his life must be better. :rolleyes:
Hes a spoiled child of means and priviledge, and what better way to show him how very lucky he really is, than by making him work at a crappy job that pays shit, and be forced to try to make ends meet.
And how is it that you know that he doesn't appreciate how lucky he is? Telepathy?

God forbid, such "important" people should have to walk a mile in the very shoes they make policy for.

Prince Harry doesn't make policy and never will.
Tagmatium
18-05-2007, 13:21
God forbid, such "important" people should have to walk a mile in the very shoes they make policy for.
It's not like the Royal Family has had much of a hand in the way the UK is run any more, apart from a few powers which would probably lead to a republic if they were exercised.

I feel that he (Harry) ought to have gone to Ieaq, if that's what he wanted. He's been trained to do that job, so why not let him do it? But then I also agree with the decision that it would put his soldiers in more danger than they're already in, and that the UK would be put in a bugger of a position if Harry was captured and the Government put in a nearly as bad one if he were killed (although I'd hardly shed a tear if the Government got more flak for the Iraq war, but I wouldn't wish Harry death).
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 13:27
But you just said that he had to suffer the same level of hardship just in a different way.

No, I didnt. pay attention to what you read.
I said that he endures hardships like everyone else.
However, his hardships, arent so bad in comparison to ours.



He may have never dealt with what you have but you've never dealt with what he has.

Too much money?
A tough cirriculum at Eaton?
Cant decide wich car to drive to the dance?

Oh...must be those damned annoying papparazzi.

The poor dear...


And since when has he made policies?

He doesnt.
I meant "royalty" in general.
Doesnt even neccesarily apply to the Windsors alone.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 13:33
It's not like the Royal Family has had much of a hand in the way the UK is run any more, apart from a few powers which would probably lead to a republic if they were exercised.

I feel that he (Harry) ought to have gone to Ieaq, if that's what he wanted. He's been trained to do that job, so why not let him do it? But then I also agree with the decision that it would put his soldiers in more danger than they're already in, and that the UK would be put in a bugger of a position if Harry was captured and the Government put in a nearly as bad one if he were killed (although I'd hardly shed a tear if the Government got more flak for the Iraq war, but I wouldn't wish Harry death).

I do not wish any harm on the kid, either.

In regards to Harry actually going, I think it has MUCH more to do with sending a future leader of the UK (one of many, mind you) to an ever-increasingly unpopular war.
Support continues to wane even in America for Iraq, I can only imagine how very unpopular it must be in Britian, where most people had the good sense to loathe the idea from the start.

I think the exscuse of the danger is crap.
He could easily be sent to a job, far from danger, and be trotted out to show the troops like any other circus side-show.
Plenty of things to do in a war, not just sling lead at the nearest Muslim.
Dundee-Fienn
18-05-2007, 13:33
I think the exscuse of the danger is crap.
He could easily be sent to a job, far from danger, and be trotted out to show the troops like any other circus side-show.
Plenty of things to do in a war, not just sling lead at the nearest Muslim.

He's still in the army even though he isn't going to Iraq. Its not like he has just taken a holiday instead.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 13:42
And you haven't lived his life and experienced the hardships he has.

No, I havent. Ive survived far worse, without the scads of money and fame he has. Likely, so have you.
You can continue to play the morally superior card if you must, but I suspect you understand that hes got it way better than either you or I.


In your opinion. Maybe he'd say differently.
He might.
I might care.


Well I guess that means his life must be better.

At the risk of repeating myself once again for your benefit....Um...DUH!


And how is it that you know that he doesn't appreciate how lucky he is? Telepathy?

Because few people ever fully appreciate the life they were born into.
They take it for granted.
You think Paris Hilton appreciates being stupidly rich?
No...she just is, and always has been. Its all shes known.
Sadly, her character flaws are such that its made her a stupid, spoiled whore.

With any luck Harry and his brother will not.



Prince Harry doesn't make policy and never will.

Wow, really?
Curse you Magna Carta!
Tagmatium
18-05-2007, 13:51
Curse you Magna Carta!
You mean the Glorious Revolution. Magna Carta was essentially the barons having a bit of a whinge at the king and reaffirming their fishing rights.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 13:53
He's still in the army even though he isn't going to Iraq. Its not like he has just taken a holiday instead.

Right.

The army has plenty of other things to keep high-profile members safe and sound, and yet, completely useful.

Hell, Elvis joined the army.

Sounds to me like the decision to not let him go, was a PR move.
Dundee-Fienn
18-05-2007, 13:54
Right.

The army has plenty of other things to keep high-profile members safe and sound, and yet, completely useful.

Hell, Elvis joined the army.

Sounds to me like the decision to not let him go, was a PR move.

What do you suspect was the aim of the PR move?
Ifreann
18-05-2007, 13:54
No, I havent. Ive survived far worse, without the scads of money and fame he has. Likely, so have you.
You can continue to play the morally superior card if you must, but I suspect you understand that hes got it way better than either you or I.
In some ways he no doubt has. I fail to see why this means he should have to experience how the "other side" lives. After all, they don't experience how he lives.

