Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:40 am

These words were published in 1951, but I was struck by their relevance to the present:

"There is no worse mistake in public leadership than to hold out false hopes soon to be swept away. The British people can face peril or misfortune with fortitude and buoyancy, but they bitterly resent being deceived or finding that those responsible for their affairs are themselves dwelling in a fool's paradise."

That's Labour and the Tories for you!

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:28 pm

Clodhopper;1226289 wrote: That's Labour and the Tories for you!

There isn't really anyone else at the moment, though, is there. It's a bit of a shame. Perhaps there ought to be a an "election" in which our representitives are chosen the same way as jurors are, for a set term.

Also, perhaps, would this be a good thread for "Churchill quotes"? There are one or two rather good ones (especially if the context in which they were made be explained).

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:48 pm

Here's two quotes I found :

A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.

Winston Churchill

A joke is a very serious thing.

Winston Churchill

:)

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:19 pm

Also, perhaps, would this be a good thread for "Churchill quotes"? There are one or two rather good ones (especially if the context in which they were made be explained).

Good idea - fine by me!

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:03 pm

After all his accomplishments, he said this:

My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.

Winston Churchill

Attached files

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:10 pm

AFTR: A VERY wise old bird.....

Clementine does seem to have been the only one who could exert any sort of control on him.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:12 pm

A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject

I didn't know he'd met spot. :sneaky:

(Ooooh. I'm in trouble now....)

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:03 am

...Or my signature

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 1:41 pm

along-for-the-ride;1226505 wrote: After all his accomplishments, he said this:

My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.

Winston Churchill

Oooh, isn't that nice!

Royd Fissure · Post by **Royd Fissure** » Sun May 02, 2010 2:29 pm

Winnie learned from harsh experience, but he was the man for the time indeed. I remember his funeral in the British winter of 1965, it was quite momentous.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:04 pm

Royd: I envy you that one. It's one of those moments in British history that resonate down history, and by just being there you are making history. Nelson's funeral was the same.

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 2:22 pm

I remember Churchills funeral very well. I was 9 years old and watched the two planes fly over my house (were they lightnings ?) then went in doors to see the same two planes on the television, fly over the funeral moments later

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:55 pm

Clodhopper;1226289 wrote: These words were published in 1951, but I was struck by their relevance to the present:

"There is no worse mistake in public leadership than to hold out false hopes soon to be swept away. The British people can face peril or misfortune with fortitude and buoyancy, but they bitterly resent being deceived or finding that those responsible for their affairs are themselves dwelling in a fool's paradise."
That's Labour and the Tories for you!

That statement works on both sides of the pond!

Politics is the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen.