Support For The Afghan Poppy Appeal Poster Defacement

Why all the dithering. Blair and Bush are responsible for thousands of death's and injuries. God Bless the Legion.
- Royal, Trowbridge, 29/10/2009 12:27


Well done, well said.
Hope to see more like it.
- simon, wells somerset, 29/10/2009 12:07


NO! it is`"NOT" a mark of Disrespect.! It is voicing the views of the majority of the `electorate that want "Blair" brought to book to face and answer serious charges to his mal-administration while in office as PM.. This government seems fit too ignore the wishes of the British people. Even MP's have tried to bring him to justice. So its not just the British people who seek justice and regdress against an self apinionated selfish. hipocrite!
AND SOME WANT THIS PERSON FOR EU PRESIDENT. Careful all, you might just get what you don't want.!
- Peter, Stoke, 29/10/2009 11:57


The British Legion said: 'We would say to whoever did this that we hope they feel they have had their bit of fun. We would never discuss the rights or wrongs of conflicts.'

To say "had their bit of fun" kind of misses the point. This does not seem a fun protest. It expressed the views of virtually every person I speak to. In fact, thinking about it, I do not know anyone who would disagree with it's sentiment, even if they were shocked by the defacing of the British Legion poster.

Blair still has not faced prosecution over his lies to Parliament and the people of this country which led to our participation in the war in Iraq. If my own circle of friends from various walks of life is representative then a move to arrest Blair and try him for war crimes would be supported by the vast majority of British citizens.

The comments of JR of Manchester speak volumes about the views of serving forces personel. I, like millions of other people will still buy the poppy.
- DG, Haywards Heath, 29/10/2009 11:56


While Blair and Bush are happily retired living the good life all the soldiers they sent to their death and their families deserve to see justice done and prosecute the pair for war crimes they did the same thing that Saddam did really, it's just alright because they were from DEMOCRATIC Countries. I know the British Legion do great work but it's got to be any port in a storm to bring this situation to a head, most people would agree about B AND B but nobody has a voice in this country, same as the EXPENCES scandal they will all get away with their crimes because of who they are. ABOVE THE LAW.
- Crafty Cookie, Doncaster England, 29/10/2009 11:52


I agree with them... Fair enough It is a bit disrespecting to the families but I think Blair has disrespected them way more...
- gooner4life, gERMLAND, 29/10/2009 11:51



Far from vandalising.....I would deem it enhancement. Well done and well intended, in my opinion.
- lomax, luton england, 29/10/2009 11:48


When people see phoney Tony strutting the world stage when brave young men are returning home in bodybags due to his lies .what do you expect, the people are angry to say the least .the defacement of a poster may be just the the start of the resentment and hatred felt by the people towards Tony the megalomaniac who seems to think he is above being brought account for his evil deeds,it should be noted that while the brave ;unequiped; soldiers including the Queen of England own grandson Harry have and are risking life and limb in a phoney (War???)on a daily basis where is Tonys sons in all this???STOP interfering in the politics of other countries GET the troops HOME and put your own house in order before its to late.
- mitchell, belfast ireland, 29/10/2009 11:40


I agree with them, Blair should be prosecuted but to deface a poster showing Blair's victims will not gain them any friends. There are limits as to what is acceptable and these protesters went beyond those limits and are no better than him. They should apologise to the widow and her son.
- Nancy, Norwich UK, 29/10/2009 11:39


Those who did this have no other way but to make the public aware that Tony the war monger Blair along with his doberman Bush should be both extradiated to the hague to face war crimes of course this will never happen we only go for those in countries not percieved as democratic but the fact of the matter is that these two powerful individuals told the world a pack of lies for there own gain. We only have to look at what deaths have happened in bagdad over the past week because these two murderers were determined to get Saddam it was clear he had nothing to do with 9/11 I hope that the widow of this brave young man who died in the line of duty will understand why this action was taken and if it means that all british servicemen and woman will be brought home it will be well worth it.
- ossie, Wirral UK, 29/10/2009 11:18


"Police are investigating. " That's the key phrase.. What are they investigating..
Freedom of Speech? Freedom of political opinion? Right to peaceful protest?
Go around any urban area and billboards are grafitti'd on and have posters and stickers on them. Do the police investigate those ? No. what this, because it reflects on this poor government so the police which, which have become the enforcement arm of this stalinist government policies.
- AW, Surrey, 29/10/2009 11:04


Good on the people that did it.........people must be told the truth about this evil man.
- Tony, Essex, 29/10/2009 10:57


The law on war criminals is quite clear: it only applies to those on the losing side.
- Peter E, Penzance Cornwall, 29/10/2009 10:52


Whilst this might conceivably be disrespecting the dead it might go some way to protect those who are still alive. Our politicians are responsible for a sizeable cull on the Afghan and Iraqi people not to mention our own forces. They should be brought to book.
- Steve Goodwin, Leeds, UK, 29/10/2009 10:49