Because few people ever fully appreciate the life they were born into.

And I guess that means he must not, because it's impossible that he appreciates how lucky he is. Or maybe he doesn't appreciate how lucky he is because you're pissed off that he's so lucky.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 13:56
You mean the Glorious Revolution. Magna Carta was essentially the barons having a bit of a whinge at the king and reaffirming their fishing rights.

Hey!

Im an American.
You should be happy Ive even heard of the Magna Carta, and even spelled it right.

That fact alone probably makes me more qualified to make policy for my countrymen, than our President!
Morvonia
18-05-2007, 13:57
I see, Parliament does not to sacrafice some punk prince, but dont mind sending anyone else, elitist bullshit if i ever herd it.
Dundee-Fienn
18-05-2007, 14:00
I see, Parliament does not to sacrafice some punk prince, but dont mind sending anyone else, elitist bullshit if i ever herd it.

Or, as has been said, there may be a fear that his presence will endanger other soldiers.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:02
What do you suspect was the aim of the PR move?

As Ive said, British support for the American Blunder surely must be even lower over there, than it is in my country.
Half of us hate the very idea, and have never gotten used to it.

Im assuming its even less in Britian.

Thus, we have William, who will one day be King, and Harry, who will not, but nevertheless, remain rather high-profile in years to come.

Its always better to be loved than hated, right?

So..how would England, and the Crown, look by sending one of its own to an ever-increasingly unpopular war?

Thus...Harry doesnt go.
Tagmatium
18-05-2007, 14:03
It probably is elitist bullshit, but it'd reflect really badly on the government if he were killed, which is why they ain't sending him.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:03
Or, as has been said, there may be a fear that his presence will endanger other soldiers.

Not if he and his soldiers are kept far from danger.
Dundee-Fienn
18-05-2007, 14:03
Not if he and his soldiers are kept far from danger.

Which is what is happening at present
Tagmatium
18-05-2007, 14:05
Not if he and his soldiers are kept far from danger.
True, but he is a member of a combat regiment, although I know that doesn't neccessairly mean he'd have a combat role. (Whoops, defeated my own point)
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:06
In some ways he no doubt has. I fail to see why this means he should have to experience how the "other side" lives. After all, they don't experience how he lives.

Funny, thats what his mother always wanted for her sons.
For just the same reasons Ive explained.

Are you done yet?



And I guess that means he must not, because it's impossible that he appreciates how lucky he is. Or maybe he doesn't appreciate how lucky he is because you're pissed off that he's so lucky.

Im going to pretend that made sense, and still choose to ignore it.
Dundee-Fienn
18-05-2007, 14:07
You could send him to Iraq, and still accomplish the same thing.

What difference does it make?
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:07
Which is what is happening at present

You could send him to Iraq, and still accomplish the same thing.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:10
True, but he is a member of a combat regiment, although I know that doesn't neccessairly mean he'd have a combat role. (Whoops, defeated my own point)

Well, yes you did, but I think what your getting at is that he is trained for combat, and yet, to send him to Iraq, and not use his training for its purpose would be a waste?

I could agree.
However, Im of the opinion that anyone who gets killed in that oil-rich shithole, has had thier life wasted.
Non Aligned States
18-05-2007, 14:10
You'd be hard pressed to find many people who wouldnt trade thier lives for his.

The grass is always greener on the other side.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:11
What difference does it make?

I think the difference is public opinion.
Actually sending him to Iraq, would create negative opinion.
Keeping him, does not.
Dundee-Fienn
18-05-2007, 14:11
I think the difference is public opinion.
Actually sending him to Iraq, would create negative opinion.
Keeping him, does not.

I would disagree.

I don't think this argument is going anywhere. We'll have to agree to disagree I think
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:12
The grass is always greener on the other side.

His side can afford really good grass.
In fact, he can afford to have his lawn covered in astroturf if he really wanted to.
Morvonia
18-05-2007, 14:15
Or, as has been said, there may be a fear that his presence will endanger other soldiers.

1st the soldiers who serve with him that they would gladly face those dangers

2nd do you honestly believe that is the real reason?
Dundee-Fienn
18-05-2007, 14:16
1st the soldiers who serve with him that they would gladly face those dangers

2nd do you honestly believe that is the real reason?

1) They may be glad to but it is unneccessary to put their lives in greater danger just for this

2) Indeed I do
Bewilder
18-05-2007, 14:17
Because few people ever fully appreciate the life they were born into.


So Harry should be made to work in McDonalds, should you be made to live in a third world country so that you appreciate what you have?

Harry didn't choose his family and circumstances any more that any of us did, and he would be as hard pressed to walk away from his life and family as any of us would. By joining the army, Harry chose a career that many ordinary Brits choose, a career that many of our parents would be disappointed in. The princes' charity suggests that Harry is not only aware that there are people worse off than himself but is willing to take action. http://www.sentebale.org/home/index.html

Perhaps it would be better to stop hating what he has and concentrate on improving our own lots in life?
Tagmatium
18-05-2007, 14:18
1st the soldiers who serve with him that they would gladly face those dangers

2nd do you honestly believe that is the real reason?
No, but it makes his withdrawal seem a bit more justified.
Non Aligned States
18-05-2007, 14:18
His side can afford really good grass.
In fact, he can afford to have his lawn covered in astroturf if he really wanted to.

