Our Armed Forces are still - despite all the defence cuts - the finest and most professional in the world.
It's a nice jingoistic assertion and fits alongside comments like "the NHS is the envy of the world" or "we lead the world in wind power".
But is it really true? Certainly most commentators regards the performance in Iraq as a failure, and the Yank forces simply didnt want ours there in the first place. Regarded them as a liability.
Seems to me sometimes that we are good at self delusion
My statements are far from being "jingoistic" and delusional.
As a country we are second to none at putting ourselves down.
We would do well to adopt America's sense of national pride and patriotism (as well as their equipment).
To go back to what I said in my previous post.
Let me ask you a question to put things into context.
Say you are unlucky enough to be sent to Afghanistan and even more unlucky to be taken prisoner.
Who would you rather came to rescue you?
American special forces or our SAS? I would opt for Hereford's finest everytime - pretty much a no brainer.
Despite all the pressures put on them over the years the British Armed Forces remain highly motivated, disciplined and professional.
Liability. Think the reverse much more likely to be the case. Anyone remember friendly fire?
I don't think anyone would claim that the "NHS was the envy of the world" but do remember that there are very few other health care systems that are free at the point of use.
With the NHS I fear that many people will not realise it's true value until it's been destroyed beyond recognition.
