Dicriminated against for wearin their uniform?

[Gromit]

[i]Members of the Armed Forces are suffering abuse and discrimination on Britain’s streets just for wearing their uniforms

Six per cent have been attacked in the street, while 21 per cent have reported strangers coming up to them and shouting abuse.

In one case, a member of the Royal Navy was told by his son’s head teacher to stop wearing his uniform on the school run because it “upset the parents”.[i]

http://www.telegraph....el-unappreciated.html

What do you make of that?

[Kromovaracun]

Before the avalanche starts...

I don't share the unquestioning knight-in-shining-armour reverence that most people seem to have for military servicemen (of any country). I'd be more than willing to discuss the reasons for that if people want, but anyway - if the evidence in this report indicates a wider truth, I find this extremely worrisome.

Servicemen should be treated as equals, because that's what they are. I find the idea of someone being refused services, goods or even the right to walk the streets safely because of their profession outrageous. It's as bad as someone being refused services because of their sexual orientation, or their gender, or their race.

[sandyRoe]

Things don't change much

http://www.poetrylove...ts/kipling/tommy.html

[bazwillrun]

"One RAF recruiter, a member of one of the focus groups, said: “Working in Leicester"

Leicester ?! Hmmmmmm....let me see now

whats the racial breakdown of the people doing the insulting ?

and yes all you handwringers it is important and relevant

[grffindoor2011]

I have no time for the Armed Forces either. They will always get a piece of my mind. Too many join for the kill, then whinge about it when it happens.

I also hate officers who continue to use their rank after they have left. I hada neighbour who's rank was Major. He insisted everyone call him by that. I didn't and called him by his name, John. Had a few arguments about it, but he knows my feelings on that and the 22k pension he is getting for playing soldiers.

[Kromovaracun]

"and yes all you handwringers it is important and relevant"

Hmmm. Wouldn't call myself a 'handwringer', but I have to say I don't understand why it's relevant. Would you care to explain it to me?

[boxtops]

griffin, commissioned officers are entitled to retain their rank when they leave the service - it's just the way some do it...

[tonyav]

grffindoor, Our boys / and girls out in Afganistan are not '' PLAYING '' at being Soldiers.

[boxtops]

I couldn't think of words to reply to griffin, tony - nobody does it for fun these days...

[tonyav]

I understand that, boxy.

[NOX]

Not a mad big fan of the army etc having seen them in action with civilians first hand, but they need to be treated with respect, and the same way you would treat anyone else. Not many countries don't have an army for very good reasons, I resent the fact they go sticking our noses into other country's affairs, but they are a necessary thing in times of invasion ( not very likely) and in other times of grave necessity.

[Philtaz]

Griffindoor,
Servicemen will always get a piece of your mind will they? I very much doubt your bravado as you'd doubtless get knocked on your arse.

Just remember that those very same people serve this country and defend its democracy which by some twist allows you to spout such vitriolic bile.

People who post with your amount of vehemence have usually either been rejected for service with HM Forces or couldn't summon the courage to even walk through a recruiting office door.

As the oft posted quip goes, 'every man thinks meanly of himself for never having been a soldier'.

[bazwillrun]

"but I have to say I don't understand why it's relevant."

yeah right, course you dont

ever thought oif taking up fishing ?

[Philtaz]

Sorry NOX but soldiers don't go sticking their noses into other countries affairs, the politicians do that, the soldiers just do the job asked of them.

[Kromovaracun]

"every man thinks meanly of himself for never having been a soldier'."

Speak for yourself. I'm quite happy to have never been soldier.

I agree with NOX - servicemen are equals, and deserve to be treated as equals.

[Kromovaracun]

Baz: It's a fair question, considering you brought it up in the first place. I honestly don't see why it's relevant, no. Hence why I asked.

[tonyav]

It's very relevant, and you know it Kromovaracum.

[Kromovaracun]

No, I don't know it. I do not see how it's relevant, so I'm asking why. As far as I can see, I've done so perfectly politely and have not received an answer.

[bigbadmarty]

Phil you sounded like Col. Nathan Jessup , mate !
Couldn't agree more with you :)

[B00]

Are the ones who were attacked done by local yobs who somehow think they'd look "harder" of they took on and won a serviceman?

[Philtaz]

Ha, thanks bigbadmarty.