kev35RE: What about the destination
Michael’s right. If there are four or more hijackers on board they may well overwhelm the crew. In which case you’re only making it easier for the terrorists by having weapons available on board. If they are of the same mind as the terrorists on September 11th, they have only to storm the cockpit and cause the pilots to use their weapons and get into a fight. A fully fuelled and heavily laden aircraft going down over a city shortly after departure due to a firefight on board or a violent struggle with the crew would be an enormous tragedy for those on board and potential victims on the ground – and another ‘victory’ for the terrorists.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: What about the destination
I agree it is madness. Firearms and aeroplanes really do not mix. It was only the other day that two American pilots were sacked for reporting for duty drunk – and now we want to give them a gun to play with as well? They say they will receive training in the use of firearms but what will be the rules of engagement? And who will decide when their use is justifiable? Any psychopath who wants to hijack an aircraft just has to be an airline pilot. If this is correct can we expect another wave of airliner involved terrorism as soon as the next wave of terrorists is trained to be an airline pilot? That may not be such a fanciful idea.
I presume the weapons are to be locked aboard the aircraft. When the aircraft is on an international flight, will the weapons be safe during the turnaround of the aircraft? I think this proposal has not been well thought out and I would seriously worry about my own safety when travelling on an aircraft which has armed pilots. An airliner is a potentially lethal enough weapon without the pilots taking on the role of police officer as well.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Sociological question
Seahawk,
“Sure as obviously every german younger then 55 was involved in the war. No doubt that the people involved in WW2 have a right to hate the enemy for what happened there (Although I know many Vets even feel some kind of respect for the other side), but why should a 20 years old Brit hat the germans for WW2 ?”
No-one is suggesting that as you say every German younger than 55 was involved. It is important to remember that the greatest losses to the UK have come in wars involving Germany. I in no way hate Germans or Germany and indeed have the utmost respect for many of the ordinary German soldiers who fought and died. As for a 20 year old Brit hating Germans, that probably is the product of a society which needs someone to hate. Don’t think it’s only you though. Football fans of the same club will happily fight each other when no-one else is available.
“It is not funny to always hear “Heil Führer” when saying you are german. So after my 5th visit I decided to avoid the UK as a holiday
option and only come to the UK when on business trips.”
That is unforgiveable and it is really sad that you should avoid this country for that reason. However, I also find it strange that you would choose to deny your country just for an easy ride.
These opinions are mine and may run entirely contrary to the rest of British public opinion. There is however a balance. I remember reading somewhere during the Gulf War that the RAF Tornado crews were more than happy to have Luftwaffe crews providing escort or cover.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Sociological question
Seahawk,
“Sure as obviously every german younger then 55 was involved in the war. No doubt that the people involved in WW2 have a right to hate the enemy for what happened there (Although I know many Vets even feel some kind of respect for the other side), but why should a 20 years old Brit hat the germans for WW2 ?”
No-one is suggesting that as you say every German younger than 55 was involved. It is important to remember that the greatest losses to the UK have come in wars involving Germany. I in no way hate Germans or Germany and indeed have the utmost respect for many of the ordinary German soldiers who fought and died. As for a 20 year old Brit hating Germans, that probably is the product of a society which needs someone to hate. Don’t think it’s only you though. Football fans of the same club will happily fight each other when no-one else is available.
“It is not funny to always hear “Heil Führer” when saying you are german. So after my 5th visit I decided to avoid the UK as a holiday
option and only come to the UK when on business trips.”
That is unforgiveable and it is really sad that you should avoid this country for that reason. However, I also find it strange that you would choose to deny your country just for an easy ride.
These opinions are mine and may run entirely contrary to the rest of British public opinion. There is however a balance. I remember reading somewhere during the Gulf War that the RAF Tornado crews were more than happy to have Luftwaffe crews providing escort or cover.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Sociological question
Hi ink.
