The Commonwealth Games 2010

[MargaretR]

The definition of 'freedom' is debatable.
Since you have a military background, I understand why you deem war as an essential component in the achievement of freedom. All 20th century wars were fought on that basis.
I consider that, since we are now ruled from Brussels, that the 'freedom objective' failed miserably.

PS There is no bigger insult to an Australian than to describe him as a colonist, or even a 'penal colonist'
The Faulklands has enormous oil reserves in its territorial waters.

[DaveinGermany]

Marge all Countries & governments throughout the ages have always finally sought recourse through war, sometimes talking just doesn't work, were a poke in the eye will ! From some erbert in a cave needing a bigger cave, grunting didn't work so a big stick did.

The rulers of the middle ages were decided by who could be the most cruel & violent all for the sake of a tatty bit of crown, right through to modern times, but at least now there is a bit more leeway in things such as sanctions & embargoes & the big stick really is the last resort.

As to the Aussies, good lads & lasses really under their gruff pom bashing exteriors, but that can be expected from those living in our biggest open prison ! The Falklands at the time of them becoming British had nothing to do with oil deposits that is only a recent point that improves their "likeability".

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by DaveinGermany

Still interesting as these digressions are "The Commonwealth games" are a celebration of our shared interests in sports, most of which we brought to these Countries, (which nowadays we usually lose) the apprentices having surpassed the master in most cases. Now that has got to be worth something to our former colonies the chance to get one over on the boss !

Don't you just hate those big mouthed egotistical Aussies

[Barrie Yates]

Originally Posted by DaveinGermany

Marge all Countries & governments throughout the ages have always finally sought recourse through war, sometimes talking just doesn't work, were a poke in the eye will ! From some erbert in a cave needing a bigger cave, grunting didn't work so a big stick did.

The rulers of the middle ages were decided by who could be the most cruel & violent all for the sake of a tatty bit of crown, right through to modern times, but at least now there is a bit more leeway in things such as sanctions & embargoes & the big stick really is the last resort.

As to the Aussies, good lads & lasses really under their gruff pom bashing exteriors, but that can be expected from those living in our biggest open prison ! The Falklands at the time of them becoming British had nothing to do with oil deposits that is only a recent point that improves their "likeability".

Agree totally Dave - with the odd exception, compare the well being of ex-British Colonies with those of other European Powers. In almost all cases the British Colonies have fared far better - but, I also have a military background - signed the oath, 3 times and did 18 years in total, and proud of every day of it and I have visited many countries around the world and seen the differences for myself.
Once got criticised by a group of Philipinos because we had allowed the Spanish to take them over and worse still, then allowed the Americans to kick the Spanish out and take over.

[steeljack]

Hockey results , may be of interest to Eric in Canada

BBC Sport - Commonwealth Games: India beat Pakistan to reach semis