Some people are getting it right

[pegkerr]

If you haven't read the post on Patrick Nielsen Hayden's web log about the speech by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins to the troops of the Royal Irish--and comparing and contrasting it with some remarks of George W. Bush, take the time to read it now please. You'll be glad you did. Thanks for the pointer, baldanders, anoisblue, and others.

Comments

[pengolodh-sc.livejournal.com]

The first link, directly to the post, seems to be messed up somewhat - it only leads me straight back to my friends-page. The other link works, though, so thanks for the pointer - and thanks also for the pointer to Salam Pax.

[peacockharpy.livejournal.com]

*facepalm*

Class. That's what it is. Respect for others, honor and dignity. Why don't we hear more of that here?

[sleigh.livejournal.com]

I'd point out that PNH's excerpt leaves out the more martial aspects of the speech -- if you go to the PNH post, there's a link back to the original source. That full transcript includes rhetoric like "The enemy should be in no doubt that we are his nemesis and that we are bringing about his rightful destruction." and "He (Saddam) and his forces will be destroyed by this coalition for what they have done. As they die, they will know their deeds have brought them to this place. Show them no pity."

The actual talk is (appropriately, I think, as an address to troops about to go into battle) more fiery and stern and 'bloody' than what you get from PNH's edit. But it's still a far, far better speech than anything I've heard from the White House.