“Considering there hasn’t been a war on English soil for almost a thousand years it often preplexes me how much hatred can be mustered.”
What about the Civil War and the wars of the roses?
England, actually the United Kingdom has been involved in many wars abroad as you know. If you wonder about the depth of feeling particularly among those of a certain age, toward the Germans and Japanese, have a wander around your local war memorial, I’m sure you won’t have to go far to find one. Then look at the names, really look. How many brothers? Fathers and sons? Then go and find out a bit about them, put a face to the name. Find a cause of death, where they were buried, or do they not have even the comfort of a grave? Some of these people have living relatives. How could you forgive a nation which starved, tortured, and finally killed a relative of yours on the Burma railway? Or a brother shot by the Gestapo for the incident portrayed in the ‘Great Escape’?
I mean you no disrespect but you are not British by birth. For many it is still too soon to forgive and it will never be time to forget.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Sociological question
Hi ink.
“Considering there hasn’t been a war on English soil for almost a thousand years it often preplexes me how much hatred can be mustered.”
What about the Civil War and the wars of the roses?
England, actually the United Kingdom has been involved in many wars abroad as you know. If you wonder about the depth of feeling particularly among those of a certain age, toward the Germans and Japanese, have a wander around your local war memorial, I’m sure you won’t have to go far to find one. Then look at the names, really look. How many brothers? Fathers and sons? Then go and find out a bit about them, put a face to the name. Find a cause of death, where they were buried, or do they not have even the comfort of a grave? Some of these people have living relatives. How could you forgive a nation which starved, tortured, and finally killed a relative of yours on the Burma railway? Or a brother shot by the Gestapo for the incident portrayed in the ‘Great Escape’?
I mean you no disrespect but you are not British by birth. For many it is still too soon to forgive and it will never be time to forget.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Pakistan justice system advocate of gang rap
Pakistani,
“The Pakistan government has given the family $8,000 as compensation and says a school will be built in Meerwala and named for the victim.”
Your tribal council punishments need to be stopped and it is good that you acknowledge the fact and that your Government are trying to stamp it out. I do however, find the above statement troubling. Compensation for the victim is fine, if not on the low side at just $8,000. It seems odd that something like this has to happen so a school can be built. I guess it’s the authorities attempting to say look, we’re going to do something about this problem so to take your minds off it we’ll build a school.
My question would be if you can build a school now, why couldn’t one be built before?
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Pakistan justice system advocate of gang rap
Pakistani,
“The Pakistan government has given the family $8,000 as compensation and says a school will be built in Meerwala and named for the victim.”
Your tribal council punishments need to be stopped and it is good that you acknowledge the fact and that your Government are trying to stamp it out. I do however, find the above statement troubling. Compensation for the victim is fine, if not on the low side at just $8,000. It seems odd that something like this has to happen so a school can be built. I guess it’s the authorities attempting to say look, we’re going to do something about this problem so to take your minds off it we’ll build a school.
My question would be if you can build a school now, why couldn’t one be built before?
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Who are the real rogues??????
PII,
“You seem to also be able to tell us how to run our lives.”
First of all, I don’t think America is a rogue state, although I do believe you have a President who does your country and your people little credit. As for others telling you how to run your lives, surely the reverse is true in equal if not greater measure. The US holds a veto in the UN security Council, you totally ignore the Kyoto accords, the US ‘runs’ the war against terror (and weddings apparently). The US is indeed a great nation, but like any other, you have to admit they like to get their own way. And they usually do, even if it’s by virtue of being the nation which can wield the biggest stick. Tomel and others are simply asking why such a great nation is afraid of aligning itself with others over war crimes and the international court. A cynic might suggest that America might have something to hide?
“The more crap I hear off this board, the more fortunate I feel to live in the United States.”
If this kind of comment is the best argument you can give in support of your country’s stance, there’s probably a lot of other people who feel fortunate that you live in the United States.
