Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Non-Wargaming Discussion => Chat & News => Topic started by: Orcs on 11 April 2019, 10:28:02 AM

Poll
Question: What is the correct English response to current European issues????
Option 1: Chevauchée into France
Option 2: Demand return of Normandy and Aquataine as English
Option 3: Demand Germany return sovereignty of the regions of Saxe Coburg and Gotha
Option 4: Demand full Financial recompense for the cost of WW2 from Germany
Option 5: Bill each European country fr the cost of liberating it from the Germans in 1944/45
Option 6: Make loud vocal an Media campaigns about hw ungreatful most of europe is that we liberated them from Germany in 1944/45 and they have now put themselves back under the Germans.
Option 7: Declare war on France with Germany as our alies as in te good old days before the 20th Century
Title: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Orcs on 11 April 2019, 10:28:02 AM
Given our current problems in/with Europe, I thought that we should have a poll about the correct response the British/English should have.

NOTE:- This is not about any of the politics, or rights or wrongs of the current situation, just a tongue in cheek poll about our "correct" reaction.

You have three votes to choose your most favoured options
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 11 April 2019, 11:18:50 AM
I would like them to provide a goodwill gesture in the form of some of their fine liquid products.

Schnapps.
Trappist Beer.
Advocaat.
Absinthe.
Guinness.
Carlsberg.
Finlandia.
Kobbaberg.
Bison Vodka.
Barolo.
Ouzo.
Sherry.
Port.

That should keep us going until the Halloween deadline.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: fsn on 11 April 2019, 12:02:34 PM
Could we have Hanover back as well?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 11 April 2019, 12:04:11 PM
Hmmm....apologise to the Czechs for selling them out to the Germans. Apologise to the Dutch for treatment of Boer civilians. Apologise to the Scots for the clearances. Apologise to the Austrians for dumping them in the War of the Austrian Succession. Apologise to the Irish for everything.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Orcs on 11 April 2019, 12:27:48 PM
Quote from: FierceKitty on 11 April 2019, 12:04:11 PM
Hmmm....apologise to the Czechs for selling them out to the Germans. Apologise to the Dutch for treatment of Boer civilians. Apologise to the Scots for the clearances. Apologise to the Austrians for dumping them in the War of the Austrian Succession. Apologise to the Irish for everything.

And the Cossacks for sending them back to Stalin.

Good Lord Sir!  Were British, we don't apologise to Johnnyy Foreigner. (Although perhaps on occasion we should)



Stiff Upper Lip,Eh What?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 11 April 2019, 12:42:25 PM
Well, Alan Turing wasn't a foreigner...mind you, he did get an apology for the way he was thanked for winning the war. Shame he had to die first.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Ithoriel on 11 April 2019, 12:52:15 PM
Looking at British history I'd say the correct response is to welcome our new overlords and trick them into gradually learning English while appropriating the more interesting bits of their vocabulary :)

My own preference would be an independent Scotland in the EU and England being towed into the mid-Atlantic :D
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 11 April 2019, 01:03:49 PM
Just maintain the status quo, looks like that is what mummy May is trying to do.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 11 April 2019, 01:06:22 PM
I suspect she's wishing she had Sir Humphrey Appleby to advise her.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Techno on 11 April 2019, 02:10:26 PM
Both of the series featuring Sir Humphrey, were absolutely priceless.  ;D ;D

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Glorfindel on 11 April 2019, 03:52:36 PM
>>My own preference would be an independent Scotland in the EU and England being towed into the mid-Atlantic

The new 'Isle of Atlantis' !!   I like it.    ;)   
I can already see the Netflix series...


I must admit that there are many of us good English folk at work who are 'a bit miffed' (steady now)
when we didn't get an option to help the Scots become independent...     :D
Never understood why we didn't get a voice - both parties may have been happy.

Whether or not the Scots would have been in the EU is another question for a long rainy day.


Phil
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Ithoriel on 11 April 2019, 05:39:08 PM
Well, there is a faction among the Brexiteers that seems to want to move closer to the Americans :)
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 11 April 2019, 05:40:28 PM
Go down The Winchester, have a pint, wait for it all to blow over?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: d_Guy on 11 April 2019, 05:41:12 PM
As an outside (and unbiased) observer, handle much like the partition of India:
1. Eire and Scotland stay with the E.U.
2. The occupied lands in the north of Ireland joins Eire and the Unioinists forceably relocated to Yorkshire.
3. The Laborite troublemakers (a catch all lable) forceably relocated to Edinburgh (increasing its population fifty fold).
4. The E.U. pays to relocate everyone else who is unhappy with where they are (an E.U. commission will need at least fifty years to sort out the ways and means).
5. England (less Cornwall) becomes our 51st state (US) in 2020 (Nov. 4th)
6. Wales becomes our 52nd state (US) in 2021 (March 1st)
7. Cornwall and Puerto Rico becomes or 53rd and 54th states (US) in 2024. (July 4th)
8. Redoing all the flags and maps will help drive the economy

There are three (at least) grammatical and punctuation errors included in the above to entertain Kitty (much like a crumbled bit of cellophane or a laser pointer).

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Chad on 11 April 2019, 07:32:44 PM
Offer a free transfer of the muppets in the Houses of Parliament to the EU and see how they cope with them. The EU will then agree with anything to see us leave.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Dr Dave on 11 April 2019, 07:47:10 PM
I did  sign to wonder if it isn't time for the Parliament to be removed so that they might "make way for better men (and women)"?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Ithoriel on 11 April 2019, 07:49:55 PM
Quote from: mad lemmey on 11 April 2019, 05:40:28 PM
Go down The Winchester, have a pint, wait for it all to blow over?

(https://i.chzbgr.com/original/6726290688/h0BE4CCD7/)
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Orcs on 11 April 2019, 09:09:59 PM
Quote from: d_Guy on 11 April 2019, 05:41:12 PM
As an outside (and unbiased) observer, handle much like the partition of India:
1. Eire and Scotland stay with the E.U.
2. The occupied lands in the north of Ireland joins Eire and the Unioinists forceably relocated to Yorkshire.
3. The Laborite troublemakers (a catch all lable) forceably relocated to Edinburgh (increasing its population fifty fold).
4. The E.U. pays to relocate everyone else who is unhappy with where they are (an E.U. commission will need at least fifty years to sort out the ways and means).
5. England (less Cornwall) becomes our 51st state (US) in 2020 (Nov. 4th)
6. Wales becomes our 52nd state (US) in 2021 (March 1st)
7. Cornwall and Puerto Rico becomes or 53rd and 54th states (US) in 2024. (July 4th)
8. Redoing all the flags and maps will help drive the economy

There are three (at least) grammatical and punctuation errors included in the above to entertain Kitty (much like a crumbled bit of cellophane or a laser pointer).

Hope this helps.

If we went with option 5, we would then have the 2nd amendment.  Which I believe was included in your constitution  so that the people would never be forced to endure a government that was oppressive or against the people.  (not so that all and sundry could own Panzerfausts and quad 0.5 HMGS).  We could then throw out  all 650 odd MP's as at the moment they appear to be completely incompetent and obsessed with their own priority's, rather than sort out what they are supposed to be doing, and replace them with some people with common sense.

At the moment 650 members of the forum could probably make a better job of it than the current shower (all parties included).
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 11 April 2019, 11:34:45 PM
When, Orcs, you're getting political on your own thread...
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Orcs on 11 April 2019, 11:57:27 PM
Quote from: mad lemmey on 11 April 2019, 11:34:45 PM
When, Orcs, you're getting political on your own thread...

I suppose I might have.  but I have only said that all MP's appear o be incompetent over current issues.  I have taken no side, in fact I have simply condemned the lot. 
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: d_Guy on 12 April 2019, 12:47:55 AM
Indeed, we have 535 members in our own clown show*, pretty much interchangeable with your lot. Such is the nature of a representative democracy in its best implementations. The concept of the 2nd amendment came from you all but then you all dropped the thread somewhere.

This is a post-political post, one that stands aloof, well beyond such things, reeking of erudition and self righteousness.


*and we have two additional branches:
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Ithoriel on 12 April 2019, 05:07:55 AM
Filched from Mick Hoe's (Leven Miniatures) FB page

"Oxford University researchers have discovered the densest element yet known to science.

The new element, Governmentium (symbol=Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called pillocks.

Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.

A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete.

Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2 to 6 years.
It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganisation in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.

In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganisation will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.

This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration.

This hypothetical quantity is referred to as a critical morass.
When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium (symbol=Ad), an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium, since it has half as many pillocks but twice as many morons.

I believe it is one of the most expensive elements as well, with the cost increasing exponentially over time with it's ability to create phantom molecules that seem to exist however under investigation are found to merely consist of a vacuum"
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 12 April 2019, 05:29:39 AM
Quote from: Ithoriel on 12 April 2019, 05:07:55 AM
Filched from Mick Hoe's (Leven Miniatures) FB page

"Oxford University researchers have discovered the densest element yet known to science.

The new element, Governmentium (symbol=Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called pillocks.

Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.

A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete.

Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2 to 6 years.
It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganisation in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.

In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganisation will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.

This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration.

This hypothetical quantity is referred to as a critical morass.
When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium (symbol=Ad), an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium, since it has half as many pillocks but twice as many morons.

I believe it is one of the most expensive elements as well, with the cost increasing exponentially over time with its ability to create phantom molecules that seem to exist however under investigation are found to merely consist of a vacuum"

;D
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Fenton on 12 April 2019, 05:42:07 AM
Well I'm not English and not sure how to fix these problems but  a good start point would be putting the kettle on
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 12 April 2019, 05:48:05 AM
You have a firm grasp of the basics.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Techno on 12 April 2019, 07:47:24 AM
Quote from: Ithoriel on 12 April 2019, 05:07:55 AM
Filched from Mick Hoe's (Leven Miniatures) FB page
"Oxford University researchers have discovered the densest element yet known to science.
The new element, Governmentium (symbol=Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called pillocks.
Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.
A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2 to 6 years.
It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganisation in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganisation will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration.
This hypothetical quantity is referred to as a critical morass.
When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium (symbol=Ad), an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium, since it has half as many pillocks but twice as many morons.
I believe it is one of the most expensive elements as well, with the cost increasing exponentially over time with it's ability to create phantom molecules that seem to exist however under investigation are found to merely consist of a vacuum"

;D

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Leman on 12 April 2019, 09:27:51 AM
Juvenile and unhelpful poll which unfortunately highlights the problem this country has with its supposed superiority to all others in the world. Deeply sad state of affairs even if it is supposed to be humorous.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 12 April 2019, 09:32:33 AM
"Mother Superior, the last six six sisters I've spoken to all told me I'd got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning. Don't you start; I feel great today."

"Actually, my child, I just wanted to ask why you were wearing the bishop's shoes."
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Westmarcher on 12 April 2019, 09:53:34 AM
I am not English so will leave it to my English colleagues to vote. 
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Orcs on 12 April 2019, 10:09:36 AM
Quote from: Leman on 12 April 2019, 09:27:51 AM
Juvenile and unhelpful poll which unfortunately highlights the problem this country has with its supposed superiority to all others in the world. Deeply sad state of affairs even if it is supposed to be humorous.


The fact that this country controlled approx. 2/3rd of the world, in relatively recent history, would suggest that at that time we were superior  to the majority of the world, otherwise we would not have managed to get into that position in the first place.  Changing the way you see yourself  takes quite a while, particularly when you controlled 2/3 of the world for a couple of hundred years.

Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 12 April 2019, 10:13:58 AM
Hmmm...the Chinese have seen themselves that way since our species started walking on its hind legs.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Orcs on 12 April 2019, 10:21:03 AM
Quote from: FierceKitty on 12 April 2019, 10:13:58 AM
Hmmm...the Chinese have seen themselves that way since our species started walking on its hind legs.

I think that is a problem with humans in general. virtually all human groups see themselves as superior to some/all  other groups.

Tutsis and Hutus in Rwanda
Sunni and Shiite Muslims
Israelis and their neighbours
Population who live in houses and Travelers/gypsies


The list goes on and on.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 12 April 2019, 10:42:27 AM
Quote from: ianrs54 on 11 April 2019, 01:03:49 PM
Just maintain the status quo, looks like that is what mummy May is trying to do.

There's a term for that - S.N.A.F.U.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 12 April 2019, 10:46:26 AM
Quote from: Dr Dave on 11 April 2019, 07:47:10 PM
I did  sign to wonder if it isn't time for the Parliament to be removed so that they might "make way for better men (and women)"?

A couple of weeks ago we were trying to make them sovereign against the bunch of unelected dictators.

Now they say we have to get a move on, or we'll have to elect another bunch of unelected dictators.

I'm sure the Lords and the Queen will solve it.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 12 April 2019, 10:52:36 AM
Quote from: Orcs on 12 April 2019, 10:09:36 AM

The fact that this country controlled approx. 2/3rd of the world, in relatively recent history, would suggest that at that time we were superior  to the majority of the world, otherwise we would not have managed to get into that position in the first place.  Changing the way you see yourself  takes quite a while, particularly when you controlled 2/3 of the world for a couple of hundred years.

We were also the only nation with kettles integrated into our tanks - coincidence?
Our tea drinking Indian Brothers soon caught on.

Now even the USA are doing it, though with the stated aim of "Rehydrading MREs" or some sort of post-colonial abomination.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 12 April 2019, 10:54:21 AM
Quote from: Orcs on 12 April 2019, 10:21:03 AM
I think that is a problem with humans in general. virtually all human groups see themselves as superior to some/all  other groups.

Tutsis and Hutus in Rwanda
Sunni and Shiite Muslims
Israelis and their neighbours
Population who live in houses and Travelers/gypsies


The list goes on and on.


Time for a bit of culture:

QuoteO wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!
It wad frae mony a blunder free us,
An' foolish notion:
What airs in dress an' gait wad lea'e us,
An' ev'n devotion!
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 12 April 2019, 01:04:24 PM
Quote from: steve_holmes_11 on 12 April 2019, 10:54:21 AM
Time for a bit of culture:


Sorry English only on the forum Steve. damned forigerns
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 12 April 2019, 01:16:28 PM
Quote from: ianrs54 on 12 April 2019, 01:04:24 PM
Sorry English only on the forum Steve. damned forigerns

Wasn't Forigern an Arthurian-era chieftain?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 12 April 2019, 01:59:08 PM
Quote from: Ithoriel on 11 April 2019, 07:49:55 PM
(https://i.chzbgr.com/original/6726290688/h0BE4CCD7/)

Whats that fizzy big girls blouse liquid in the glass?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Leman on 12 April 2019, 02:44:44 PM
It's the rather pleasant and refreshing cold beer found in most of Europe, as opposed to the lukewarm pig swill we get served in Wetherspoons.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 12 April 2019, 05:51:15 PM
Quote from: Leman on 12 April 2019, 02:44:44 PM
It's the rather pleasant and refreshing cold beer found in most of Europe, as opposed to the lukewarm pig swill we get served in Wetherspoons.

