Wings 43

Yes, I do have my faults. The world is as complicated as you wish to make it. I just wish that I had your understanding.

In war, from my limited experience, you don’t have time for nuances. It’s all or nothing; win or lose.

You’re able to write your comments because our armed forces didn’t think too much about the caveats; the small print; finer feelings etc. especially when they were liberating Belsen, Auschwitz and Dachau.

And you’re concerned and worried about detail ? Pathetic !

John,

forgive me but you speak in lazy cliches. I didn’t critisise the armed forces. I am criticising those like you who worship them leaving no room for polite discussion.

Let me put this to you. I’ve spoken to many Bomber Command veterans who thought Dresden was wrong and many more who thought it was justified. They all have my respect. Taking into account that those that didn’t agree were ‘concerned and worried about the detail?’ – does this make them pathetic aswell?

What a world it would be if we all ignored and didn’t worry about the detail. I’m sure it would be safe and everyone happy.

Beermat,

Here are some others that explain the situation that was:

“As ye sow, so shall ye reap”. “People who live in glass houses, shouldn’t throw stones (bombs)”

You ask ‘who is doing the sowing and reaping ?’

It is the German nation who, if we are to believe the evidence of Nuremburg and countless public rallies held up and down the length and breadth of Germany, enjoyed vast numerical public support – look at the newsreels or, did they lie?

Did Leni Riefenstahl lie in “Triumph of the Will” ? The Nazi propaganda film featuring – in terms of crowds – a cast of tens of thousands of cheering supporters?

Look in your mirror and say this to yourself: “Thank God the good guys won !”

It’s astounding to me that someone can have such a black and white outlook on the world. Bad guys/Good guys? So all members of the allied forces were good and all germans were bad. So did a child of 5 years old who died support the national socialists and deserve it?

The world is a bit more complicated than that I think. Unbelievable.

Mr Green, for the record – a basic understanding of how to read sources would teach you this – a film showing ten thousand cheering supporters only tells you that at that stadium there were ten thousand supporters. It doesnt show us that every German was a Nazi. And yes, Leni Riefenstahl frequently lied in Triumph of the Will.

For the record I am not stating a view either way – it is such a complicated subject. The only view I would take is that anyone who comes out with things such as John Green has a very limited understanding of life and human nature.

It’s very interesting to read a discussion about anime on an historical aviation forum!

I’ve not seen the film but would love to at some point. I have however seen a few of the studios other works and enjoyed those.

Beermat. You are right in a sense and language is most certainly fluid but I think ‘cartoon’ jars to describe this film. ‘Cartoon’ is a term that’s evolved as you mentioned. Once used to describe preparatory drawings (Leonardo drew cartoons) and then later for still image drawn caricature, cartoon is now a term to describe short form drawn animated films mostly for children with exaggerated elements. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it used to describe longer length animated films. I think most animators would wince at it being called a ‘cartoon’….. Then again, they’ll live!

At the end of the day it is a story and it doesn’t matter how it is made if it grips you!

John,

I see your point about people enjoying acrimony – it is human nature and certainly does add colour to the proceedings but there is not that much colour to this ongoing exchange – just the fact that same hymn sheet is sung from ad infinitum. It’s not a sensitivity to it rather than a sense of boredom.

I have lurked here for a long long time and it is my opinion that it’s a less enjoyable place than it was because of the Burma topic. I don’t believe those involved shouldn’t be able to speak their mind, nor should they be told where to post – I just think they might for the good of other peoples threads keep the acrimony / debate / tetchiness (call it what you will) in a box marked ‘burma’

As for moderators, I have no desire to see any moderator go. Sure they get something out of it in terms of enjoyment (you’d presume) but they certainly must put a lot of time in for it. Not a job I would want but how do you become a moderator?

best wishes

I’m a new member although I’ve ‘lurked’ as some say for quite sometime and enjoyed various threads and hope to dip my toes in a bit more and participate. One thing that strikes me (forgive me if this isn’t on for a new poster to comment) is that these personal issues between posters – in this case Moggy and Mark12 seem to break off the focus on so many good threads. I personally find it distracting and I’m sure others do too. On the other hand I’m sure some enjoy the pantomime of it all. Can’t the pair of you bury the hatchet or take it to PM. Likewise if people are unhappy with a moderators behavior perhaps their should be a vote once in a while if those moderators are to remain in their position. That would seem democratic to me and allow those that are unhappy a chance to go with the democratic will of the forum mass.

Please note, for the record. I couldn’t give a hoot regards the ongoing debate between them nor do I have any view on who is right/wrong. I’m just sick of reading it and it is not as if you can ignore the comments as they are imbedded within the narrative of a thread and quite often these two make valuable contributions as they both have a lot to offer. A blanket ‘ignore it’ stance would be a loss.

Anyone else fed up?

If that was his choice thats fine but i wonder how many veterans are sitting in care homes without family who would love to have a chat with someone.

There are many elderly people (veterans or otherwise) in this position in homes across the UK. There are plenty of schemes across the UK that people can join if they have a few spare hours to give. A quick google search found this one immediately… http://www.beafriendtoday.org.uk/about-us/

Whilst it is nice that so many people turned out to show their respects (something which sadly the veteran didn’t have the chance to appreciate) – it would be far more fitting if that mass of people put all that positive energy into helping others in a similar situation who are still with us. This is not meant as a criticism in any way of those people who made the effort to attend but rather a hope that something more lasting and positive could be achieved long term.

kind regards