James McClean

[Marvo]

Look, 1. they are not Arabs, they are Persians and Pakistanis. 2. The soldiers do not get to choose where they have to serve. 3. The vast majority of work out there is building, repairing, protecting and teaching, something you ignore. Their present job is to try and leave the Afghans in a position to defend themselves from the Taliban who are killing 1000s.

No, I don't support war. But I do support our troops who have been put in this position by POLITICIANS.....Blair and Bush especially.

I think you missed the point of what I meant when I used the word Arabs, but I'll have to let that slide as you seem a bit dim.
2. No, but they choose to sign up for the forces. 3. The only reason they're doing that is because they've ****ed it up through previous military action. Don't fool yourself into thinking they're over there for humanitarian reasons, because they're not.

The politicians may put them there but the soldiers decided to join up. They deserve as much blame as anyone else for the practically terrorist actions performed by the British and American armed forces over the past decade or so.

Even putting aside the Middle East issues, there's the fact that British troops slaughtered countless innocent Irish citizens (Yes, not all were innocent but a lot were) over the years. That's something else I can't support, because unlike you I have a conscience I can't ignore murder for the sake of patriotism.

 

[Frank_Pingel_Legend]

I think you missed the point of what I meant when I used the word Arabs, but I'll have to let that slide as you seem a bit dim.
2. No, but they choose to sign up for the forces. 3. The only reason they're doing that is because they've ****ed it up through previous military action. Don't fool yourself into thinking they're over there for humanitarian reasons, because they're not.

The politicians may put them there but the soldiers decided to join up. They deserve as much blame as anyone else for the practically terrorist actions performed by the British and American armed forces over the past decade or so.

Very well said. Let us never believe that British soldiers are mere innocent victims of circumstances they have no control over.

Let's be honest. Most join up for the money and don't worry about the morals.

 

[r s o u l]

Just because someone has a differing opinion and points out their take on things means they are dim??? Really?

So soldiers sign up because they want to 'shoot arabs in the head'or want to be terrorists? I disagree!

The reasons for signing up are manyfold and much more complex. Pride, history (family and country), unemployment, self betterment (ie learning skills for future development/prospects) so i have to take issue with your sweeping generalisation.

Lets look at WWI and WWII and think about the consequences of our descendents not having the balls to go and put their lives on the line/give their lives for what we take for granted today. Doesn't bear thinking about IMO!

And whilst the wars we have been involved in today might not be as clear cut as those of the past, most if not all have been fought to protect our way of living today....so unless you want to give the falklands back or stop using oil based products, or accept that things like the twin towers/london bombings will just happen then war will continue to occur. Note NI is slightly different going back to 1688 and has seen attrocities committed by both sides (which are commerorated by both sides alike but in teh end a death is a death whatever side it is on, it is someones father/son/husband/brother).

 

[Marvo]

Our way of living would be fine if we stopped interfering in other people's ways of living. I've said all along that I don't include people who served in either WW in this. They served when Britain was genuinely under threat, and it's an insult to them that modern soldiers are put in the same group.

Things like the Twin Towers and the London bombings have only occured because of our (and United States') continual interference in the Middle East.

 

[Hung Drawn and Quartered]

I think you missed the point of what I meant when I used the word Arabs, but I'll have to let that slide as you seem a bit dim.
2. No, but they choose to sign up for the forces. 3. The only reason they're doing that is because they've ****ed it up through previous military action. Don't fool yourself into thinking they're over there for humanitarian reasons, because they're not.

The politicians may put them there but the soldiers decided to join up. They deserve as much blame as anyone else for the practically terrorist actions performed by the British and American armed forces over the past decade or so.

Very well said. Let us never believe that British soldiers are mere innocent victims of circumstances they have no control over.

