Poppy pins — lest we forget?

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shanshee_allures S
shanshee_allures Oct 29, 2007 15:07:13
Replying to CraigR

I understand the controversy surrounding Haig, but my dad (not my grandfather - I was a very late baby!) didn't have a choice, it was conscription time. Each and every one of these soldiers in these conflicts do. OK my dad could've languished in a jail for however log, but what sort of life would he have had after that? Would they even have kept him alive? His choices were shat.

The thing is, I don't think people are making a conscious choice these days, they buy poppies becasue of the sentiments they evoke, hardly anyone I think considers what they're supporting in buying one.

I know there will be service for the wars and so there should, but it seems a bit tainted to me. It's all conflated; all wars, all worthy, all sacrifice. Not to me.

The army does take care of soldiers who are injured these days, compenastion claims run in the thousands I hear, although it might not be too easy to get what yer 'due'.

My dad got a burst eardrum when smacked by a prison guard - he got a shiny new suit and £10 or something for it.

EDIT: I haven't heard the term 'unpoular war' applied to Iraq for ages, thankfully. Almsot suggest we're a bunch of unthinking malcontents!

x

W Wiggy
Wiggy Oct 29, 2007 15:16:36
Replying to shanshee_allures

I buy mine to remember the sacrifice and horror (not for me personally thank god) although my granddad did get a Haig house before eventually going off to be a Chelsea pensioner. As for the young lads in modern conflicts having a choice .... I don't really think so. So many kids leave school with very few prospects and very little understanding of history - you can end up catching a bullet thousands of miles from home before you know what you signed up to.
I used to like the white poppies you could buy as an alternative.

P pooley
pooley Oct 29, 2007 15:19:06
Replying to shanshee_allures

I'm with Craig on this one. The soldiers who go to war are doing a job and whatever war they happen to be fighting they deserve our respect and support. By all means blame the government for the stupid situation we find ourselves in, but not the squaddies.

I bought my poopy today, inspired by this thread to do so earlier than normal. Get yourself one, it's the right thing to do......

C CraigR
CraigR Oct 29, 2007 15:21:23
Replying to shanshee_allures

"The thing is, I don't think people are making a conscious choice these days, they buy poppies becasue of the sentiments they evoke, hardly anyone I think considers what they're supporting in buying one"

I think we will have to agree to disagree, but I personally don't think buying a poppy shows support, or even condones the Iraq war.