The Poppy Song!

[Just-Jude]

How much more rubbish are they going to inflict on us in the name of charity?

Do people actually go out and buy this sentimental slush?

Why are we happy to sing about people getting blown to bits?

http://www.itv.com/news/2013-10-23/military-children-to-release-2013-poppy-appeal-single/

[AB Editor]

Boxtops, I don't fully understand the motives and goals of Help For Heroes and have always been wary of them - seems like they're muscling in.

[derekpara]

Ed. As you probably know the poppy is a symbol of WW1 and the last survivor of that terrible conflict died a year or two ago.

The poppy wasn't abandoned in the years between 1918 and the present day but has continued to represent the suffering of others killed and wounded in later conflicts, including WW2, Korea, Suez, the Falklands, etc.and I think it will, and should, continue as a constant reminder, and to help the wonderful charity it also represents.

And remember, the RBL also includes a great many social clubs where ex- servicemen can enjoy a drink and chat with old comrades. Long may it continue.

D

[naomi24]

I can't see the problem. If people want to buy it, that's up to them. Personally, I won't - but I will continue to support the RBL as I always have.

[boxtops]

Ed, here's a bit about why and how H4H was set up http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/how-we-help/about-us/faqs/

They seem to have a far more modern approach than RBL, which is why RBL is making so much effort this year to publicise all that they do, too.

[AB Editor]

Hi Derek - Indeed. However, when applied to war operations in places like Afghanistan it takes on a certain irony... The fields of conflict are not churned quite as they were in WW1 & WW2 and so I am unsure if the symbol should carry on.

As Naomi says, it's fine and I have no practical problem with it. I might just be a bit old fashioned.

[AB Editor]

Ta Boxtops.

[emmie]

i am always surprised these days how long it takes me to find a poppy seller, the last time were from some soldiers outside Kings Cross station, but that wasn't until almost the last minute - once many outlets including pubs would have them, that seems rare now, that includes in or at least outside supermarkets.

[emmie]

the symbol of the poppy is widely recognised, i would hate to see it be replaced.

[boxtops]

Here we have two major selling days in the town, plus several of the shops and pubs sell them (although sadly there has been an issue in past years with louts (of both sexes) stealing the collection boxes. Our air cadets are selling them in the town this year on two Saturdays, alongside RAFA and the RBL.

[emmie]

this is in the capital, which is why i always find it surprising.

[Kromovaracun]

I thought the strangling joke was funny. And I agree with the sentiment.

[jno]

oh dear, Kromovaracun, better put one of these on your head if you go outside

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aDJDrl97gGk/TAkNE04RW-I/AAAAAAAAAOw/Tkv0I11mqK8/s1600/Colander.JPG

[anotheoldgit]

May I take this opportunity to thank viv38, sqad, and baz, for their very kind words of support, it is reassuring to note that there are still a few left who are prepared to stand up and face the flack from those who wish to turn this debating site into a free for all slanging match, where a person cannot defend certain age old principles, without the fear of being ridiculed by others.

I would also like to congratulate ChillDoubt for his excellent Thurs.23:13 post.

[Kromovaracun]

Why would I go outside? Answerbank isn't out there. I take this site very seriously and when I am not awake I tape ping-pong balls with the AB logo over my eyes just so I never ever forget the reason why I exist.

[viv38]

You are more than welcome AOG .......

[ChillDoubt]

Thanks for the endorsement AOG, praise indeed!