Let's be honest. Most join up for the money and don't worry about the morals.

total rubbish

you forget that the British Legion supports the men and woman from all conflicts not just the present
and it's not just the servicemen and women that gets the support, it's their family's and dependants
some of our guys have been killed on peace keeping duties with the U.N. they get help and support from the poppy appeal

there has been 7 conflicts since WW2 in which Britain has been involved, where conscripts were used,
they never signed up, they had to go
My Dad didn't want to go, but was conscripted and sent Suez in 1956,
some of his friends were killed some were wounded and still get help from the Legion to this day
to say that the poppy appeal only helps todays troops,..... then I'm afraid my friend you are misguided

 

[Makemstine Roger]

Appears to have declined the chance to wear a poppy on his shirt. Classy club

there you are my biach, been telling everyone how you suck my cock

 

[Makemstine Roger]

total rubbish

you forget that the British Legion supports the men and woman from all conflicts not just the present
and it's not just the servicemen and women that gets the support, it's their family's and dependants
some of our guys have been killed on peace keeping duties with the U.N. they get help and support from the poppy appeal

there has been 7 conflicts since WW2 in which Britain has been involved, where conscripts were used,
they never signed up, they had to go
My Dad didn't want to go, but was conscripted and sent Suez in 1956,
some of his friends were killed some were wounded and still get help from the Legion to this day
to say that the poppy appeal only helps todays troops,..... then I'm afraid my friend you are misguided

rep well said

 

[Makemstine Roger]

Pretty sad not to wear it, when it is worn to respect those who fought for the rights of future generations including people like James McClean. Looks even more stupid when 21 other players on the pitch are wearing it.

well said rep

 

[Makemstine Roger]

Look, 1. they are not Arabs, they are Persians and Pakistanis. 2. The soldiers do not get to choose where they have to serve. 3. The vast majority of work out there is building, repairing, protecting and teaching, something you ignore. Their present job is to try and leave the Afghans in a position to defend themselves from the Taliban who are killing 1000s.

No, I don't support war. But I do support our troops who have been put in this position by POLITICIANS.....Blair and Bush especially.

well said rep

 

[Warmir Pouchov]

total rubbish

you forget that the British Legion supports the men and woman from all conflicts not just the present
and it's not just the servicemen and women that gets the support, it's their family's and dependants
some of our guys have been killed on peace keeping duties with the U.N. they get help and support from the poppy appeal

there has been 7 conflicts since WW2 in which Britain has been involved, where conscripts were used,
they never signed up, they had to go
My Dad didn't want to go, but was conscripted and sent Suez in 1956,
some of his friends were killed some were wounded and still get help from the Legion to this day
to say that the poppy appeal only helps todays troops,..... then I'm afraid my friend you are misguided

Reality is though that this is where the poppy money goes and this is why McClean and many other Irish people refuse to take part in the poppy appeal. I support our armed forces because they are my own. They aren't McCleans and it is completely understandable given what we have done there in the past. We can't pretend we're innocent here!

People condemning him really need to think about if the shoe was on the other foot. And him taking the british coin with the queens head on is not relevant. He is simply earning a living.

 

[Albert's Chip Shop]

If the shoe were on the other foot I'd have respect for the dead as I'd probably know someone who lost a relative or friend in one of the wars. I genuinely would wear a poppy. Our players will wear Wonga next year for 40+ games but may not agree with gambling.
I'd also think about the 40,000 fans who pay my wages watching from the stands.
Hey though, that's just me.
It's good to see lively debate in what is a very emotive topic for all.

 

[Warmir Pouchov]

If the shoe were on the other foot I'd have respect for the dead as I'd probably know someone who lost a relative or friend in one of the wars. I genuinely would wear a poppy. Our players will wear Wonga next year for 40+ games but may not agree with gambling.
I'd also think about the 40,000 fans who pay my wages watching from the stands.
Hey though, that's just me.
It's good to see lively debate in what is a very emotive topic for all.

Very different though ACS. Wearing Wonga is one thing. Wearing a symbol of a cause which gives money to support men and women who are part of an organisation who murdered innocent people in your community is a different ball game, and different set of emotions. I think unless you have been in that scenario and seen the pain that bloody sunday and other incidents caused to your own community, it is difficult to know how you would feel. He wasn't trying to disrespect the british forces, he was trying to show some respect to his own community.

