07-17-2003, 09:13 PM
I listened to a great deal of Prime Minister Blair's speech today on the radio. (Should have listened to PBS, no commercial breaks, but reception was horrid today.) He got a far nicer reception from our Congress than in Parliament yesterday, where he was apparently given a rough ride. I heard a lot, but what I hope everyone heard this plea:
"Success in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the mission, does not end with military victory." Clausewitz would agree. (see sig)
I enjoyed a couple of his opening jokes:
1. "I visited the place where, in 1814, the British troops burned the library in Congress. (pause) I know this is a bit late, but . . . sorry. :) "
2. "My son has been studying the American War of Independence, and he has the feeling that Lord North is generally blamed for having 'lost America.' I am secure in knowing that I may make some mistakes, but it is not likely to be one so large."
He had a few other off the cuff remarks that were quite "in stride." Glib is he.
I have watched some of his presentation to the Commons on CNBC and can only ask American politicians to take note. This is public speaking, with some wit, carried on at a high level.
As with any effective politician, his speeches and his message are of course colored by his party, policies, and priorities. Having been advised by some of my Brit friends that Mr Blair was a "pretty faced flash in the pan" Prime Minister, I'd say he has grown into his job and surprised some of his early critics. The charge that he was "a British Clinton" seem to have been off target.
Dame Thatcher lasted 11 or 12 years, as I recall, and my memory tells me that Prime Minister is a high turnover rate job.
The question: do any of our British lurkers know who was Prime Minister for the longest in single stretch? Did Dame Thatcher set a record?
Helmut Kohl set a remarkable standard with 17 years in office in Germany, FDR eat your heart out!
"Success in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the mission, does not end with military victory." Clausewitz would agree. (see sig)
I enjoyed a couple of his opening jokes:
1. "I visited the place where, in 1814, the British troops burned the library in Congress. (pause) I know this is a bit late, but . . . sorry. :) "
2. "My son has been studying the American War of Independence, and he has the feeling that Lord North is generally blamed for having 'lost America.' I am secure in knowing that I may make some mistakes, but it is not likely to be one so large."
He had a few other off the cuff remarks that were quite "in stride." Glib is he.
I have watched some of his presentation to the Commons on CNBC and can only ask American politicians to take note. This is public speaking, with some wit, carried on at a high level.
As with any effective politician, his speeches and his message are of course colored by his party, policies, and priorities. Having been advised by some of my Brit friends that Mr Blair was a "pretty faced flash in the pan" Prime Minister, I'd say he has grown into his job and surprised some of his early critics. The charge that he was "a British Clinton" seem to have been off target.
Dame Thatcher lasted 11 or 12 years, as I recall, and my memory tells me that Prime Minister is a high turnover rate job.
The question: do any of our British lurkers know who was Prime Minister for the longest in single stretch? Did Dame Thatcher set a record?
Helmut Kohl set a remarkable standard with 17 years in office in Germany, FDR eat your heart out!
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete