The Gray Monk

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February 27, 2004

Friday roundup

G'Day Mate is having a humorous go at most non-Australian's view of the geography of that great country over on his blog post entitled "California vs USA". He is right, most people who have not been there and know it only from vague newscasts and dimly remembered geography lessons (assuming that they were actually paying attention!) simply have trouble identifying with the vast open spaces. Those from countries like the US and Canada who have the experience of wide open ranges have perhaps less excuse than those of us from Europe, but it is also true to say, that the vast majority of supposedly educated people, simply have no idea of the layout of any country other than their own. Sad really, it is our ignorance of the way others live, the conditions they must deal with and which influence their cultures, that cause us the most problems when trying to understand each other.

Still, we can all have a chuckle at the image his "Tourist Map" of Australia conjures up.

Still trying to visit all my favourite blogs, I found this wonderful cartoon at Ripples which sums up rather nicely the point I was making about civil servants who "manage" the supplies to the fighting forces while ably dodging any danger themselves. ("What's that medal for Smithers?" "A dangerous paper cut during the Iraq War, Under Secretary!")

Honour is the theme of an interesting item at Bear left on unnamed road. Quite apart from the mention of one of my favourite fictional naval characters, it is worth a read. I'm much inclined to agree with Ron in this. let's have fewer "whistleblowers" and more Men and Women of Honour.

Paul, at All agitprop; all the time has an excellent rant going about idiots who can't see a need to maintain armed forces properly. What the people of Bob's ilk simply do not understand about modern warfare and weaponry is that you cannot simply call up a draft, give everyone a rifle and six weeks square bashing and send them off to war as we did in 1914 - 18 and 1939 - 45. Weaponry, warfare and all that goes with it has become so sophisticated that it take years to bring fighting soldiers up to scratch.

I always find it ironic that these are also the same people who will stand about whinging about their taxes while simultaneously applying for relief and benefits. Should the sh-1-t hit the fan of course, they also expect the armed forces to get out there and do their bit, criticising them all the way for not winning immediately.

On a lighter note (pardon the pun!) Lynn of Reflections in d minor has some interesting links to follow and some thoughts on men with pony tails.

I could hardly leave off this roundup (Sorry folks - I'm running out of time here!) without a quick reference to Tim of An Englishman's Castle and his "business" trip to the US. Judging from the pics Tim, it must have been fun!

Have a good weekend all!

Posted by The Gray Monk at February 27, 2004 12:38 PM

Comments

Posted by: Paul Jané at February 27, 2004 09:16 PM

Posted by: Tim at February 27, 2004 09:55 PM