UK appreciation thread

[Denise]

It's been a long time coming. Post your support for the UK here.

I am thankful that the UK has supported the US and that we support you. Go Brits!

[Denise]

UK taking Basra, US taking Baghdad. United we stand, divided we fall. We will not fall.

[a_unique_person]

Their food is even worse than American food. They don't wash enough and it's too cold. What's to appreciate?

[Denise]

Too cold? Arr Arr Arr, you are funny.

[Denise]

I also want to thank the Australians who have been true friends to us as well.

[Marquis de Carabas]

Hear, hear! Been a big fan of Tony Blair and the Brits for a while. Ya know, British SAS were the first forces inside Afghanistan on 9/11...within hours.

As for the Aussies, hell, I'm in love with an Aussie...so of course I like them, too.

And thanks to Eastern Europe and anyone else who supports us. We do appreciate it

[aerocontrols]

What nation could ask for better friends than the Brits and the Aussies?

[NoZed Avenger]

The UK/Commonwealth won WWII.

I know the Russians lost whole armies and have a good claim for that distinction with Stalingrad, et al. grinding the German war machine into the snow.

I know that the American industrial machine -- Yamamato's 'sleeping giant' -- played its part.

But if Britain hadn't held out -- If Nazi Germany had been allowed to remove it at a staging area for European invasion and allowed Hitler to turn more attention to seizing Moscow, etc. -- it would have been a much, much harder fight.

Since that timne, in the last fifty years, the UK has been a solid supporter of NATO, a staunch ally in the opposition to the Soviets, and they gave us Monty Python, Douglas Adams, and pies with unmentionable animal parts in them. Still, two of three is pretty good.

So ring someone up at their flat, throw a handgrip into your boot and hope you don't have a puncture. Or something.

NA

[aerocontrols]

Because I am compelled to do so.

Originally posted by NoZed Avenger
I know that the American industrial machine -- Yammamato's 'sleeping giant' -- played its part.

Isoroku Yamamoto's sleeping giant quote (http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isoroku_Yamamoto's_sleeping_giant_quote).

[Jon_in_london]

Originally posted by NoZed Avenger

So ring someone up at their flat, throw a handgrip into your boot and hope you don't have a puncture. Or something.
NA

:confused:

but thanks anyway :D

[NoZed Avenger]

Originally posted by Jon_in_london


:confused:

but thanks anyway :D

I know - it's all sevens and sixes.

Or aces and eights.

NA

[reprise]

Given how divided this nation is about whether our troops should even be in Iraq, you might want to send a message of thanks directly to the Department of Defence's dedicated email address.

messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au

[reprise]

You can also send general messages of support of 100 words or less for the families of our defence personnel to the following email address.

ourfamilies@defence.gov.au

[Lisa]

Go Brits and Aussies! My husband has gotten to work with both groups, and he says they're great.
(I just wish they'd quit taking him out drinking with them. A bar fight usually ensues at some point):eek:

Edited to add this (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,83383,00.html)
Well done again. One more down....

[heath]

Australia and the UK only get praise because we back you in this war?

I'm kinda disapointed that the only thing you can find to be appreciative of is war mongering.

[reprise]

You do realise that the Aussies and the Poms only agreed to support the US on the condition that you put together a national cricket team that we can thrash the living daylights out of for decades to come...

[a_unique_person]

Originally posted by heath
Australia and the UK only get praise because we back you in this war?

I'm kinda disapointed that the only thing you can find to be appreciative of is war mongering.

The Australian PM reckons he is owed a Free Trade Agreement. Cheap.

[heath]

Originally posted by a_unique_person


The Australian PM reckons he is owed a Free Trade Agreement. Cheap.

Johnny Howard is an embarrassment. I saw him on the news in the background of the UK and US foreign ministers after one of the UN meetings to try to legitimise this war a few weeks back.

He was almost jumping up and down to get in the shot and looked well chuffed just to be there with the "big boys". The UK news didn't even acknowledge his existence which was fitting I thought. (I am an Aussie before anyone gets upset at this slur)

[Mike B.]

Well it looks like the people of Basra are very happy about the British right about now. :)

[Jon_in_london]

Originally posted by Mike B.
Well it looks like the people of Basra are very happy about the British right about now. :)

We'll have them eating black pudding and mushy peas in no time!
:p

[Mike B.]

Originally posted by heath
Australia and the UK only get praise because we back you in this war?

I'm kinda disapointed that the only thing you can find to be appreciative of is war mongering.

OK I can think of a few things.
Thank you UK for:

The Bard's plays, Charles Dickens, Beatles, David Bowie, John Cleese, Anthony Hopkins, John Locke, Adam Smith, James Watt, The Who, Churchill, Llyod-George, Horatio Nelson, Wellington, Richard Dawkins, Charles Darwin, Anthony Burgess, etc.

