http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MilitaryTopNewsStories/~3/-d4nFyvKq40/family-of-taliban-held-gi-hopes-for-his-release.html
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Texas Guardsmen Warn of Iranian Influence in Iraq
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MilitaryTopNewsStories/~3/kyzQbE07RoU/texas-guardsmen-warn-of-iranian-influence-in-iraq.html
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Friday, August 12, 2011
Social Media – Social Tool or Anarchists Weapon
This is a little off topic but still relevant. It appals me to see how quickly an ordered society can descend into Chaos? How can people that may have been neighbours and friends one day and then turn into mindless criminals the next? It is very disturbing to me the what I think may be considered normal society may in fact be an abnormal condition placed on society to maintain control.
If one considers social media in that context, is it a tool for good or evil? At what point does a tool like Twitter become dangerous to society at large? In the the modern age social media has the ability to make or break corporations, increase awareness of issues, and even topple governments. In reality Social Media has the ability to create and manipulate society. If we look at recent events like the G20 Summit riots in Toronto or more currently the Riots in London, we see the power that social media has to fuel a societies impulse.. Never before in history has so much unchecked power been given to the people. Could you imagine what some historical figures could have done had social media been in place. Imagine if Martin Luther King could reach millions the world over. Could you imagine a tweet that started “I have dream … “. Could you imagine Nazi Germany with a propaganda machine centered around a group like Facebook.
Social Media is a tool and a weapon. In the hands of criminals, activists and politicians alike, sites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are a godsend. The problem with unchecked power at any level, is that when we cross a line we don't realize it until its to late. Society being what it is, it is unable to be proactive and police itself. So unfortunately that puts law makers the world over in a position of playing catch up.
Now I'm sure you will get those groups out there that will say all of this violence is caused by social inequality and poverty and that putting a muzzle on Social Media sites is an assault on free speech.However, when you consider the deaths of innocent bystanders and the senseless destruction of property, it is clearly a power that has out grown its intended purpose!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Canadian Forces secure staging base in Kuwait - CTV News
This is a great thing for the Canadian Forces. It shows forward thinking on the part of military planners and strategists. Canada’s military since the end of the Second World War has traditionally been small in comparison to other nations. However in recent years the Canadian government has made substantial effort in procuring new and state of the art equipment. Improvements to weapons, vehicles and communications equipment has greatly improved Canada's overseas capabilities.
Basically the military and the government has taken an approach of more bang for their buck. In years gone by the the Military had been seen as a joke, but not anymore. This forward thinking plan for an Operating base in Kuwait increases Canada's capabilities, and deployment potential. I have no doubt that this is going to be a trend with the Canadian Military. I expect to see more bases of this nature in other countries around the world.
It makes a lot of sense economically and politically to be able to react quickly and efficiently to evolving situations. Canada's global interests around the world are increasing and with economic and environmental instability it seems like the smart way to go.
Canadian Forces secure staging base in Kuwait - CTV News
Basically the military and the government has taken an approach of more bang for their buck. In years gone by the the Military had been seen as a joke, but not anymore. This forward thinking plan for an Operating base in Kuwait increases Canada's capabilities, and deployment potential. I have no doubt that this is going to be a trend with the Canadian Military. I expect to see more bases of this nature in other countries around the world.
It makes a lot of sense economically and politically to be able to react quickly and efficiently to evolving situations. Canada's global interests around the world are increasing and with economic and environmental instability it seems like the smart way to go.
Canadian Forces secure staging base in Kuwait - CTV News
Saturday, May 07, 2011
To the Last Man...
Image by law_keven via FlickrNo one felt when it happened, there was no awareness, there was no major fan fair or media frenzy or earth shattering announcement. What is different about today than just a few days ago is that the last Combat Veteran of the First World War has passed away. Claude Choules has completed the role call and the last man is now present. All the ranks are now filled.
Lets think about that for a minute. There is no one left alive that can say that they fought in the Great War. That conflict, more than any other shaped the world we live in today. For the most part it was a war of empires, but for the common man, many believed on both sides that it was a duty and an honour to serve a nation. That war gave rise to the nuclease and causes that started the Second World War and once again many of the same soldiers went to war again. Just like Claude Choules.
I am not suggesting that any war is just or good, but the ideals that drove these men and women to the fight are things of the past. Things like duty, honour, respect, dignity and the simple belief that they were doing the right thing. These are the things that are the true loss with the passing of this great generation.
I am not really sure what to feel about the passing of a person I have never met. I am sure there are those that ask why I should feel anything at all. I have to say that the indifference that is shown or even the lack of indifference is troubling to me. Indifference would imply that some thought was given to the subject, but even the thought is absent.
I suppose that is the fate if important people and events, to fade into obscurity with the passing of time. However even with time passing are the emotions and feelings that were expended almost 100 years ago any less important? Is the heart breaking lose of a loved one any less valuable today then it was then? Is the pride in victory and the despair in defeat any less important 100 years on? These are the types of questions that plague my mind. If these simple things have no relevance then the act of remembrance has no meaning.
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