I was shocked to read that: "Prince Harry has called for return of national service in Britain, saying the army did 'amazing things' for him."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-17/prince-harry-calls-for-return-of-national-service-in-britain/6476480

I'm sure he's a nice person (from a Royal perspective) but is this guy some sort of idiot?

Why he'd like to go back to the John Schumann days - "when I Was Only 19" and force people into the military in any form, is beyond me.

Is it time for Australia to move to a Republic and cut all connections to the royal family? I'll votes yes - ASAP. We don't need their inheritance.

Yesterday the morning presenters on Sunrise discussed this issue.

Kochies' Angles (give me a break) each shared their view. It gave me a good laugh because all three completely missed the point. The three women with the best of intentions suggested alternatives to the National Service that they thought would be better.

One Angle suggested sports camps for unemployed and disenfranchised youth; a 2nd Angle thought the idea of something along the lines of the Peace Core would be good; the 3rd simply felt the government should be providing training and work experience opportunities.

None of the three mentioned how their suggestions would help the youth develop the discipline, respect, and self esteem that many men gain from serving in the military, even if only briefly.

Nathan, I think you have also totally missed the point of Prince Harry's suggestion. We currently have throughout the western world, youth who are growing up without decent role models; selfishly believing the world owes them something; throwing tantrums when they don't get their way; getting into serious drug abuse; not inclined to work their way up the ladder, but rather expecting to start at the top; displaying incredibly bad manners and showing no respect for elders or anyone else.

Put simply, many of these youths are growing up in families that lack discipline and they have next to no way of learning to control themselves or even behave properly, in a societal context.

Don't be so hasty to write this idea off, in its entirety Nathan. Try looking at the big picture.

oops, I misspelled Angel is my previous comment.

Sorry Poirot

Sorry ConservativeHippie, it doesn't work that way today. The last thing the defence forces want is a bunch of dumb antisocial teens to baby sit.

Today even an army foot slogger has to have some brains & education to do the job. The old cannon fodder foot slogger is long gone. The majority of these clowns would not make it past the first contact with the recruiting staff.

In the US the army is full of those who couldn't find employment. They are at least volunteers, & mostly school graduates who signed up for the training offered.

Something like this might work here, & I believe it is what Harry had in mind. The dropout brigade are of no more use to the forces than they are to themselves, or the rest of the country. The army, with it's Labor slashed budget, can't afford to babysit the countries drop kicks

I assume Harry boy sees national service as being done in the way he has enjoyed his so called stint in the army. Jet setting around the world, first class, wining and dining five star all the way.
As one so fortunate to be born into such privilege, Harry is one luck fella indeed. All are forbidden to mention the skeleton in the cupboard.
For such an outstanding suggestion, possible Abbott could give Harry a knighthood, like he gave to grandpa Boo Boo.

Compulsory National Service for public servants and tax payer funded academics might of brought these idealist into the real world before they sprout their destructive doctrines. Full marks to Harry but commonsense went out of the Western world by allowing the socialist to encourage the West to self destruct. Why do you think the Islamist last so much at the very ones who defend them.

I think it’s good that members of the Royal Family are able to express their views, and in this case Harry appears to be suggesting that individuals are helped a great deal by experiencing the discipline of Defence Force life. I agree with ConservativeHippy that too many kids grow up without any sort of role model or ethical guidance and a spell in the Forces would be good for their character and future in society. My own experience doing 2 years National Service certainly emphasised this fact and I saw several would-be delinquents have their lives turned around. They learned a trade and were able to leave the army with far greater prospects and self confidence for employment than before they were conscripted,

Harry cannot be criticised for being born into Royalty and he performs the job he has been given in the only way he feels possible. He joined the Military and served as far as he was able under his circumstances, and I think he has done it well. Don’t criticise him. If you must criticise, criticise the system under which he must live. I wouldn't want to be under a constant spotlight as he is.

We can only pray that the Prince will grow up and wisen, realising that it's not right to inflict such pain and horror on innocent conscripts.

When I took up Australian citizenship I gave an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty, Her heirs and successors, thus I can never vote for a republic.

