oh dear - and we seemed to be getting on so well

Comment is about Perhaps... (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

this could go on longer than the war
I suggest that what we are saying is 80% the same
however-
while ever my taxes are going on bombing without a plan I will protest.
while ever innocent people are being killed - I will protest
and even if only 50% of what I see on my widescreen TV in 'safe' northern England is reality - I will protest.
thanks
Ian

Comment is about Perhaps... (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

haven't taken it personally at all David - you have a different viewpoint - I appreciate that, as I'm sure you appreciate that others will differ from yours.
If there was a workable plan in place, I would support action in Syria. That plan would need to include a ground force from all Nato countries to support targeted attacks. It would involve a strategy for stabilising the region post victory (if victory it was). It would involve the government pledging to cut off the supply route in and out if Daesh of arms and oil - including sanction of our 'friends' who are part of the supply and demand mechanism. It would include a credible policy to deal with refugees fleeing the war zone - not lip service support as we have now. All of that is way beyond the current plans which seem to consist of 'we need to join the big boys gang'.
As I said in my post on your poem - I have not visited a war zone - nor do I wish to do so. That doesn't mean I cannot feel empathy for those involved - does it?
There is a difference between 'immediacy' and 'too immediate'. We are rushing into a campaign that we cannot win in the air alone. There are no credible ground forces to support this action. Until the government can clearly prove there are - we should desist.
your mention of 'self-ridicule' similarly amused me - your comment wasn't about 'self' ridicule - it was a comment ridiculing others for having a voice. I merely reflected those words at your own poetic attempt to get your point across. Surely you see that?
You know nothing about me and I know little about you - it would appear that we mostly disagree on this matter - your viewpoint will probably be carried today in the Commons - doesn't mean it's right - doesn't mean it's wrong. Doesn't mean either of us should stop expressing views because the other argument is weaker, or stronger.
Cheers
Ian

Comment is about Perhaps... (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Thanks for your comments guys.
David - I pretty much agree with your first few words - however you are assuming I have no views on a workable alternative - and that I should back off from accusing elected politicians of war mongering.
You are wrong on both counts.
If we do not challenge our politicians actions then we are complicit by our silence. I do not agree with bombing innocent civilians with no workable plan in place to ensure (a) the targets are isolated and (b) that we have a strategy to follow up the bombings.
This '70,000 ground troops' who are miraculously going to gel behind these actions is nonsense.
Equally, very few military strategists believe bombing will be effective without troops on the ground.
All we are doing is adding percussive weight to a campaign of blanket, indiscriminate, bombing.
I will make my point through poetry - in the same way that you have the option to make yours - but do not accuse me of naivety simply because my view is different to yours.
This poem has once specific message - it is not aimed at attacking poets with a different view point - it is aimed at making a case to halt proceedings now - think out a strategically workable plan - and commit with all the uncertainties removed. Do not rush into an extended war because this government wants to be part of the big boys club.
Cheers

Comment is about Perhaps... (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Good poem Ian. A pity the MPs aren't going to listen today.

Comment is about Perhaps... (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Nice one Ian. I would definitely like to hear this one live. I can hear the rant already.

Comment is about Perhaps... (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley