Quote Originally Posted by JMS View Post
the metal that Sir Winston Churchill had! I wonder, does his sort of character still exist in England, or for that matter, any where in the world?
Winston Churchill's reputation is much overrated if you read up on him I think it's quite likely you'll come to the same conclusion I did - he was an a**hole, the right man in the right place at the right time, but still an a**hole.

Britain's military strength has never been it's leaders (political or military) it comes from the very worst sections in our society. If it ever really kicks off again and I get conscripted who do I want in the foxhole besides me - some college grad with a degree in media studies or a Chelsea Headhunter who thinks a good night out is getting plastered and starting a punch up.

I think Wellington summed up the best of the British Army:

"They are the scum of the earth . . . I don't know what they do to the enemy but they scare the hell out of me" (In fairness, I should point out that Wellington was a terrible snob.)

So, yes the metal still exists, come over here and wander round Manchester City Center on a Friday night if you don't believe me.

And I apologise to all for my earlier dig about US military history, it was partly tongue in cheek and partly a malicious attempt to prick a few egos - I need to work on my impulse control!