Hello Sailor?!
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Join Date: Feb 2006
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Join Date: Jun 2001
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Methinks the Oggin Aviator doth protest too much.
Lighten up. I mean:
'allows same-sex sailors to "tie the knot" on board ship and is considering allowing personnel to march in uniform at London's Gay Pride festival.'
will certainly attract some comment.
Modern attitudes? In the Navy? Hundreds of years of tradition, unhampered by progress?
Lighten up. I mean:
'allows same-sex sailors to "tie the knot" on board ship and is considering allowing personnel to march in uniform at London's Gay Pride festival.'
will certainly attract some comment.
Modern attitudes? In the Navy? Hundreds of years of tradition, unhampered by progress?
What is interesting is that this plank of a Second Sea Lord wants to address the issue through Drama based activities. Another shining example of trendy, Whitehall based thinking. Has this man got nothing better to do than think up ideas like this? Does he really think that putting on a play for a bunch of overworked, under resourced serviceman is suddenly going to change the world?
How is it that these so called leaders can take what is basically a sound policy and over egg it to the point of stupidity.
One thing he did say that I agree with. The Navy is classless. Well said.
How is it that these so called leaders can take what is basically a sound policy and over egg it to the point of stupidity.
One thing he did say that I agree with. The Navy is classless. Well said.
AJ, the titular head of the FAA and for more than 30 years one of the most highly regarded officers the Royal Navy has had the privilege to have recruited. A Plank? I really don't think so. A Ruler more like, and one that would measure up to any B words character the Crabs might like to offer.
Assuming the Navy go ahead with this roadshow. What would be a fitting title for a play designed to increase awareness and understanding of gay matters?
'In whom we serve'?
'Bums Away'
'Run silent, Run Pink'
etc etc
Before I get accused of homophobia, as I said, a good policy but as usual kicked out of shape. With all that's kicking off in the world I object to headlines about huggy fluff campaigns on the wine bar circuit in Whitehall, especially when thy are championed by Officers of this rank. If he's as clever as certain people say, he should find something better to do (Head of the Met perhaps?).
'In whom we serve'?
'Bums Away'
'Run silent, Run Pink'
etc etc
Before I get accused of homophobia, as I said, a good policy but as usual kicked out of shape. With all that's kicking off in the world I object to headlines about huggy fluff campaigns on the wine bar circuit in Whitehall, especially when thy are championed by Officers of this rank. If he's as clever as certain people say, he should find something better to do (Head of the Met perhaps?).
Join Date: Jan 2005
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I read the story with interest. Although I am pleased that the RN is taking steps to eliminate discrimination, I would question whether drama role plays is the way to do it. Rather than explaining to homophobes that they are under an obligation to respect their colleagues, they are to be patronised with a puerile and ineffective dramatisation that will serve only to provide a further opportunity for them to resent gay personnel.
I hope it works, I really do... but I certainly have my doubts.
Top prize for banter goes to The Sun for the header, "Seamen to face role play" and the priceless description of 2SL as a "chopper pilot".
I hope it works, I really do... but I certainly have my doubts.
Top prize for banter goes to The Sun for the header, "Seamen to face role play" and the priceless description of 2SL as a "chopper pilot".
Join Date: Apr 2002
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Perhaps after morning met brief the execs could hold drama workshops to help us, using role play and any useful props that may come to hand, work through and resolve 'issues' facing our people in these confusing times. FFS.
Join Date: Aug 2000
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I've met thousands of jack tars in my travels round the bazaars in tri-service exercises and ops. I can just picture their reaction to this whole farce. It does nothing to improve the credibility of those at the top in the minds of the average sailor.
Every time they see the 2SL, what will be going through their minds? One word...
Pratt.
Every time they see the 2SL, what will be going through their minds? One word...
Pratt.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: The gulag
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I blame Napoleon. When boarding the ship for St Helena he said, in French, to some inquisitive Jack tars: 'to the water, it is the hour' (a l'eau, c'est l'heur).
If in doubt, blame the French!
NC43
If in doubt, blame the French!
NC43
Drama role play.....hell that is just another day in the Mob!
Join Date: Mar 2006
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It would be oh so tempting to start the Seaman Staines jokes at this point......but moving on. Did the happy couple exchange gold rings or golden rivets? Our enemies must be shaking in their flip flops at the thought of facing our armed forces these days. What a sad world we live in. I have no problem with gays in the military but why do they have to make such a song and dance about it? What happens behind closed doors should stay there.
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Dogfish,
We don't make "a song and dance" about it. The Lt Cdr and his partner had their civil partnership ceremony in a public place, and it attracted media attention because it was the first such ceremony in uniform. As to gay pride parades, not all of us serving gays think it is a terribly good idea, but why should we stop those who want to?
I have been privy to the discussions about the forthcoming EuroPride parade, both among other gay personnel and at much, much higher levels. It is subject to exactly the same guidelines as every other such event, and could easily have been called off due to the political nature of the rally that follows the march. However, it is believed that participation - IF it happens - will show the public that the Armed Forces are committed to EO, and will show closet gay personnel that they are not alone.
I agree, a lot of the EO trg is sub-standard, patronising, puerile and, at times, just barmy. Forcing grown men - matelots, at that! - to perform in bizarre, secondary-school dramas is NOT going to help.
We don't make "a song and dance" about it. The Lt Cdr and his partner had their civil partnership ceremony in a public place, and it attracted media attention because it was the first such ceremony in uniform. As to gay pride parades, not all of us serving gays think it is a terribly good idea, but why should we stop those who want to?
I have been privy to the discussions about the forthcoming EuroPride parade, both among other gay personnel and at much, much higher levels. It is subject to exactly the same guidelines as every other such event, and could easily have been called off due to the political nature of the rally that follows the march. However, it is believed that participation - IF it happens - will show the public that the Armed Forces are committed to EO, and will show closet gay personnel that they are not alone.
I agree, a lot of the EO trg is sub-standard, patronising, puerile and, at times, just barmy. Forcing grown men - matelots, at that! - to perform in bizarre, secondary-school dramas is NOT going to help.
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Umm Gay marriage and MBE!!
I have to echo a lot of sentiments and say that Admiral Johns is/was (in Ocean) an outstanding boss. Captain RN in 2003 and Vice Admiral in 2006, a damn sight better than my prospects will EVER be! I'd follow him and not out of curiosity before anyone says it!!
I have to echo a lot of sentiments and say that Admiral Johns is/was (in Ocean) an outstanding boss. Captain RN in 2003 and Vice Admiral in 2006, a damn sight better than my prospects will EVER be! I'd follow him and not out of curiosity before anyone says it!!
Join Date: May 2004
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I recall a similar argument about Gay Pride last year. Just to save the effort of generating a long thread on the issue, I recall that the consensus last year was that a recruiting stand was perfectly appropriate but any participation in the march itself in uniform was not.
I personally wouldn't care if personnel did participate in the Gay Pride march, as long as this privilege was extended to other public marches and events.
I personally wouldn't care if personnel did participate in the Gay Pride march, as long as this privilege was extended to other public marches and events.