Poppies

[PurpleMoonlight]

TokyoSexwhale said:

You are kicking up quite a fuss and making quite a show about it.

Interesting considering your view point.

My viewpoint is that you shouldn't criticise others for not doing what you are doing, and to respect their personal choice.

[TokyoSexwhale]

PurpleMoonlight said:

TokyoSexwhale said:

You are kicking up quite a fuss and making quite a show about it.

Interesting considering your view point.

My viewpoint is that you shouldn't criticise others for not doing what you are doing, and to respect their personal choice.

I'm not arguing, just observing.

I'm not here to get into an argument on the web, hell I've got things to do!

Cheerio

[Leafspring]

I buy one every year and it lives on the dashboard for all to see as my overalls at work would cover it

[PurpleMoonlight]

Eric Mc said:

The problem is that if you DON'T show respect, people may assume that you HAVE no respect - which may not be the case.

Indeed, people regularly make incorrect assumptions about others because they act or think differently to themselves.

[Grandfondo]

PurpleMoonlight said:

TokyoSexwhale said:

You are kicking up quite a fuss and making quite a show about it.

Interesting considering your view point.

My viewpoint is that you shouldn't criticise others for not doing what you are doing, and to respect their personal choice.

Respect is the key word when it comes to the silence!

[Troubleatmill]

PurpleMoonlight said:

TokyoSexwhale said:

You are kicking up quite a fuss and making quite a show about it.

Interesting considering your view point.

My viewpoint is that you shouldn't criticise others for not doing what you are doing, and to respect their personal choice.

It's situation dependent though - isn't it.

Some scenarios... what would you do?

a/ A work colleague invites your around for dinner. You are about to tuck in, when his wife says "Darling - can you say grace." The family all hold hands and start to bow their head. You aren't the least bit religious. Do you accept their hands and bow your head - or refuse?

b/ At an away football match - a minute's silence is called for a former player in the 1970's who passed away. Do you join in the silence - or keep chanting your team songs at the fans or natter to your mate.

c/ A little old lady falls on the pavement and is quite hurt. Do you stop and help? You are under no obligation to do so. But would you?




The answer is... sometimes it is just the right thing do.

Edited by Troubleatmill on Sunday 26th October 13:50

[Looket]

Eric Mc said:

It does mean that you aren't SHOWING respect.

Of course, whether you want to SHOW respect or keep your respect quiet is up to you.

The problem is that if you DON'T show respect, people may assume that you HAVE no respect - which may not be the case.

If these guys died for anything, it was the freedom for those coming after them to chose.

I think you hit the nail on the head there. Show...

I can't say I dislike or in any way disagree with poppies as such, but I find the way in which it's all become a bit of a fashion contest rather unsavoury. Perhaps I lack the exhibitionist gene of the Facebook generation, but in my opinion some things should remain private and preferably retain a modicum of dignity.

[Countdown]

I used to wear one every year. Nowadays sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I'm not a big fan of the "poppy fascism" though. It's down to individual choice and I wouldn't think the less of anybody not wearing one, just as I don't think "wearing" one makes somebody a better person.

[Eric Mc]

Looket said:

I think you hit the nail on the head there. Show...

I can't say I dislike or in any way disagree with poppies as such, but I find the way in which it's all become a bit of a fashion contest rather unsavoury. Perhaps I lack the exhibitionist gene of the Facebook generation, but in my opinion some things should remain private and preferably retain a modicum of dignity.

But, you are allowing what you perceive to be "fad" override the true meaning of the poppy. So, which is more important to you, making a statement about a fashion or failing to make a statement about showing respect?

[Scousefella]

Troubleatmill - Sorry but I draw the line at religion - I will never utter a word of prayer for anyone or anything.

I consider myself quite capable of showing respect and decency in all situations but I would NEVER join in a prayer being said just to remain polite.

[citizensm1th]

I buy and wear one every year I also bought one of the tower poppies

I don't attend parades but I do stop and spend a minute in contemplation
what anyone else dose is entirely up to them that's a choice earned by everyone who served alive ,damaged or dead.

the RBL poppy appeal is not just about commemorating the dead its about supporting the living.

[Old Merc]

citizensm1th said:

I buy and wear one every year I also bought one of the tower poppies

I don't attend parades but I do stop and spend a minute in contemplation
what anyone else dose is entirely up to them that's a choice earned by everyone who served alive ,damaged or dead.

the RBL poppy appeal is not just about commemorating the dead its about supporting the living.

