Would You Die For This Country?

[Colmc54]

The government is launching a multi-million pound army recruitment campaign, there must be a reason why. The country in question is the UK, soon not to be the UK if the people currently resident in Scotland decide to jump ship.

So my question is would you die for your country? What would you actually think you were giving your life for, and could the bravest stance be if nobody signed up to serve in the army of the party-political playground of psychopathy that is the politics of our state.

If your answer is yes, as someone who will be 60 this year whose answer is no, would you mind explaining to me why you could possibly be so inclined?

[ChillDoubt]

I'm alright for toilet paper at the moment, thanks Wharton.

[Wharton]

You could use it to wipe your elbow.

[ChillDoubt]

You could use it to wipe your elbow.
-------------------
............or the corners of your mouth?

[ChillDoubt]

Sums it up really....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCe-_dWsujA

[Baldric]

liked that^^!

[trt]

I would be ready to help defend Ireland if they were invaded by the enemy, but not Scotland!

[Ken4155]

I spent 10 years in uniform in the 70s/80s and did 3 tours of Northern Ireland. The thought of 'dying for my country' never entered my mind. I had joined the army to get away from the humdrum of civvy street, as had many of my army colleagues. I suspect that is also true of many of today's servicemen and women, though the spectre of Afghanistan has probably put many off enlisting.
My question is, given all our problems as outlined in this thread - and others - who in their right minds would want to invade US?

[Hypognosis]

Too late. We already have been invaded. Only this time not by any military force.

Mines: shut and flooded (impervious to aerial bombing)
Steelworks: all bar a few torn down (lot of acreage, requires lots of bombs)
One-trade towns: downsized, jobs sent to China, population put on benefits
Forests: intact, give or take a tiny amount of clearance to make grouse moors in England, before the border closes

Tourist sites: unharmed
Privileged elite: showing no fear of threat
Farmers: working at peak efficiency
German cars: commonplace
Energy suppliers: no damage. Growing, in fact
Golf courses: increasing in number
City financiers: thriving

Unlike the Norman invasion, however, it is not entirely clear who the replacement elite are. Still big on heraldry err, I mean logos.

Would I fight for my country? I don't know. Some countries seem to be lapdogs to far the more powerful multi-nationals. I might consider being a mercenary but I wouldn't last more than 30 seconds against the video-game generation.

[Wharton]

All this reminds me of the lunatic ranting over his dislike of bananas, yet had never tasted one. The White Paper is there for all to read and then you could come back with an informed opinion.

Incidentally, I've just read that the English football manager has picked his team for the competition in Brazil. It's.........Spain.

[Hypognosis]

//My country (Scotland) HAS been invaded by a foreign aggressor, and I intend getting rid of it come September. //

A long time ago. And your ancestors successfully kicked the English out on more than one occasion.

According to Neil Oliver the act of Union was brought about because Scotland bankrupted itself with the Dorien (sp?) venture and needed bailing out, whilst Elizabeth was stuck for a worthy heir.

Of course, if you're referring to the Highland clearances, that's another matter entirely. I should check my chronology before I continue...

[boxtops]

Let's be honest about the stats on this one - the Army gives you great career and training options you don't get in civvy street..... and these days, the chances of dying in combat are far less than the chances of getting killed in a road traffic accident.

[bednobs]

no-one joins the army expecting to die

[Baldric]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWYGVLhKbczZKnzxJLFOdGpaJNgk28jEJiZqN34IItd5Yyes1y

[DTCwordfan]

Bring on Scottish Independence - it secures Plymouth's future and our regional prosperity. And make them pay the debts they owe the rest of us, take account of the Outer Islands preferences and divide the oil and gas borders according to current Int'l practice/law.

[stewey]

Those who would die for their country are really of not much use are they? As someone else once logically suggested you're supposed to make sure that the other poor bastards die for their country...Herummph, jolly good show chaps: carry on. (Swaggers off whilst twirling mustache)

[Peter Pedant]

Hi Colm

1) you are 60 with skills they are not seeking - like " how do I know that order is a good one ?" they really dont need a skill like that

2) its fun for a 20 y o.

3) it gets them out of the home - and they've been looking for a way out for some time

4) instant pals and men to go drinking with and

5) when there's a fight you usually win !

6) nice uniform which the parents like whatever your parents are like

7) go to interesting places and when you find anyone there

8)kill them


God with plusses like that - I may go and join up myself

9) really good remedial services so when you come out - you can read and write !