Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Poppies

+ another

Charities should be made to be totally transparent. How much they pay their top brass, how much they pay their Chuggers on the street, how much they pay for television advertising.

And most importantly the ratio of cash collected to actual cash put to good causes.

I've had to "deal with" a few small charities in my time and they were all the same. They want special treatment and threaten closure when they get it wrong and face a big bill.

In respect of poppies, my grandfather was a late recruit into WW1, and survived. Had he not survived I wouldn't be here, so for that alone, and for all those who perished in WW1 it's highly symbolic.

I've also had a long term fascination with WW2 Naval Warfare and Aviation of all sides. I don't read fiction. When I read it's factual stuff about WW2. My great uncle survived the war (uninjured except for malaria)in Bomber Command and my Uncle survived the war after wading ashore in Normandy, but he did get injured from a mine, but remained intact.

So I have plenty to be thankful for, and continuing to show respect for all the dead in both those wars is the least I can do. Not many combatants wanted to be there, that's for sure. (Especially the Russian front in winter).

And obviously conflicts just go on and on.

I agree 100%, Dave.

I do not give money to any charity that advertises on TV, or who sends me junk mail.

In recent years I have seen a change in how we commemorate those fallen in battle. Not just British and Commonwealth, US, Russian commemoration but also combined Allied and Axis groups. I think this is a great thing.
The majority of armed forces were extraordinary ordinary people placed into horrific circumstances.
I now look on Rememberance and other commemorative get togethers as less patriotic and more a thanks to all those who didn't go home, wherever that may be.
As such the poppy has come to mean an emblem for all those who died.
NOT political, one sided patriotism but a tribute to everyone.
FIFA seem to be now infested with the wrong people yet again. From corruption to politicos with narrow minds.
I hope both England and Scotland teams and supporters all wear poppies to express the sentiments of tribute to all.

Football has influence and power well beyond its true importance and value to the world. Those riding the gravy train at the top really do believe in themselves and the hype.

Very much so DaveW.
It also feeds the flames of fanaticism amongst fans.
Tribalism is clearly seen too, between clubs and at national level.
There is so much money involved in footbal nowadays, adding to self interest and potential for corruption.