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Prince Harry to replace Russell Brand at BBC
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Rumours are rife that Prince Harry is being groomed for a TV and radio career. A BBC insider said, "What with Russell landing a £20,000,000 movie deal and Jonathan Ross heading for early retirement after stashing most of last year's earnings in a guaranteed high interest account with Northern Rock, guaranteed by Her Majesty's government. What are we left with? There are no real radio or TV comedians of their calibre and this footage commissioned by the News of the World back at the turn of the century has made us realise what we are missing. Better still, he's already on the pay role so we just move him between departments!
But seriously though, when I heard the story about Prince Harry this morning (Sunday 11th January 2008) I thought “Here we go again!” It’s almost as if they have been buying footage from poorly paid squaddies who put their lives on the line for the rest of us. They don’t get to pick and choose where they go, they do as they are told by politicians who have their own agendas. If you read between the crap, the line that leaps out from the News of the World is the fact that they are offended on behalf of “...Islamic groups in the UK who were outraged that he went to fight and kill Muslims in Afghanistan.” News of the World - The Mail on Sunday - The Telegraph Most well balanced individuals are asking why our boys are out there in the first place. If they are involved in gun fire then they will be shooting at whoever is shooting at them, whatever their religion or colour. Soldiers have their own brand of humour and they need it. If you had to wake up in the morning and go for a spin in your Jeep knowing that someone walking down the street could suddenly jump on your vehicle and blow your bum off then you’d soon develop a sense of humour or you’d go insane. I defy anyone to remain 'politically correct' in the face of real threats. If every one took offence at every instance of teasing or nickname calling or banter we would never leave our houses. Prince Harry refers to himself as a 'Ginger', tall people might get called 'Lofty', fat blokes might get called 'Tubby', whatever- the list could go on, you get my point. In context some things are offensive some just good humour, some just real life... Two comments shone through made about the article on the News of the World site: “This is nothing but crap from people who have never served, ever fought, never been in war. That's how soldiers talk and act. Get used to it. Leave them alone!!” And “I'll leave it to you Brits to debate the merits of your system of government, but I don't find Prince Harry's comments all that offensive. I'm a (black) American Naval Officer and can assure you all that humor among junior officers and enlisted personnel is often raunchy and inappropriate. The people who take it too seriously are rarely well-liked. And it was three years ago for God's sake.” The newspapers baying for blood are also using as an excuse that the armed services are trying to recruit new soldiers from our multi racial society and these sorts of comments are not helping the cause. Might I be bold enough to suggest that the behaviour of squaddies will have very little bearing on a young Asian joining one of the armed services. It is more to do with family traditions and a feeling of belonging. Soldiers don’t earn great money their wife’s generally have to work to make ends meet. People don’t join for the salary it’s the adventure and feeling of pride of doing something for their country. Asian families tend to be close and encourage their children to do well at school so they can become doctors or similar. Failing that they would be encouraged to join the family business and make money, not war. That is more likely the reason thereare not so many Asian soldiers in the army. Not racism just real life and the common sense logic of why would you want to get your bum shot of for 2’ 6” a week? Can the newspapers just blow off and go and do something productive instead. Go and find someone who has a solution to the credit crunch or commission a think tank into how countries can live in harmony with each other and stop trying to dig big holes for celebrities and Royals to fall into. Thank you. |
