ELECTION DAY 2
Well after yesterday’s soft focus interview that was, the critical sense tells us, conducted by a blonde interviewer on a large dose of valium, where to we go? Straight to Star Fleet Command, that’s where...
Today’s target, is guess what? A POLICY? No. Don’t ask for too much.
Today’s starring role is given again to Gordon Brown, this time being mauled by the models of the modern major-generals. That would be the same Modern major-generals who have been responsible for pursuing the two disastrous illegal wars that we have been involved in over the past decade. Brown has been in government over all of that period and those of us who took to the streets to oppose them will always insist that bear his share of blame. That is a legitimate political criticism, and if Star Fleet Command were to mutiny and say that they were no longer willing to pursue illegal wars, we would cheer. Alas, that is not their criticism.
The assembled ranks of the retired armchair military have always been willing to do the necessary as they see it whether serving or not.
Their complaint now is that Brown was responsible for shortages of military equipment and the Sun says that it was all Gordon’s fault. Well, like Star Fleet command I’ve been responsible for a budget, or at least responsible for spending a budget that the Treasurer gave me. The branch administrator gave me the weekly order, and I didn’t question it. After all she knew what was needed on a regular basis to keep the branch running and never got it wrong.
Our council sets parameters for departments and expects them to live within them, and crucially report back for policy decisions where they can’t. If our major generals were saying that their policy decisions were not followed, maybe they would have an argument. Maybe they could not cancel Trident, but those take day to day decisions on equipment on the ground. in the military.
So if they found that their troops had to go to war, but lacked the right equipment, which was responsible? The chancellor or the quartermaster? Or if you want to skip the philosophy, what did our generals think they were training our troops for? Still the Cold War?
Old Etonians back other old Etonians hardly makes a headline. And the pair bluddy squaddies? Aye wearitt.
