Conspiracy Theory ...

Eric · 21-06-2007, 13:01

No, not the movie ... altho' it wasn't a bad one. More and more, Canadians are starting to wonder if govt. is telling us exactly what is going on in Afghanistan. Is there an attempt to hide, or manipulate the facts of the situation. There is a general feeling that things are not going as well as the talking heads from Defence and the Army keep telling us they are. We see news reports of smiling Canadian soldiers handing out gifts to children, but the next day comes news of more casualties. News of Canadian success in Kandahar, on their almost victory, appears side by side with an article on the impending deployment of The Royal 22nd Regiment (the Vandoos), and the recent purchase of 120 tanks. Statements such as "peacekeeping," "rebuilding," and "restoring democracy" are starting to ring pretty hollow.

I read the comments on the death of Guardsman Downes, and my sympathies are with his family. Do you in England get the idea that another vicious war is growing albeit in the shadow of the larger conflict in Iraq?

And please spare a thought for Sgt. Christos Karigianis, Cpl. Stephen Bouzane, and Pte. Joel Wiebe all of the 3rd. Battallion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry killed in Afghanistan yesterday.

MargaretR · 21-06-2007, 13:13

Governments always withold info from the population -their excuse ? = public unrest would result which may lead to civil disorder and so a risk to security.
I was a civil servant and once (many yrs ago) applied for a transfer to The Public Records Office when they were moving large volumes of stuff to Nelson.
I got short listed and interviewed. At the interview I was told they had classified info about the bomb tests at Christmas Island and how did I feel about it being witheld from war widows. I dont think I gave the answer they wanted - didnt get the job (glad really - couldn't have lived with it)

Eric · 21-06-2007, 13:48

"In war, truth is the first casualty." Aeschylus. "Among the calamaties of war may be jointly numbered the diminuation of the love of truth, by the fasehoods which interest dictates and credulity encourages" Samuel Johnson.

I think the "credulity" thing is quite interesting. "Interest" I can easily understand, even if it is spelled "o-i-l". But "credulity" is an indictment not primarily of govt., but of the people. Unfortunately, it seems as if credulity has to be shattered by disaster before we sit up, take notice, and take action.

Eric · 05-07-2007, 12:46

I suppose this is as good a place as any to mention the six Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan yesterday. Among the dead is Captain Matthew Dawe, 3rd Battallion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, from Kingston. I know his father well.

cashman · 05-07-2007, 12:51

the truth is ALWAYS suppressed in these things Eric, as for Afghanistan, took the russians about 10 yrs i think to say "Sod This" n go scurrying home with their tails between their legs.

my sympathy goes to losses from all nations.

Wynonie Harris · 05-07-2007, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

to say "Sod This" n go scurrying home with their tails between their legs.

Just like the British in 1842, defeated by a combination of fierce tribesmen and an inhospitable terrain. What's that saying about those who don't learn from history being condemned to repeat it?

Eric · 05-07-2007, 14:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

Just like the British in 1842, defeated by a combination of fierce tribesmen and an inhospitable terrain. What's that saying about those who don't learn from history being condemned to repeat it?

Churchill, I believe.

WillowTheWhisp · 05-07-2007, 14:14

I'm sure there are many things we are not told. Even when things are released from the Official Sectrets Act many years later, they still have lots of stuff blanked out with thick felt tipped pen.

Stanaccy · 05-07-2007, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

Just like the British in 1842, defeated by a combination of fierce tribesmen and an inhospitable terrain. What's that saying about those who don't learn from history being condemned to repeat it?

Actually (smartypants head on)the quote is actually Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," George Santayana.

Wynonie Harris · 06-07-2007, 07:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanaccy

Actually (smartypants head on)the quote is actually Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," George Santayana.

Yes, that's the original quote from "The Life of Reason" Vol 1. But I was thinking of Churchill's adaption of it, "Those who don't learn from history are condemned to repeat it." Whatever, it's true!

jimbob100 · 08-07-2007, 08:27

6 canadian soldiers killed ...! , canada is now open to invasion due to half its miltary been wiped out

Eric · 08-07-2007, 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbob100

6 canadian soldiers killed ...! , canada is now open to invasion due to half its miltary been wiped out

I fail to see anything at all funny in the death of brave men serving their country. Canadan does not have a large military establishment because we do not see the need for one; but Canadian military personel are as dedicated, as well trained and as patriotic as any in the world. With your mindless comment, no doubt hatched in a brain of limited capacity, you have not only insulted my country, you have insulted the memory of all those brave Canadians who have given their lives for their country and for the defense of Great Britain. Churchill himself referred to the "formidable Canadians of Vimy Ridge. And the Canadians who served with distinction in the Royal Air Force. And the men who served on Her Majesty's Canadian Ships on Convoy Escort. The Canadians who stormed Juno Beach. The Canadians who liberated Holland. The men of the PPCLI who fought with distinction at Kapyong, in Korea. But you are merely an asshole.

Stanaccy · 09-07-2007, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbob100

6 canadian soldiers killed ...! , canada is now open to invasion due to half its miltary been wiped out

I do wonder how some people manage to remember how to eat and drink.

Ianto.W. · 10-07-2007, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

Just like the British in 1842, defeated by a combination of fierce tribesmen and an inhospitable terrain. What's that saying about those who don't learn from history being condemned to repeat it?

I agree Wynonie, we never seem to heed the lessons of history why I do not know, one thing for certain is it will finish up as it started, we will return home as did our forebears, and the Russians, and all who have attemted to defeat the will of the people.

Eric · 12-07-2007, 17:35

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of Capt. Matt Dawe, PPCLI. I didn't know Matt that well, but his father, Lt. Col. Peter Dawe (Retd.), and I worked together on a fundraising campaign for the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston. Matt came from a military family; his three brothers are all serving officers in the Canadian Armed Forces; all have served their country in the Afghan conflict. He leaves also his wife, Tara, and his two-year-old son, Lucas. Matt was killed by a roadside bomb on July 4, his son's birthday.