“Get a new topic guys (or better yet a life period), this anti-U.S. crap is getting old.”
Why? It seems some people are quite happy to discuss this topic in an open and sensible manner. You, however, automatically engage defensive mode and tell us we’re talking crap. A mature and reasoned response. It may surprise you to know that an awful lot of non-Americans actually have a life. I realise it might not be as good as yours but most of us manage. It might also surprise you to know that the people of many other nations are grateful for what America has done in the past and continues to do today. But you can’t put yourself above the law, other nations have done it and Americans have died to clear up the mess.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Who are the real rogues??????
PII,
“You seem to also be able to tell us how to run our lives.”
First of all, I don’t think America is a rogue state, although I do believe you have a President who does your country and your people little credit. As for others telling you how to run your lives, surely the reverse is true in equal if not greater measure. The US holds a veto in the UN security Council, you totally ignore the Kyoto accords, the US ‘runs’ the war against terror (and weddings apparently). The US is indeed a great nation, but like any other, you have to admit they like to get their own way. And they usually do, even if it’s by virtue of being the nation which can wield the biggest stick. Tomel and others are simply asking why such a great nation is afraid of aligning itself with others over war crimes and the international court. A cynic might suggest that America might have something to hide?
“The more crap I hear off this board, the more fortunate I feel to live in the United States.”
If this kind of comment is the best argument you can give in support of your country’s stance, there’s probably a lot of other people who feel fortunate that you live in the United States.
“Get a new topic guys (or better yet a life period), this anti-U.S. crap is getting old.”
Why? It seems some people are quite happy to discuss this topic in an open and sensible manner. You, however, automatically engage defensive mode and tell us we’re talking crap. A mature and reasoned response. It may surprise you to know that an awful lot of non-Americans actually have a life. I realise it might not be as good as yours but most of us manage. It might also surprise you to know that the people of many other nations are grateful for what America has done in the past and continues to do today. But you can’t put yourself above the law, other nations have done it and Americans have died to clear up the mess.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Good books??
Hi,
read that as well. If you enjoy it you’ll love ‘Low Level Hell.’
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Good books??
Hi,
read that as well. If you enjoy it you’ll love ‘Low Level Hell.’
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: 2006 WC is already ours
Primer is right. Although they lost the World Cup, Germany are guaranteed a place in 2006 because they are the host nation. Brazil, even though they are world champions will still have to go through the qualifying process. It is pretty stupid isn’t it? Your reward for winning is to have to endure qualifying next time around.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: 2006 WC is already ours
Primer is right. Although they lost the World Cup, Germany are guaranteed a place in 2006 because they are the host nation. Brazil, even though they are world champions will still have to go through the qualifying process. It is pretty stupid isn’t it? Your reward for winning is to have to endure qualifying next time around.
Regards,
kev35
kev35RE: Good books??
GZYL,
I’ve read all three of those as well. I think ‘we were soldiers…’ is an excellent read, it is a superb example of the literature to come out of the Vietnam war. Vietnam is a special interest area of mine. There are many brilliant books both factual and fictional on Vietnam so here are a few suggestions.
Factual- Low level hell by Hugh Mills about helicopter ops, Fox Two about an F4 ace (think it’s Cunningham) and the Battle of Long Tan by McAulay which is about the Australians.
Fictional- anything by James Webb, Going after Cacciato by Tim O’Brien, the 13th valley by Mark del Vecchio. Of the Webb books, Fields of Fire is, IMHO a classic.
If you’re looking for WWII there were a lot of paperback biographies published in the 50’s and 60’s and these are often available now for less than a pound.
For the pure joy of flight try Biplane, Stranger to the Ground and Nothing by Chance by Richard Bach. His fantasies are also well worth reading such as Illusions (the confessions of a reluctant messiah), Jonathan Livingstone Seagull and There’s no such place as far away.
Hope this gives you a start but I can think of plenty more.
Regards,
kev35
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