Posted on 03/28/2007 5:27:49 AM PDT by DeerfieldObserver
I think if the same situation happened with american sailors, Dubya would be reacting the same way as Blair. Neither Blair nor Bush have the political support to get physical over this situation. Expecting any more just isn't realistic.
This whole incident brings to mind the oft given advice to not draw a gun around unless you're ready to use it. Because if you are not, someone might take it away from you and use it on you.
The Brits weren't ready to use the "gun," and since the Iranians were, the Brits had no business even being there.
I can't believe we are going around this half cocked, but it seems that we are.
I think your points are correct. A Sun Tzu approach is required at this point; Not an Atilla the Hun approach.
pathetic. britain just should quit being a nation and let someone else organize its people... like muslims.... that'll do the trick for the brits.
Oh, I don't think it's a matter of Sun Tzu, just a matter of proper parenting to the children leading Iran.
"Well, girls, we tried to stop you from doing the wrong thing. Now we have to spank you."
A calm, rational explanation of punishment to be rendered. Then we'll hand the paddle to Atilla.
Were I one of the captive Royal Marines or sailors, if I was freed, when I was returned to the HMS Cornhole, I don't know whether I'd kill the CO for calling home to see if he should fend off my imminent capture or that he obeyed the order not to fend off my imminent capture.
Officers are such pussies.
I once heard a story from an electronics dealer that the Russian Navy ordered Magellan GPS units for all their ships straight from Goldberg's Discount Marine Supply of New York. Maybe apocryphal, but OTOH it also makes perfect sense.
I own a couple Garmin hand held units for boat use and my daughter has another in her car for road use. The things are damn sophisticated and accurate, but I can imagine that the military may have use for specialized functions on theirs that we don't need. Still, I can also imagine military airmen carrying their own privately acquired units, they are inexpensive and useful.
This is why Europe is becoming less and less relevant as a global power/influence. Most of Europe has been faced with decisions on guns or butter. They can't afford both. They have chosen "butter" because it is more palatable to their aging, declining populations that depend on their overly generous social welfare systems. They expect America to continue footing the bill to provide for their security umbrella. They also expect us to do what they want. With the fall of the Soviet Union, they think that there is no longer a military threat to Europe, but they are mistaken.
You are accusing the British Ministry of Defense of photo shopping a picture?
Interesting.
The Garmin is not Royal Navy issue. It may be personally owned by the helicopter crewman holding it.
All the talk about photoshopping and sun angles is a result of laziness on the part of the pajamahadeen, who usually do a much better job. If this photo were faked, the real evidence would be in the nature of the ship below. Research should be focused on it.
I doubt a hand held GPS is used for navigation. Ya think someone might just carry one with them?
chuckling...
I think intervention will convene before it gets to the next stage of "rational punishment" by Iran. I certainly hope.
I think if the same situation happened with american sailors, Dubya would be reacting the same way as Blair. Neither Blair nor Bush have the political support to get physical over this situation. Expecting any more just isn't realistic.
I honestly don't think that American Sailors would surrender without a fight. At least that is what the U.S. Navy brass seems to be saying.
I re-read your post, and I agree with you. Sometimes it is good to be "behind the curve" in attacking, at least for a few days or so. Let public opinion form behind you, and then act.
This is a perfect excuse for us to attack the Iranian nuclear facilities. Let's hope the Iranians overplay their hand.
"(Europe) expects America to continue footing the bill to provide for their security umbrella."
Yes, it also allows them to take the "high moral ground," and feel morally superior to us. They can criticize America as being "war-mongers", not quite civilized like the French or Belgians or even UK.
I'd like to think so, too.
Thanks! Its not far from an island, ansd in shallow water.
Not bad for free viewing.
Well, I don't know about GW. I think he will do more than just talking. I'm not throwing the towel just yet when it comes to him.
I have just about closed the book on Dubya. Wait and see.
Yeah, wait and see. I haven't yet... I guess hope is the last thing that dies.
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