Well said.
I`m my area Poppy Appeal Organiser so am very busy at the moment.One of my sites is a table in a super store that takes £10K in two weeks.

I`m not ex military or one of the "Blue Blazer Brigade" but am very passionate when it comes to remembering the sacrifices of the past.We live in a free democratic country so are free to choose whether to wear a Poppy or not.Remember there are still people around that were forced to wear a Swastika !!.

Every year I have fantastic support from my team of volunteers who give up there time collecting and am overwhelmed by the generosity of the public.This just goes to show how important the Poppy Appeal is to everyone.
Naturally the main objective is to collect the much needed funds for the RBL.As said the money looks after the present,from ensuring a WW2 veteran lives in comfort and dignity to supporting a young lad injured in Afghanistan and many many other situations.
So next time you see a tray of Poppies put your hand in your pocket,its your choice.

PS......If anyone wants to help counting,bagging and banking £15K of COINS PM me.
That is the bit I don't like.

Edited by Old Merc on Sunday 26th October 16:00

[ali_kat]

Scousefella said:

Troubleatmill - Sorry but I draw the line at religion - I will never utter a word of prayer for anyone or anything.

I consider myself quite capable of showing respect and decency in all situations but I would NEVER join in a prayer being said just to remain polite.

So what would you do in that situation?

[Scousefella]

ali_kat said:

Scousefella said:

Troubleatmill - Sorry but I draw the line at religion - I will never utter a word of prayer for anyone or anything.

I consider myself quite capable of showing respect and decency in all situations but I would NEVER join in a prayer being said just to remain polite.

So what would you do in that situation?

A polite "Forgive me but prayer is not my thing, please feel free to continue".

I understand that many people find comfort in their chosen faith, I accept it and have no issues with it whatsoever, I also expect people who have a religious direction to accept and understand my personal non religious situation.

[Ruskie]

Just bought a metal one as it's more practical for work. I'm very grateful for the sacrifices made by those men and women.

[ali_kat]

Scousefella said:

A polite "Forgive me but prayer is not my thing, please feel free to continue".

I understand that many people find comfort in their chosen faith, I accept it and have no issues with it whatsoever, I also expect people who have a religious direction to accept and understand my personal non religious situation.

[Jaroon]

Edited as I think my opinion may come across disrespectful which I'm not but it's in depth and boring to others. I don't wear a poppy.

Edited by Jaroon on Sunday 26th October 17:07

[Fozziebear]

ali_kat said:

Scousefella said:

A polite "Forgive me but prayer is not my thing, please feel free to continue".

I understand that many people find comfort in their chosen faith, I accept it and have no issues with it whatsoever, I also expect people who have a religious direction to accept and understand my personal non religious situation.

I used that a lot whilst serving with some Americans, they would pray at each meal. I would give them the minute they needed then tuck into my food, I was never asked why I didn't pray or if I wanted to join them in prayer. I wear a poppy each year to remember the sacrifice made by those in the past and those still serving, I also remember my lost brothers and sisters who had their lives taken from them. I don't feel the need to force poppies onto those that don't want to wear them, but in the same breath those that don't wear them need to respect those that do. As said by others it's not about war, it's about the freedoms we have and thanking those no longer here.

[StuntmanMike]

I don't wear a poppy, I'm not 100% sure why, I just avoid the whole issue to be honest, therefore this will be my one post on here.
For the record I served, I have medals, I have had years of issues owing to PTSD.
There was a time where I didn't think I was going to make it, that's all behind me now.
I have sat here some time now, I still can't give a reason why I don't buy/wear one, the strength of feeling on this thread about it though is good, in my opinion .

[Scousefella]

StuntmanMike said:

I don't wear a poppy, I'm not 100% sure why, I just avoid the whole issue to be honest, therefore this will be my one post on here.
For the record I served, I have medals, I have had years of issues owing to PTSD.
There was a time where I didn't think I was going to make it, that's all behind me now.
I have sat here some time now, I still can't give a reason why I don't buy/wear one, the strength of feeling on this thread about it though is good, in my opinion .

PTSD is a b*tch fella, gutted to hear of your struggles.

Keep your chin up and your head down.