I am sure others have better lists. :)

[a_unique_person]

Originally posted by heath


Johnny Howard is an embarrassment. I saw him on the news in the background of the UK and US foreign ministers after one of the UN meetings to try to legitimise this war a few weeks back.

He was almost jumping up and down to get in the shot and looked well chuffed just to be there with the "big boys". The UK news didn't even acknowledge his existence which was fitting I thought. (I am an Aussie before anyone gets upset at this slur)

He actually got to address congress once, and said it was the biggest day of his life. You should have seen him up there, like a little rooster. It turns out, half the 'congressmen' were interns and other fillers in.

[Drooper]

I don't think any other country displays such open disdain for their highest elected office as Australia.

These last two comments speak volumes.

[Shane Costello]

Origianlly posted by Jon_in_london:
We'll have them eating black pudding and mushy peas in no time!
:p

How long before we see a series called "Basra Uncovered" running on Sky?

[shemp]

bunch of mealy-faced wankers

[Doubt]

Originally posted by Jon_in_london


We'll have them eating black pudding and mushy peas in no time!
:p

That would be grounds for a revolt on their part.
:D

Please, please don't feed them spotted dick. (For those of you who don't know what it is. I will let the Brits explain it. Looks like bird food to me.)

[Jon_in_london]

Originally posted by reprise
You do realise that the Aussies and the Poms only agreed to support the US on the condition that you put together a national cricket team that we can thrash the living daylights out of for decades to come...

Perhaps the Aussie government did a similar deal with Churchill in WWII

"well fight for you like hell, but you have to let us beat you at cricket for the next 60 odd years";)

[Jon_in_london]

Originally posted by Doubt


That would be grounds for a revolt on their part.
:D

Please, please don't feed them spotted dick. (For those of you who don't know what it is. I will let the Brits explain it. Looks like bird food to me.)

Pun intended?

How about toad-in-the-hole?

[heath]

Originally posted by Drooper
I don't think any other country displays such open disdain for their highest elected office as Australia.

These last two comments speak volumes.

It's not the great Australian "Tall Poppy syndrome" if that's what you're inferring. It's just that John Howard is a smarmy little worm.

The post of Prime Minister itself is not held in distain in Aus, just the fool that currently holds it. I'm sure many Americans feel the same at the moment. In fact a know a bunch who do.

[Drooper]

Originally posted by heath


It's not the great Australian "Tall Poppy syndrome" if that's what you're inferring. It's just that John Howard is a smarmy little worm.

The post of Prime Minister itself is not held in distain in Aus, just the fool that currently holds it. I'm sure many Americans feel the same at the moment. In fact a know a bunch who do.

To disparage your own head of government in the situations you describe (addressing the joint houses of Congress and at the UN) shows disrespect to the office, not the man.

[heath]

Originally posted by Drooper


To disparage your own head of government in the situations you describe (addressing the joint houses of Congress and at the UN) shows disrespect to the office, not the man.

That is your assertion. How about some proof?

It is very easy to be able to respect a possition and not the person in it. I'd like to see you argue otherwise.

[Drooper]

Originally posted by heath


That is your assertion. How about some proof?

It is very easy to be able to respect a possition and not the person in it. I'd like to see you argue otherwise.

Try making some more objective points about his policy, behaviour etc.

Juvenile mocking is an insult to the office of the Australian Prime Minister.

edited to add:

Ask youself this. Why should Australia's head of government not enjoy an equal platform with mere foreign ministers of other nations.

Addressing the joint houeses of Cgongress is a high honour bestowed on the country via the Prime Minister. Mocking the man, in those circumstances mocks the honour and the agent of our nation, the Prime Minister (i.e. the office, not the man).

[rikzilla]

Well, I married a Brit...so I am forced to show my appreciation and adoration every day! ;)

Way to go! Up the British! :D God Save the old bag...er I mean The Queen!! ;)

The British have shown us what courage and friendship really are. Meanwhile, a full 1/3 of the French are still praying for Saddam's ultimate victory.....let's hope they're all holding their breath.

-z

[Richard G]

Bravo Zulu to the Brits. Without them shoring up our right flank, the drive to Baghdad would have been significantly more difficult, and the war would have been longer as a result.

Despite our petty political differences, there is not a truer, more dependable, or appreciated ally than the British. Talk is cheap, but the Brits always put their money where their mouth is.

(Those Tommys know how to fight too!)

[heath]

Originally posted by Drooper


Try making some more objective points about his policy, behaviour etc.

Juvenile mocking is an insult to the office of the Australian Prime Minister.

edited to add:

Ask youself this. Why should Australia's head of government not enjoy an equal platform with mere foreign ministers of other nations.

Addressing the joint houeses of Cgongress is a high honour bestowed on the country via the Prime Minister. Mocking the man, in those circumstances mocks the honour and the agent of our nation, the Prime Minister (i.e. the office, not the man).




