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READ THIS FIRST!

READ THIS FIRST. I am new to blogging, so this is a kind of trial project. During the Falklands conflict of 1982 I found myself writing down my thoughts about it from time to time, much as bloggers do now. Recently I found these papers and because it's topical I thought some people might be interested in what was going through the mind of a typical Guardian-reading thirty-something in 1982. It's occasionally quite surprising!
My plan is this: to reproduce the pages facsimile, so readers can see it's genuine; then to transcribe so readers can read it; then to make comments clarifying the text where necessary, explaining things, and giving my opinions (for what they're worth) on what it all means.
I shall try to upload each instalment on the date it was originally written, but 30 years later. There are 21 pages, in six bits, between April 28 and June 12.
Problem about blogs is that they are always backwards, so if you are new to it, for a linear story like this you have to go right to the bottom and work backwards, or use the dated links on the sidebar.
It's lots of text, not very bloggy, but that's its nature. And sorry no pictures!
I'm not expecting many comments for this particular project, but of course they are welcome.

ABOUT ME


ABOUT ME

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Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, United Kingdom
Blogging is a complete novelty. I've no idea how to do it or what will will happen. It just seems like a good idea at the time, a kind of overdue reinvention as I contemplate what might be the last third of my life. I am guided by a simple ethical idea: that if somehow my great-great-great grandchildren in the 22nd century were to stumble across my work, my writings, and my 'time capsule' letters to them, they would raise a glass and say 'well good old grandpa, he had us in mind and he fought our corner to the end'. I fear that they would have to follow that with 'Pity he ended on the losing side'. It's not looking too good, but if there's one thing you can't kill it's the human spirit. It would be nice to think that enough survived of our efforts to inspire descendants in the not-too-distant future. Kids of the future, we are the good guys and we are batting for you.

2 comments:

  1. Dear Pete,yes it does bring back memories of that time, at age 24 I was highly spirited and keen to do my bit, well knowing that I would not be sent anywhere near a battle field. But it does give you reason to analyse thoughts developed at that time and how your reactions have changed with experience and circumstances!
    Now as an eco warrior, my friends of that period look upon me with disdain as though I am a fifth columnist, few of them see the reason for my stance and prefer to believe everything the government says as defacto truth on any topic involving environment or energy security as most politicians now phrase the reason for military action!
    But as a interesting lesson, China recently, this week, sent gunboats along with some fishing vessels to an Indonesian island, the result was that the Indonesians could not stop the boats fishing their waters as the Chinese navy blocked there attempts to stop the fishing fleet!
    Some of your thoughts on your blog could apply to this scenario and the outcome?

    Antony

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  2. Ah, the Comments box is on your 'About Me' page...

    Hi Pete, I think I've read the story so far, although I've only got up to the sinking of the Sheffield.. Coincidentally Radio 4 had peoples' reminiscences of the 'liberation' of Port Stanly today (28th May 2012)- 30th anniversary territory, I presume.

    I was all over the place personally during the original period, but distinctly remember (a) being always on the anti-invasion side (i.e. seeing Tony Benn as the only honest voice and (b) the fact that we couldn't have done anything without the US's help, which we got as Reagan was said to want to get into Margaret's knickers.

    Anyway, much more than your original notes, I've enjoyed your rather erudite presentation of other territorial disputes, worldwide.Sometime must read up on China/Tibet, China/Taiwan, Germany/Poland and more..

    Meanwhile: Israel.I have certainly adopted the practice of referring to Israel's systematic subjugation of Palestinian people (and other non-Jews) as 'apartheid.' Of course the parallel isn't exact but it's close enough and the word has a sting to it. You raised the matter of Gaza refugees' keys to houses in Haifa - I can't see that particular wrong ever being righted, but the wall, the settlers' violence, the private roads, the daily harassment of Palestinians in the West Bank, the demolitions of houses and schools - and equally Palestinian rocket attacks and such - its all got to stop.

    Love, Mike Reid.

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