As someone with several relatives in the forces who put their lives at risk for us on a daily basis, and someone who respects the freedoms I enjoy now, I'll always support the poppy appeal.

 

[2010 tops dog]

I love slating the smb however they are as annoyed about it as we are
The bloke is a tit not for this but in general

 

[Warmir Pouchov]

I love slating the smb however they are as annoyed about it as we are
The bloke is a tit not for this but in general

Now that is something we can all agree on! Did I mention he moves like a bounding ape?

 

[Agent Bruce]

Now that is something we can all agree on! Did I mention he moves like a bounding ape?

I was about to say he thinks like one too, but that would be an insult to Apes.

 

[lady-eleanor]

I think you missed the point of what I meant when I used the word Arabs, but I'll have to let that slide as you seem a bit dim.
2. No, but they choose to sign up for the forces. 3. The only reason they're doing that is because they've ****ed it up through previous military action. Don't fool yourself into thinking they're over there for humanitarian reasons, because they're not.

The politicians may put them there but the soldiers decided to join up. They deserve as much blame as anyone else for the practically terrorist actions performed by the British and American armed forces over the past decade or so.

Very well said. Let us never believe that British soldiers are mere innocent victims of circumstances they have no control over.

Let's be honest. Most join up for the money and don't worry about the morals.

Your last comment has made my blood boil. I have a friend who has twin sons who both joined the Army not for the money but because they were on the dole. Hated signing on. Everytime I hear that another British solidier has lost his lifeI worry that it is going to be one of the lads.

 

[Albert's Chip Shop]

Now that is something we can all agree on! Did I mention he moves like a bounding ape?

I heard he also has a poster of fat sam on his wall

 

[Warmir Pouchov]

I heard he also has a poster of fat sam on his wall

With his height he may end up signing for him at some stage. Maybe when Fat Sam replaces Jose at Real..............

 

[Agent Bruce]

With his height he may up signing for him at some stage. Maybe when Fat Sam replaces Jose at Real..............

A distinct possibility.

 

[Freddd]

I think you missed the point of what I meant when I used the word Arabs, but I'll have to let that slide as you seem a bit dim.
2. No, but they choose to sign up for the forces. 3. The only reason they're doing that is because they've ****ed it up through previous military action. Don't fool yourself into thinking they're over there for humanitarian reasons, because they're not.

The politicians may put them there but the soldiers decided to join up. They deserve as much blame as anyone else for the practically terrorist actions performed by the British and American armed forces over the past decade or so.

Even putting aside the Middle East issues, there's the fact that British troops slaughtered countless innocent Irish citizens (Yes, not all were innocent but a lot were) over the years. That's something else I can't support, because unlike you I have a conscience I can't ignore murder for the sake of patriotism.

This really is almost childishly over simplified. To suggest that the difference between you and those who regard servicemen as worthy of respect is that you have a conscience which the others lack is either hugely arrogant, hugely ignorant, or both.

a few facts which I think you shuld be able to agree with:

Armies are, unfortunately, necessary. The world is a scary place with scary people in it. An armed deterrent is therefore necessary. Wish it wasn't.

If armies are necessary, so are soldiers to serve in them.

Saying that soldiers are necessary is another way of saying we need them.

so long as soldiers are doing what we need them to do they deserve our respect.

What we need them to do is to serve with courage and restraint in the conflicts to which our representatives send them.

With very few exceptions, the British army serves with courage and with restraint. No organisation is perfect, but the British army is excellent, as its history shows.

You may disagree with the conflicts into which the soldiers are sent. You may question the motives of those who sign up. That is an area for endless debate.

Unless you think that the world is currently onw in which we can do without an army though, then you cannot, except a the expense of really despicable hypocrisy, do less than respect the people who do the job that we need them to do.


Or, more simply, grow up.