I can assume with some confidence that you have no idea who John Howard is, have never heard him speak and did not see the news pieces mentioned above.

If you were familiar with the man you might have some insight.

He is a fawning sycophant in general and to the US in particular and HE is bringing ridicule on his post by stating that talking in front of another country's parliament is the greatest moment of his life. You would think being elected the leader of his nation would be better wouldn't you?

His behaviour on the world stage is so easily overlooked by foreign media because he is so ineffective and obviously deferential to the US and UK. Australia has had many far more confident and competent leaders in the past that he barely holds a candle to.

What I think is juvenile is this belief you seem to have that by being the PM he is somehow above reproach. Tell me, do you support people's right to ridicule GWB or do you think his post is somehow sacrosanct as well?

[iain]

Originally posted by heath
I can assume with some confidence that you have no idea who John Howard is, have never heard him speak and did not see the news pieces mentioned above. Without wishing to second-guess Drooper and without commenting on John Howard (about whom I know virtually nothing), I am pretty confident your assumptions here are incorrect.

[reprise]

To be honest, I don't think that Australians do respect the office of PM (or for that matter Governor-General) in the same manner that US citizens respect the Presidency or UK citizens the monarchy. And why on earth SHOULD we? It's a job, and one in which the incumbent should be judged on their performance, not their title.

The person who holds the office may earn either our respect or our contempt, but at the end of the day our political leader has no more right to unearned respect or contempt than the CEO of any large corporation - they just have more stakeholders voicing an opinion on their performance.


Edited to correct typo

[a_unique_person]

Originally posted by Drooper


To disparage your own head of government in the situations you describe (addressing the joint houses of Congress and at the UN) shows disrespect to the office, not the man.

He was the one making fools of us, (not to mention the joint houses of congress who didn't feel it worth turning up to hear him, but sent minor subordinates instead to perform the obligatory 'standing ovation').

[WildCat]

Originally posted by Mike B.
OK I can think of a few things.
Thank you UK for:

The Bard's plays, Charles Dickens, Beatles, David Bowie, John Cleese, Anthony Hopkins, John Locke, Adam Smith, James Watt, The Who, Churchill, Llyod-George, Horatio Nelson, Wellington, Richard Dawkins, Charles Darwin, Anthony Burgess, etc.

I am sure others have better lists. :)
Don't forget Bass Ale, Newcastle Brown Ale, and just about anything from the Old Tadcaster Brewery (Sammy Smith), dammit now I drooled all over my keyboard. :D

[Marquis de Carabas]

...and god (or other suitable entity) bless the Aussies for Bundy & Coke.

I appreciate the British, they make a fine fish n chip supper:D and in war well our boys n gals kick ass.

Think it was said on the news that the British fighting force are admired because of their cool calmness and precision or decision making qualities rather than shoot first question later counterparts. Sounds good to me:D


I want to add my area where I am currently living in is currently being invaded by Americans intent on marring Brits:eek: We have had another 4 Americans 2 Canadians(no mounties dammit it)move into the area and 8 of the village leave for America. The area is under siege help:(

[BillyTK]

Originally posted by reprise
To be honest, I don't think that Australians do respect the office of PM (or for that matter Governor-General) in the same manner that US citizens respect the Presidency or UK citizens the monarchy. [snip]

Sorry, but that's one generalisation too far. Some UK citizens respect the monarchy, some tolerate them, and others wish they'd get off their arses and get real jobs.

And while we're at it:

Originally posted by Biker Babe
I appreciate the British, they make a fine fish n chip supper:D

And some make a fine curry'n'chapati supper, others make a fine chop suey'n'fried rice supper and others don't even work in take-aways at all!

Sorry people, nothing personal here, but gross generalisations are just kind of... gross! ;)

[Seismosaurus]

As a Brit who has just now stumbled across this thread, I say a big thanks to our American cousins for all the praise!

It often amazes me that our countries are such good friends. I mean it was only a couple of hundred years ago that you were busy kicking our backsides!

I think I'm going to go drink some American beer to celebrate our friendship...

[Marquis de Carabas]

I think I'm going to go drink some American beer to celebrate our friendship...
NOOOOOO! Don't ruin this feeling of goodwill by choking on our watered-down piss. Get a Guinness or something. Slainte!

[NoZed Avenger]

Originally posted by aerocontrols
Because I am compelled to do so.

Isoroku Yamamoto's sleeping giant quote (http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isoroku_Yamamoto's_sleeping_giant_quote).

Well, h*ll. I had always thought it a real quotation from one of his letters.

Dr*t.

NA

[Seismosaurus]

Originally posted by Marquis de Carabas

NOOOOOO! Don't ruin this feeling of goodwill by choking on our watered-down piss. Get a Guinness or something. Slainte!

Ah, Budweiser's not bad. Not as good as Stella, but good enough.