So you say. I try not to judge people on circumstances they had no control over, but rather, what they do.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:18
I would disagree.

I don't think this argument is going anywhere. We'll have to agree to disagree I think

Ok last question for you, then Im off to bed.

Is the true modern function of the Royal family, to be a "face" to the people.
A sort of mascot, to be gazed at and adored, and perhaps inspire a touch of loyalty or patriotism?

Certainly, they have no real power anymore, unless The Queen wants to dissolve Parliament or something silly, so then, is thier only real function, one of PR?

If so, wouldnt that go towards my suspicion that the decision to keep Harry away, was motivated by politics, and not really potential danger to people who get paid to deal with danger?
Kinda Sensible people
18-05-2007, 14:18
Evil, really? That's silly.

Anyways, all wars are started by the old and fought by the young, draft or no draft. If an important conflict comes along and we're dangerously short on troops, a draft is the natural course of action. It's not ideal, but as a temporary measure in time of emergency, it's the only sensible course. It probably won't be necessary in our more recent conflicts, thankfully.

Yes, evil. Not silly at all. A draft is morally bankrupt. An example of old-men voting to fight a war with the blood of other men's children.

And, like I said, a draft is useless in the modern era, anyway.
Tagmatium
18-05-2007, 14:21
If so, wouldnt that go towards my suspicion that the decision to keep Harry away, was motivated by politics, and not really potential danger to people who get paid to deal with danger?
Hit the nail on the head, although I think the Government considered that it would damage themselves too much if Harry was killed, injured or kidnapped.

If he were, it would undoubtedly make the Royal Family much more popular in the British public's eyes, which might have the downside of exposing us to more of Charles' inane and unimformed babblings.
Dundee-Fienn
18-05-2007, 14:21
Ok last question for you, then Im off to bed.

Is the true modern function of the Royal family, to be a "face" to the people.
A sort of mascot, to be gazed at and adored, and perhaps inspire a touch of loyalty or patriotism?

Certainly, they have no real power anymore, unless The Queen wants to dissolve Parliament or something silly, so then, is thier only real function, one of PR?

If so, wouldnt that go towards my suspicion that the decision to keep Harry away, was motivated by politics, and not really potential danger to people who get paid to deal with danger?

Your suspicion isn't completely baseless i'll agree but thats why I don't think this argument will go much further. We're both arguing about our personal suspicions with no real evidence.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:25
So Harry should be made to work in McDonalds, should you be made to live in a third world country so that you appreciate what you have?

Correct me if Im mistaken, but charities and military service are almost expected of someone in his position.
They were expected of his brother and father, too, If im not mistaken.
So, forgive me if I treat that as Harry fulfilling an obligation.


Perhaps it would be better to stop hating what he has and concentrate on improving our own lots in life?

I no more hate Harry Windsor any more than I hate much of anything.
I dont know him.
Hes nothing to me but a name.
Bewilder
18-05-2007, 14:29
[QUOTE=BackwoodsSquatches;12663918]Correct me if Im mistaken, but charities and military service are almost expected of someone in his position.
They were expected of his brother and father, too, If im not mistaken.
So, forgive me if I treat that as Harry fulfilling an obligation.

QUOTE]

oh right, so he doesn't get to do whatever he likes then? he has less choices than you or I. mmm, don't think I'll swap thanks.
BackwoodsSquatches
18-05-2007, 14:29
So you say. I try not to judge people on circumstances they had no control over, but rather, what they do.

and what has he done, beyond whats expected of him, becuase of who he is?

Also, I highly doubt youre quite as benevolent as you make out.
Non Aligned States
18-05-2007, 15:00
and what has he done, beyond whats expected of him, becuase of who he is?

The question you should ask is, what has he done bad that makes him a target for your disdain?


Also, I highly doubt youre quite as benevolent as you make out.

I never claimed to be benevolent. I am quite harsh when it comes to targets of my ire. But at least I try to make sure that they deserve it.
Levee en masse
18-05-2007, 15:02
Hit the nail on the head, although I think the Government considered that it would damage themselves too much if Harry was killed, injured or kidnapped.

War is hell.

Though I wonder why he was even allowed to join the army considering that no one has much intention of letting him actually do the things a soldier is trained to do
Rubiconic Crossings
18-05-2007, 15:12
I'm not going to wade through 7 pages...so apologies if this has already been said.

Harry will not make the soldiers out there more of a target than they are already.

Harry's death would be a coup for the 'insurgents' though.

This has Whitehall's hands all over it. They do not want Harry to be at risk...chances are Chuck of the Big Ears is the one directing this as he is not overly keen on the military and military service.

Personally....he joined...he goes. And its not as if other royals have not fought in a war zone before.
Call to power
18-05-2007, 16:20
my sympathy goes out to him, it must be hell to see your mates go into a combat zone whilst your left at home :(