ot: what's the deal with weddings?

ot: what's the deal with weddings? Nov 12, 2019 16:07:40 GMT nutsberryfarm 🏜 likes this

Quote

Post by Rey Kahuka on Nov 12, 2019 16:07:40 GMT

Nov 12, 2019 2:13:08 GMT nutsberryfarm 🏜 said:

Nov 12, 2019 2:03:00 GMT _ said:

this one always gets people's attention!

“I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone.

At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation.

The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.

Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France,

we shall fight on the seas and oceans,

we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be,

we shall fight on the beaches,

we shall fight on the landing grounds,

we shall fight in the fields and in the streets,

we shall fight in the hills;

we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.”

I've always appreciated the not so subtle shots at the US in that speech. The reference to 'the New World' is obvious, but also earlier, they way he drops his voice down just a tad, "...if necessary alone." Translation, "Any time you guys want to stop profiting off this war and actually help us save the world, that would be great." The speech had three intended audiences. 1. The British people, of course. 2. The US government. 3. Hitler. Somebody needed to tell Hitler it wasn't going to be a cakewalk. You aren't just rolling over us like you did the continent.

Though when you think about it, it does reveal a certain defeatist mentality. While he's going on and on about not surrendering, he's painting a picture of a relentless Nazi advance. First they're fighting on the seas, then the beaches, then the streets and finally the hills. Sounds like you never gave up but you still lost. Well the Battle of Britain gave Hitler pause; if he only knew how close the UK was to the breaking point he would've continued a few more weeks at least. As it is, Herr Dummy gave up and decided it made much more sense to invade Russia and fight a war on two fronts, one of which sent Napoleon packing 130 years earlier. Good move.

Anyway, Churchill had his flaws, but you have to admit he was the right man at the right time. And marriage is indeed a global conflict, so I totally understand how we got here.