[MoMo]

On a more serious note it is a constant puzzle to me why people want to rewrite history.

JIM

You have to make an exception, Jim.

As more and more Cabinet Papers and secret files come into the public domain from any era, these will distort our perceptions of the history.

For example, we are now ENIGMA-WISE following the release of information about the code-busters at Bletchley Park. All our attitudes towards our wartime leaders are now coloured by the fact that they were able to reroute and direct events to avoid German Strategy ( subs ) and tactics ( military plans ).

Churchill ( the most history-conscious politician of recent times........in fact the concept of 'political legacy' may have been invented by him ) was so conscious of the contribution made by the code-breakers that he swore them all to secrecy for 40 years and destroyed what was Britain's lead in the development of computers. He was that jealous of history and his own reputation as a grand strategist that he harmed the post-war chances of establishing a computer industry here.

Society helped to destroy the sad enigma of Alan Turing, but Churchill's decisions seem less based on wisdom and expediancy, and more upon establishing the myth of the efficacy of his own political and military 'hunches' ( based on military intelligence gathered from Bletchley Park ).

As more secrets are revealed, the Revisionist Historians will build new models of history.

I wonder what else is in the files, waiting on all the old soldiers to 'fade away'?

[mikeb1958]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

I believe the actual name of the island is Iwo Jemima. Iwo, of course, being the Japanese word for "Aunt"...The island has long been known for it's maple syrup and pancake industry...Most of the pancake trees were destroyed by U.S. Marines prior to taking Mt. Syrupbachi in March 1945..After the war was over the French helped the Japanese re-plant the trees and repair the mortar-damaged syrup tanks, and production was soon restored to full pre-war capacity..

Good one Skunky!

Better run Skunky as I see ole Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson running out of Mickey Dee's to come find who said that. Well ok..just walk as the Rev. AL Not-so Sharpton is a huffin' and puffin' and sweatin' , barely walking with a Cheesebuger with large fries in each hand.

[MoMo]

I tried to eat " Aunt Jemmima's" Maple syrup once. It was dreadful compared to the 100% pure Canadian Maple Syrup which I love.

If Iwo's loaded with Auntie Jemmima's stuff, they can have it!

[TopHat]

From now on, I am to be known as The King of England. It makes me feel good, all warm and fuzzy inside, so it's okay, right?


'Course, putting a Skunk in my pants makes me feel warm and fuzzy as well, so maybe on second thought....

[jim]

Originally Posted by MoMo

You have to make an exception, Jim.

As more and more Cabinet Papers and secret files come into the public domain from any era, these will distort our perceptions of the history.

For example, we are now ENIGMA-WISE following the release of information about the code-busters at Bletchley Park. All our attitudes towards our wartime leaders are now coloured by the fact that they were able to reroute and direct events to avoid German Strategy ( subs ) and tactics ( military plans ).

Churchill ( the most history-conscious politician of recent times........in fact the concept of 'political legacy' may have been invented by him ) was so conscious of the contribution made by the code-breakers that he swore them all to secrecy for 40 years and destroyed what was Britain's lead in the development of computers. He was that jealous of history and his own reputation as a grand strategist that he harmed the post-war chances of establishing a computer industry here.

Society helped to destroy the sad enigma of Alan Turing, but Churchill's decisions seem less based on wisdom and expediancy, and more upon establishing the myth of the efficacy of his own political and military 'hunches' ( based on military intelligence gathered from Bletchley Park ).

As more secrets are revealed, the Revisionist Historians will build new models of history.

I wonder what else is in the files, waiting on all the old soldiers to 'fade away'?

What is more interesting is what has vanished from the files, marked as deleted.

As in anything to do with appeasment by the Aristocracy during 1939/40. Strange but all references to this seem to have been lost or deleted, I wonder why?

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by MoMo

You have to make an exception, Jim.

As more and more Cabinet Papers and secret files come into the public domain from any era, these will distort our perceptions of the history.

For example, we are now ENIGMA-WISE following the release of information about the code-busters at Bletchley Park. All our attitudes towards our wartime leaders are now coloured by the fact that they were able to reroute and direct events to avoid German Strategy ( subs ) and tactics ( military plans ).

Churchill ( the most history-conscious politician of recent times........in fact the concept of 'political legacy' may have been invented by him ) was so conscious of the contribution made by the code-breakers that he swore them all to secrecy for 40 years and destroyed what was Britain's lead in the development of computers. He was that jealous of history and his own reputation as a grand strategist that he harmed the post-war chances of establishing a computer industry here.

Society helped to destroy the sad enigma of Alan Turing, but Churchill's decisions seem less based on wisdom and expediancy, and more upon establishing the myth of the efficacy of his own political and military 'hunches' ( based on military intelligence gathered from Bletchley Park ).

As more secrets are revealed, the Revisionist Historians will build new models of history.

I wonder what else is in the files, waiting on all the old soldiers to 'fade away'?

Sorry MoMo, I beg to differ.

The cracking of ENIGMA undoubtedly played a vital role in the Allied war effort but it was by no means the 'silver bullet' due inter alia to the vagaries of what is known as the 'fog of war'. Also, like all leaders, Churchill was by no means perfect but he was a gifted leader, orator and statesman, without which there is a good chance you would now be speaking German with a Scottish accent .

[Shawn 507]

Speaking of Pearl Harbor, I know a great Military Urban Legend on that one. One day some Japanese sailors were on R&R there in Pearl and they were asking for directions to the Arizona. They stopped a salty old Chief Petty Offer asking "where is the Arizona?" To which he replied "Right where you ing left her". Go Navy!! ( My words )
Now I don't know if its true, but it makes for a great campfire story. I only wish I could have been there when it was said, if its true.
- Shawn

[Shawn 507]

Oh yeah. Its great that the Enola Gay is whole again and on full display.
- Shawn

[Lofty]

Originally Posted by TopHat

From now on, I am to be known as The King of England. It makes me feel good, all warm and fuzzy inside, so it's okay, right?


'Course, putting a Skunk in my pants makes me feel warm and fuzzy as well, so maybe on second thought....

What about the smell......? Or will the skunk just get used to it?

[SKUNKY]