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Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:40 am
by Clodhopper
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!

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:28 pm
by Bill Sikes
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).

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:48 pm
by along-for-the-ride
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



:)

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:19 pm
by Clodhopper
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!

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:03 pm
by along-for-the-ride
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

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:10 pm
by Clodhopper
AFTR: A VERY wise old bird.....

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

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:12 pm
by Clodhopper
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....)

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:03 am
by Snowfire
...Or my signature

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 1:41 pm
by Bill Sikes
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!

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 2:29 pm
by Royd Fissure
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.

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:04 pm
by Clodhopper
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.

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 2:22 pm
by Snowfire
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

Wise old bird, that Churchill.

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:55 pm
by Accountable
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.