Can anybody else spot Leman's deliberate error?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Ithoriel on 12 April 2019, 06:15:55 PM
Of course ... surely no-one here would enter a Wetherspoons voluntarily, let alone order something!
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Westmarcher on 12 April 2019, 06:19:37 PM
There is a beer called Pigswill.

http://www.stonehengeales.co.uk/pigswill.html (http://www.stonehengeales.co.uk/pigswill.html)

Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Leman on 12 April 2019, 07:48:36 PM
Quelle surprise! The reference to Wetherspoons was related to the owner's views - ah well, straight over the heads it would seem (angry looking man in mail and red cross adorned white surcoat enters, fists clenched, steam coming out of ears and muttering through clenched teeth, "I want my country back." Someone should have a word with him about William the Bastard and the descendants of the chaps he brought over with him who still rule the roost and managed to con 52% of those who voted - you couldn't make this up.).
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Heedless Horseman on 15 April 2019, 03:14:09 AM
Thumping the padded walls..."Please, just get me out! Someone...anyone! HM!, Putin! Trump!" Thump, Thump!
(Enter the Germanic Blonde in the tight shirt...(but with a French accent!)
"Down Boy...Gude Boy!"
Instant 'sit' and tail wag!  ;)

To be serious, if the EU leadership's insistence on imposing political constraints on Brexit has not opened the eyes of 'Remainers', nothing short of a Charly G will.  :(
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Ithoriel on 15 April 2019, 11:27:04 AM
I think your Charlie G needs pointed in exactly the opposite direction!

"God is on the side of the big battalions" :)
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Heedless Horseman on 16 April 2019, 01:51:59 AM
I honestly CANNOT understand why anyone would want to be just another 'Department' or whatever, of a European superstate. Yes, That irritating little bit on the corner...just off the edge, in fact. You know...the one that whines about Your well though out, totally fair and impartial policies until you have to 'bung' it some Euros or 'Make Concessions' lo let it feel important.   =)  Maybe it would be best if we encouraged it to chop itself up into smaller pieces?   8)
Oh well, back to my padded cell...(but will leave the door unlocked for Blondie...!)  :d
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 16 April 2019, 02:05:48 AM
Most successful political institution in history. Has western Europe EVER had such a long period of peace before?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 16 April 2019, 08:26:18 AM
During the last ice age ?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Orcs on 16 April 2019, 08:44:34 AM
Quote from: FierceKitty on 16 April 2019, 02:05:48 AM
Most successful political institution in history. Has western Europe EVER had such a long period of peace before?

Not Sure I would call it peace FK. while there has been nothing to compare to WW2 plenty of people have died in armed conflicts. I appreciate a few listed below are not quite  Western Europe, but they still had an impact on the west of Europe.


1944–1956 Guerrilla war in the Baltic states
1945–1949 Greek Civil War
1947–1962 Romanian anti-communist resistance movement
1956 Hungarian Revolution
1956 Suez Crisis
1959–2011 Basque conflict
1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia
1968–1998 The Troubles
1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus
1982 Falklands war
1988–1994 Nagorno-Karabakh War
1989 Romanian Revolution
1990–1991 Soviet attacks on Lithuanian border posts
1991 Ten-Day War (Slovenia)
1991–1992 Georgian war against Russo-Ossetian alliance
1991–1993 Georgian Civil War
1991–1995 Croatian War of Independence
1992–1993 War in Abkhazia
1994–1996 First Chechen War
1997 Albanian civil war of 1997
1998–1999 Kosovo War
1998–present Dissident Irish Republican campaign
1998 Six-Day War of Abkhazia
1999 War of Dagestan
1999–2009 Second Chechen War


Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 16 April 2019, 08:55:09 AM
I fear my comment was skim read, causing the importance of the epithet western to be overlooked. Of course what happens elsewhere can hardly be without effect.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: d_Guy on 16 April 2019, 04:20:39 PM
Quote from: FierceKitty on 16 April 2019, 02:05:48 AM
Most successful political institution in history. Has western Europe EVER had such a long period of peace before?

Heaven knows Western Europe deserves a period of peace (and may it extend into the foreseeable future).
Depending on how you draw the boundaries, the Pax Romana was longer.
Is it possible that the "Most successful political institution in history" benefitted and benefits still from a certain broader and overarching military organization?
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Dr Dave on 16 April 2019, 04:37:08 PM
The peace we have enjoyed might be down to the democracies that rose out of the ashes of WW2 that in turn led to the EU being formed, not solely the EU itself. You could equally ascribe all those years of peace to the division and occupation of Germany?

A colleague of mine was espousing Angela Merkal as bright cookie: chancellor and a published author. I pointed out that there had been a previous incumbent of the post who was a published author.  :P
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 16 April 2019, 05:23:54 PM
Yes, absolutely agree, Dr Dave,
Willy Brandt is a highly published author.
1960 Mein Weg nach Berlin (My Path to Berlin), autobiography written with Leo Lania
1966 Draußen. Schriften während der Emigration. (Outside: Writings during the Emigration) ISBN 3-8012-1094-4
1968 Friedenspolitik in Europa (The Politics of Peace in Europe)
1976 Begegnungen und Einsichten 1960–1975 (Encounters and Insights 1960–1975) ISBN 3-455-08979-8
1982 Links und frei. Mein Weg 1930–1950 (Left and Free: My Path 1930–1950)
1986 Der organisierte Wahnsinn (Organized Lunacy)
1989 Erinnerungen (Memories) ISBN 3-549-07353-4
2002 Berliner Ausgabe, Werkauswahl, ed. for Bundeskanzler Willy Brandt Stiftung by Helga Grebing, Gregor Schöllgen and Heinrich August Winkler, 10 volumes, Dietz Verlag, Bonn 2002f, Collected Writings, ISBN 3-8012-0305-0
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Dr Dave on 16 April 2019, 07:28:16 PM
Touché  ;)
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 17 April 2019, 12:29:11 AM
Ve vill show zem who are ze Masters of publishing in politics, mein Fuehrer. It vill be...oh, I am sorry, Madame Chancellor, zat is. (draws heavily on cigarette)
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: paulr on 17 April 2019, 01:44:05 AM
While sitting in a wheelchair I assume  ;)
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: FierceKitty on 17 April 2019, 11:07:53 AM
"...animals could be bred and slaughtered..." (face convulses)

Best line in any movie (or one of them at least).
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 17 April 2019, 07:55:32 PM
It doesn't work like that, it's like the McDonalds peacekeeper theory.
QuoteNo 2. nations wirh a McDonalds have ever gone to war.

In this case it is "No 2 EU members have ever gone to war.
Compare with the longest previous peace between members of the region.

Of course other casus pacis may also claim credit - notably N.A.T.O.

Quote from: Orcs on 16 April 2019, 08:44:34 AM
Not Sure I would call it peace FK. while there has been nothing to compare to WW2 plenty of people have died in armed conflicts. I appreciate a few listed below are not quite  Western Europe, but they still had an impact on the west of Europe.


1944–1956 Guerrilla war in the Baltic states
1945–1949 Greek Civil War
1947–1962 Romanian anti-communist resistance movement
1956 Hungarian Revolution
1956 Suez Crisis
1959–2011 Basque conflict
1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia
1968–1998 The Troubles
1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus
1982 Falklands war
1988–1994 Nagorno-Karabakh War
1989 Romanian Revolution
1990–1991 Soviet attacks on Lithuanian border posts
1991 Ten-Day War (Slovenia)
1991–1992 Georgian war against Russo-Ossetian alliance
1991–1993 Georgian Civil War
1991–1995 Croatian War of Independence
1992–1993 War in Abkhazia
1994–1996 First Chechen War
1997 Albanian civil war of 1997
1998–1999 Kosovo War
1998–present Dissident Irish Republican campaign
1998 Six-Day War of Abkhazia
1999 War of Dagestan
1999–2009 Second Chechen War



Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Heedless Horseman on 18 April 2019, 01:32:44 AM
Quote from: FierceKitty on 16 April 2019, 02:05:48 AM
Most successful political institution in history. Has western Europe EVER had such a long period of peace before?