Can any of you nay-sayers show me the quote that Prince Harry was promoting conscripted service? Ideally that might be the best way in order to insure the lazy ones still go through boot camp, but the idea of serving a bit of time in the national guard or similar doesn't necessarily have to be against their will.

Harry floated an idea. Rather than totally bag it, why not pick out the potential positives and find something that works in this day and age.

Yuyutsu, why do you describe providing disciplined training that potentially leads to employment and a self respecting life, as "inflicting such pain and horror on innocent conscripts."

Yuyutsu, as you are well and truly already grown up, there's still time for you to wise up. Think before you leap.

Dear Hippie,

<<Yuyutsu, why do you describe providing disciplined training that potentially leads to employment and a self respecting life, as "inflicting such pain and horror on innocent conscripts.">>

Because I was a conscript myself and that trauma is always with me, also why I escaped to Australia.

As for employment, I wasn't looking for any - I was forcibly snatched out of university.
As for a self respecting life, you have no idea of the humiliation and bullying I underwent in the army. Fortunately while I was made to shoot and make holes in cardboard figures, I refused to make holes in any real person, even at the cost of my own life, otherwise I would really have become permanently incapable of any self-respect.

Toughen up Yuyutsu, and get over it. That was a long time ago.

Just because you had a bad experience doesn't mean there isn't any merit in the suggestion.

Harry did two periods in Afghanistan, no first class wining & dining there.

ConservativeHippie,

If you are so much in favour of National Service, why don't you 'take up the lead' and sign up tomorrow?

You might also show "the lazy ones", the potential positives of National Service and find something that works in this day and age.

I doubt you'll be contacting the Army - but if you do want take on the challenge and face potential death as a result, here's their website:

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/?gclid=CJfl9YOrzcUCFRcJvAodeDYARQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Why are conservatives so hell bent on militarism and have an unbridled preoccupation with war. Is it because Harry and his ilk have a lot to protect and look to the mugs to provide that protection.

Bazz, what was Harry doing in Afghanistan? Didn't Bush, Blair and Howard declare it "mission accomplished" or some such dribble way back in 03. The people of Afghanistan have been enjoying the fruits of freedom and democracy ever since. So what was Harry doing there? Five star wining and dining.

Nathan, I'm not an 18 year old bored teenager with no job skills, no ambitions, no self discipline and no prospect for ever contributing positively to society at this point in time.

What makes you think I haven't already served?

I can't believe you are unable to see this concept has some potential, if nothing else, at least for those who are willing.

Apparently I've touched a raw nerve; my apologies, I wasn't directing my comments at you specifically.

If you dump a load of degenerates in the military the people who would make really good soldiers won't want to join.
I used to work with a Muslim guy from Singapore, he'd been in trouble with the law as a teenager and when he went to the medical for his national service he failed the drug test, so they made him do a stint in detox after which he did his two years in a punishment company.
If you guys want punishment battalions to "straighten out" juvenile delinquents then prison farms and reform schools like they have in the U.S and U.K would be a cheaper alternative. I saw a documentary on Britain's approved schools and some of them are exactly what other posters are describing, they employ military like discipline plus educational achievement and vocational training are mandatory and a condition of parole

Regardless what a so-called Prince of another country says about national service in Australia, the very last thing this nation needs are more idiots learning how to go bang-bang with guns!

National service calls for all young people to be forced into military camps whether they like it or not. So mad Joe-Blo from the 'hood and his scaly mates will be armed with deadly weapons and taught that it is ok to shoot someone else dead....sounds great.

We only need the well trained military personnel and law enforcement members to learn how to use guns, and not just any idiot.

ConservativeHippie,

You can still be part of the military service if you want to.

Don't forget that - but you seem to like the fact that you have the 'choice' not to - and I was very concerned that you were writing off, the after affects of military service.

Your comments in relation to Yuyutsu highlighted that point. You also don't seem to realise that some countries do have compulsory national service, with some examples below.

1. Mozambique, where registration for military service is compulsory for all men and women aged 18;

2. Israel, