I received my education about the Black and Tan's from the Master of Hounds of the famous fox hunt of that name while hacking with him in Ireland. Although of Irish-American heritage and guilty of no little bit of pride of self as a student of history, I was utterly ignorant of the role of the infamous Black and Tan's during the time of the " troubles." Nor was I aware of its connection to Winston Churchill, an incident in the great man's career during his time as Home Secretary which did not burnish the image of the man I hold to be the greatest of the 20th century.
The hunt derives its name from the unique coloration of the hounds, black and tan rather than black and white, which distinguishes it from all other packs in the world. Its status and rank among the fox hunting clubs of the world is legendary for the utter disregard for horse or man as they attack some of the most challenging fox hunting terrain.
He also explained why Irish horses, that is fox hunting horses, are so ugly. It seems the British during the time of their occupation passed laws permitting the confiscation of horses worth more than 10 pounds. They regarded elegant and fine mounts, in the style of their own thoroughbred, to be valuable but they despised horses with large heads, large knees and hocks, long ears, and big splayed feet. These of course we're just the type ideally suited for the arduous fox hunting courses of Ireland, so the Irish bred them that way to keep them away from the British. Big knees and hocks could stand the pounding of incessant jumping. Big heads provided balance over an obstacle and disguised a canny intelligence. Wide hooves made for easier going in marshy conditions.
The Master of Hounds chuckled as he reflected that his race had at least once gotten over on the British.
Or this,
Brits and Yanks Are Still Oceans Apart (If America had a mother-in-law)
Posted by nathanbedford to RKV
On News/Activism 02/07/2005 5:46:06 PM EST • 63 of 103
Once upon a time in Wales I was stopped by a fallen tree across the country lane which blocked all traffic. There was no way back and we could only wait. The vehicle in front was occupied by two elderly Welshmen, of the war vintage. "Hello, Yank" they greeted me warmly upon hearing my accent," what brings you way out here in the countryside?" "I'm here to buy a dog," I replied, referring to the puppy of the Supreme World Champion border collie. Canny as a Scot, one inquired of the price, no doubt wondering how many dollars an American so far from home might be induced to pay for something that every farmer in the area would cheerfully give away. Polite to the core, both men masked their astonishment when I quoted the price but were Welsh enough not to be so nonplussed as to fail to shave their neighbor's offer by 70% for one of their own pups.
As we awaited the removal of the tree from our sunken lane, the topic worked its way to the war. One old man thanked America for coming to their aid. "Thanks for holding the line alone until we came," I replied. I will never forget that occasion or the expression on his face.
or this:
Brits and Yanks Are Still Oceans Apart(If America had a mother-in-law)
Posted by nathanbedford to RKV
On News/Activism 02/07/2005 5:11:52 PM EST • 32 of 103
You might pause long enough to read your history and consider who saved whose ass. Britain stood virtually alone for about a year and a half against one of the most monstrous tyrannies ever to threaten and almost end civilization. While we were playing war in the Louisiana swamps with plywood tanks, the Thin Red Line held once again just long enough until we could bestir ourselves to come to Britain's support. We played a minority role for quite a while until our contribution in numbers actually engaged exceeded England's.
England bankrupted the Isles and the Empire in this war while America emerged richer. Shame on those who would deprecate Britain's finest hour.
After the war, Great Britain, led by the same American-Anglo who rallied the world against Hitler, once again called the world to the ramparts to resist another, perhaps even more monstrous tyranny, Communism.
Let no man despise the special relationship which has illuminated the world for a century.
Or this
Posted this last year after a mock sea battle was staged to commemorate the anniversary of Trafalgar in which political correctness was taken to his grotesque extension:
Can you imagine a reenactment of the massacre at Wounded Knee (or Ft. Pillow for that matter) without referring to the murder of Indians, er, excuse me, Native Americans as Native Americans? A reenactment without victims, without villains? How pathetic ... just as the Brits arranged off Portsmouth yesterday.
Every generation of British, indeed of English speaking people, have recognized Trafalgar to be a moment of signal historical significance. It meant that England would endure, safe behind its channel moat, contriving alliances against the seemingly impervious French Army, waging a worrying flanking war against Napoleon's neopotistic commissars in Spain. England would endure for a decade, safe from invasion, ruling the waves, provisioning itself and its growing list of allies with the fruits of its maritime dominance. Like a giant boa, The Royal Navy would constrict Napoleon's continental system, ultimately turning his conquered vassals against him.
Because Nelson had inspirited the Royal Navy to adopt his patriotism, professionalism and courage, it had become a shining turn of the century example of a meritocracy. Most Americans do not appreciate the debt we as a democracy and land of milk and honey owe to the Royal Navy nor are we aware of the debt the Royal Navy owes to the example of Horatio Viscount, Lord Nelson. In fact, The Senior Service quite consciously modeled itself after the legend of Nelson and it is not an exaggeration to say that the officer of the watch in the frozen gloom of the Arctic winter stood to his duty against all hardship in the War of the Atlantic, conscious that he was following Nelson who, himself, had also served there.
After a decade, England would hurl the world against the fanaticism of the French Leftists. Napoleon would now be weakened by the flank attacks of the Bull Dog. He would be bled white of troops and treasure. But mostly, the decade bought by Trafalgar would see the Corsican Tyrant made vulnerable by his own ego, his mad invasion of Russia and the inevitable internal corruption of his post Jacobin tyranny. A decade after Trafalgar, they would break him at Waterloo.
Because of Trafalgar England would endure. Because of Trafalgar America would ascend. Because of Trafalgar, England would answer the call at its Finest Hour because they had done it before and they knew they could do it again.
Every generation of British have recognized the signal historical significance of Trafalgar - except, evidently, the last.
There are many posters here at free Republic whose range is broad and deep and it does not do to pre-judge any conservative friend.
