Never say never,

Prince Harry, and killing people

Hi,

I am not a Royalist. I am a Republican Socialist. So you might think I have a certain antipathy towards the Royal Family. Well, I don't. I actually have come to the conclusion as I have aged that the British constitutional Monarchy has many advantages over a Republic, as they are a figurehead, thus allowing a non-political expression of Patriotism.

What is odd is hat we have always expected our Royals to be Military. Which is OK, as long as they don't take it too seriously. Unfortunately, this crop of Royals has brought forth Prince Harry. Harry is a proper soldier. 

He was a noted sportsman at school, and excelled in every sport he took up, the more violent and physical the better. He went into Sandhurst, and was by all accounts a superb student. He then became a Royal Marine, and excelled there, showing leadership skills far beyond the level required by Royalty to become an officer. 

Harry seems to have found his niche, and his niche is killing people for Granny.

Which is why I kind of scratched my head when he was pilloried for calling the Taliban "towel heads" The reason? "Its Racist" What I say is we can't offend them, but killing them is OK? 

Bollocks, fuck the Taliban hard up the ass with a Milan Anti tank weapon. The more of those murdering, cowardly bastards we kill, the better. I don't like war, but murdering Homosexuals and terrorising civilians who don't agree with your 12 century worldview pisses me off more. The fewer Taliban and Al Queda, the better.

They also wring their hand because he called a member of his troop 'Paki', to his face. They all called him Paki. I have been called Taff by every Englishman, Scot and Irishman I have ever met. How is Paki different? 

These guys will fight and die for each other, and the politically correct crew are calling him racist? I assume that Paki carrier a self loading Rifle, so I am also sure that someone calling a man carrying an assault rifle Paki, does so with the Paki's acquiescence, because Paki is carrying a great big fucking machine gun. I have seen full metal jacket, I hope Harry has as well.

Lastly, we expect our soldiers to be saints who murder people because politicians say so. And we worry that they might be racist while carrying out these murders? 

I think we are missing the point

2008.

Hi, 

2009 will have to go some to beat the awesome year I was blessed with. Career wise I couldn't have had it any better, and am now sitting in the job that I always coveted. All I have to do is not screw up, which may be harder than it sounds!

My family is great, I am privelidged to be the Father to a super like soul, and Husband to a wonderful woman, who is loved by all who know her. I just sit around in the reflected glow of her popularity, and get to talk to her friends' husbands. Which is aboult as much sovial interaction as I am comfortable with.

I fulfilled 3 long term ambitions this year, traveling to the USA, Australia and seeing Bruce live. I spent 4 great weeks with my extended family, and all my brilliant mates. I got to bore Ieuan, talking about the frankly brilliant sights on display at the v&a, science and natural history museums.

Things I learned? I was not a good choice to be department manager, having seen Paula (my Boss) do it, I know that I would have been hopeless. 

LA isn't nice, Chicago is (though I did meet a very nice Angelino who talked us through how to use the Metro, stunning job mate!) 

Americans are not as dumb as the rest of the World thinks they are (Hello President Obama), and the old politics are dead (horray).

2009? Well some things don't change (Colts are out of the postseason) and some things do (The Caedinals? Really?) and that a webcam set up in a room full of your family is a surprisingly satisfying 2nd best to actually being there.

So there you go. Resolutions? Stop drinking. (2 days now) and blog more.

So there you are. See ya.