Ha...hmmm. Folks might not wish to remember Tony Blair, (during his stint as EU Big Boss...and I think, hoping to be a future EU President), trying to be a master statesman and whip up EU support for military action against Serbia? But...no-one wanted to play...at least with serious stuff...so to save face, he had to invoke NATO (in other words, the U.S.A)  to bomb the crap out of the Serbs. As to the later consequences of this support, I have my own opinions...but, it does involve the U.K (an EU member!) going to 'war'.
That ain't Peace in my book!).  :(
I also believe that the EU pushing for influence in the ex-Soviet sphere led directly to the warfare in the Ukraine and the resurgence of the Cold War. (At least, it gave Putin the excuse!).  :(
'People' now attack the 'British Empire' for it's expansion into existence...but that expansion was in the name of influence for TRADE! Not many seem willing to criticise the EU for beginning a similar sort of situation.  >:(
Whether the U.K is in or out of the EU, I have NO belief in it as a 'peace keeper'. Their meddling in political pre-requisites for a Brexit 'Deal' could easily re-ignite troubles in Northern Ireland...or create them in Scotland....and as to what future Britons who desired independence from EU domination might resort to...??  :(
It is THIS sort of desire for control that should raise serious doubt in the Remainers!

Me, well, I say get OUT...and in my crazy dreams, we still have sheds or mineshafts stuffed with mothballed Cold War stuff...just in case history with our EU friends does repeat.  :(  :o  :(    ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: John Cook on 18 April 2019, 01:53:44 AM
Quote from: FierceKitty on 16 April 2019, 08:55:09 AM
I fear my comment was skim read, causing the importance of the epithet western to be overlooked. Of course what happens elsewhere can hardly be without effect.


And anything prior to 1957 can hardly be counted anyway!
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Raider4 on 18 April 2019, 08:46:46 AM
Quote from: Heedless Horseman on 18 April 2019, 01:32:44 AM
Ha...hmmm. Folks might not wish to remember Tony Blair,

Yeah, you're not wrong there . . .
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 18 April 2019, 10:09:33 AM
Quote from: Leman on 12 April 2019, 02:44:44 PM
It's the rather pleasant and refreshing cold beer found in most of Europe, as opposed to the lukewarm pig swill we get served in Wetherspoons.

:)

"Boys drink claret, men drink port, gentlemen drink brandy!" The continent does have it's uses...
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: fsn on 18 April 2019, 04:44:46 PM
Real men drink Whisky.
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 18 April 2019, 04:48:13 PM
Quote from: fsn on 18 April 2019, 04:44:46 PM
Real men drink Whisky.

Not Whiskey? (Runs away and hides)
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: d_Guy on 18 April 2019, 05:09:43 PM
Realer men drink Kerosene (with a dash of bitters).
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: mmcv on 18 April 2019, 05:33:44 PM
Quote from: Ben Waterhouse on 18 April 2019, 04:48:13 PM
Not Whiskey? (Runs away and hides)

Both are acceptable, so long as you don't sully them with ice...
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 19 April 2019, 08:14:20 AM
How about Bourbon ???
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: fsn on 19 April 2019, 08:28:43 AM
No.

Just.

No.

:-&
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 19 April 2019, 10:18:58 AM
Best biscuit ever
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Techno on 19 April 2019, 10:46:37 AM
COAT !  ;)

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Correct English response to Current European issues
Post by: fsn on 19 April 2019, 11:23:09 AM
Quote from: mad lemmey on 19 April 2019, 10:18:58 AM
Best biscuit ever
Now you're talking.  :-bd :-bd
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: sunjester on 19 April 2019, 04:08:30 PM
A Garibaldi beats a Bourbon any day!  ;)
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Orcs on 19 April 2019, 05:19:23 PM
Quote from: sunjester on 19 April 2019, 04:08:30 PM
A Garibaldi beats a Bourbon any day!  ;)

Can you still get them?  We used to call them "dead fly biscuits"
Title: Re: Correct English response to Currentn European issues
Post by: Dr Dave on 19 April 2019, 06:07:12 PM
They are still available. We called them that as well.

"Revolutionary biscuits of Italy,
Get out of your tins and fight!"

                        Alexi Sayle, Genius