How times change. When the war started over 50% of the public said they supported it. The Tories supported it. The million marchers were treated as traitors for not 'backing our boys'. The papers were almost universally in favour of war. No one would listen to us that the Dossier was clearly rubbish and that their were no Iraqi Links to 9/11.
So never forget it was the REAL Left that tried to stop this war. It was the real left that wanted to save hundreds of British soliders lives. If the Right had joined us this might never have happened.
- Fact fan, London, 29/10/2009 10:45


I think whoever is doing this deserves some kind of award.
This is brilliant, keep it up!
Anything that would bring that low life Blair to justice is fine by me.
- David, London, 29/10/2009 10:35


It seems to be that whoever did this felt very deeply about what they wrote. It was done tidily, carefully and I am sure, without any disrespect either to the BL or the people involved. Blair ought to be sent to the front to see how he copes. Shame it won't happen.
- Anon, Cambridge, 29/10/2009 10:25


The reason they did it with that posters was exactly what they got public attention. So I agree in that context. I dont think you will get many soilders complaining as they probably feel the same.
- jacqui weemsj, southampton, 29/10/2009 9:59


Not many here going to disagree too much with this. Except it will of course come to nothing and Blair will end up being president of the EU - a reward for his crimes.
- Cllr Chris Cooke, Tamworth, UK, 29/10/2009 9:58


I would normally be disgusted at the defacing of such a poster. However, in this case I can truly understand the depth of feeling behind it. This is not mindless or insulting grafitti. I think history will show clearly just how dishonest and manipulative was the government of Tony Blair.
This is not an ideological difference, but as Prime Minister of this country he supported Bush and an invasion of Iraq - NOT because it seemed the right thing for this country, but to secure his personal image in the eyes of the US.
Look also at the extradition treaty agreed with the US (completely one-sided in favour of the US),
Blair's rewards:
- USA support for his role of "Middle East envoy" - a joke given his lack of standing with Arab countries,
- a lucrative career on the American lecture circuit
- an image that portrays him as some sort of "world statesman" who can "stop traffic"
What has he REALLY done for the UK ?
- Colin, Aberdeen, UK, 29/10/2009 9:47


This act by anti-war protestors is not "vandalism" or "disrespectful" and does not "deface" the RBL poster. Such emotive language is frankly childish. It is a valid protest to draw attention to the fact that the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are about oil and establishing a permanent presence near the oil reserves of the Caspian Basin. I would suggest it is disrespectful to our troops to imply that these wars are valid.
- Mike, London, England, 29/10/2009 9:43


Surely the only thing that is disrespectful to our troops past and present is that they are required to rely on charitable donations, for their future well being.
- Mike, Liverpool U.K., 29/10/2009 9:42

"We would never discuss the rights or wrongs of conflicts."
Perhaps British Legion that is the problem, because while you and others remain silent good men die.
I just have this horrible feeling that after we are forced to withdraw those families who have suffered will be left with the awful realisation that their loved ones died in vain.
I am not anti war, indeed I was for it initially but realised we cannot be the policeman of the World and this is a conflict of no benefit to our country.This two faced government sends men to fight to prevent terrorists coming to this country and yet has a deliberate policy turning a blind eye and allowing potential terrorists and criminals in by their hundreds of thousands. It is the same reasoning that wails and moans about climate change and yet allows another runway for london that will spill out more CO2 that some African countries. Stupidity beyond words.
- Framk, Norwich, 29/10/2009 9:33


Never a truer advert. Usually I would condem such an act, but I totally agree with it.
I will still be donating to the poppy appeal.
- Tesla, London, England, 29/10/2009 9:30


I am 100% in agreement with this poster, and good for the British Legion for not over-reacting. Bliar the war criminal should be prosecuted, and face a war crimes trial in The Hague.
- Anne, Dorking, England, 29/10/2009 9:26



When I saw the truncated headline, I thought that a monument had been vandalised or something more permanent. Instead, it's just a poster than will be papered over next week with a poster for Jordan's latest book or low prices at Asda.
Having said that, I hope that all the soldiers come home, sooner or later, safe and sound.
- David, Brighton, UK, 29/10/2009 9:09


I would hesitate to call this vandalism. It is a worth while point made well, how else can our voices be heard for people like me that never trusted this deceitful New Labour, & never voted in this treacherous New Labour, & feel more vindicated with every news day.
How about "Kadadzic for EU president", no? Then why Blair?
I sincerely feel wretched when I see Blair at the Cenotaph every November 11th, he is a wretched hypocrite. Lest we forget.
- Jay, Loughton, Essex, 29/10/2009 9:08

I am an ex-sreviceman. Did 11 years. I buy and wear a poppy every year. I know full-well what it stands for. I think this addition to the poster is the voice of truth in this country. A voice which has been silenced by the complicity of Politicians of all Parties and by some of the Media too.
The people are finding their voice and this is merely a manifestation of it.
- steve lee, whitley bay, Republic of Geordieland (Retired), 29/10/2009 9:01

I don't find this disrespectful at all, what is disrespectful is Mr Browns unwillingness to listen to what his people want,AN END TO THIS WAR and to BRING THE TROOPS HOME.
- sandra page, chesterfield england, 29/10/2009 9:01

Blair should be tried for war crimes, how this fact is drawn to the publics attention is irrelevant, I am an ex Royal Marine
- Dennis Shambley, wigan England, 29/10/2009 8:56


not the way i see it , a bit of fun, strange words from the British Legion of which i'm a member, a poor choice of words in this case. i'm proud to support them tho.
- patrick gardiner, london/england, 29/10/2009 8:56

I agree with them-Prosetcute Blair!
- Doug, London, 29/10/2009 8:55

Found this is the thread described above on the Army Romour Service website....

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:35 am
Author: Bad CO Location: Behind you

We've just got this by email - no idea whether it is genuine or not:

Quote:
As the person responsible for modifying the poppy appeal poster next to Gillingham station (and another not far away), I'd like to apologise for any offence caused. There was no intent to dishonour anyone (Blair excluded) and I meant no disrespect to either the Royal British Legion and its supporters, nor to the family of Damian Wright.

I was really shocked to hear about the upset this has apparently caused. I'd never dreamt my efforts would lead to the national media probing mother and widow about their feelings on 'vandalism'. Personally I don't consider rewording the poster to be an act of vandalism (or 'a bit of fun') and I don't for a moment think that it will have adversely impacted on the fund raising efforts of the poppy appeal.

Despite the outage from some quarters, I am certain that the sentiments expressed by myself (and other subvertisers) are ones supported by the majority of people in this country - including large numbers of current and ex-service men and women. In fact, if recent polls are to be believed, more people would like the troops home now, than ever voted for the government that sent them to war.

Some people, while agreeing with the message, have suggested that instead of subverting the poppy appeal posters, I should have paid for my own. But free speech isn't free and in this Orwellian era of eroding civil liberties and political policing, I wouldn't fancy my chances. Others suggested that I should have lobbied my MP and/or lawfully protested outside Downing Street, but I have - as have million of others.

Like most people in this country, I have lost all faith in the political system. I'm disillusioned by the collusion and vested interests of the media and despair at the injustice all around. Public services get cut or privatised and working people lose their jobs, pensions or their homes while the government bails out the bankers and sends yet more working class kids to die for their geopolitical ambitions. It makes me sick!

Ordinary people don't have the same freedoms and privileges enjoyed by the ruling classes, who seem immune to being held accountable for their greed and corruption. Instead, they always seem to find a way to 'reward' themselves - at our expense. Those who dissent find themselves labeled as 'domestic extremists' and threatened with police violence and terror laws.

Yes, I've been guilty of thought crime! Like many, I was appalled when Tony Blair became peace envoy to the middle east and horrified at suggestions he could now become EU president. So when I saw people had started subverting the Afghan posters with the new message, “For Their Sake, Bring 'Em Home”, I was inspired to do my own to remind people of Blair's war record.

I understand that the Royal British Legion values its reputation as being apolitical and I am sorry if anyone felt misled into thinking the Legion was taking a position on the rights or wrongs of current military incursions. That was not my intent, although obviously I did aim to get passers-by thinking about these issues themselves. I support the work of the Legion, although I think it's tragic that veterans and their families have to rely on charity, rather than receive the support they deserve from the government so quick to spend money sending our troops to war.

The adage 'never forget' is one normally associated with remembrance day and a plea which I hoped to enhance through my action. This time of remembrance is vital, especial now with fascism stirring again throughout Europe. We must remember, not just those who gave (and give) their lives but also the reasons we went to war (both then and now).

I was pleased that the RBL, and influential voices within the armed forces, recently spoke out against the dark irony of the BNP attempting to co-opt imagery of this nations honourable fight against fascism. It is sad but true - patriotism is routinely co-opted by those who seek power to further their own selfish agendas. I try to have faith that the sickening neo-nazi legacy will never take root on our shores but with our democracy in such a shambles, it is seemingly never more open to abuse.

I am forever grateful to all those who have risked their lives resisting fascism (be it fighting the Nazis, Mosley's blackshirts at Cable Street, the National Front at Lewisham, or the BNP at the BBC). I'm also humbled by the likes of Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, who have shown the courage to put their necks on the line to speak out against the unjust resource wars of our corrupt leaders.

Some commentators have said I should be ashamed of what I did - but I am only ashamed I do not have the courage to identify myself. Those who should really be ashamed are those who make a mockery of our democracy, abuse our nation's history, and betray the positions of power entrusted to them.

So, I am truly sorry for any upset caused to the family and friends of those who appear on the posters, or to those who have served this country, but I stand by my message. Lets prosecute our corrupt politicians and bring the troops home before Christmas!