Originally Posted by PorkchopExpress:
“See, this is exactly what people mean by politicisation of the Poppy. Using it as a propoganda tool for the current armed forces and their adventures abroad.
I'm not interested in the military in Afghanistan. I don't want them there, I didn't send them there and I'm not happy about the things they do there. The Poppy certainly isn't worn to remember the lives of Afghan civilians killed by the UK military.
You chose to be a soldier. That doesn't give you any right to expect my respect.”
You are right, I did choose to join the Army. Not for any particularly patriotic notion, more because as I grew up loving sport and following uni I hated the idea of getting a job in an office, so took a role that allowed me to have sport and an outdoor lifestyle and travel as part of my working life. But I am also very proud of what I did in the Army.
I also, neither expect or ask for your respect. Respect is earned, and we do not know each other so why should you respect me?
I think we should agree to disagree, for me personally, the poppy is a symbol of remembrance of what people have done for this country past and present, but for you it is something else entirely, that is fine, it is a benefit of us all being able to hold our own opinions.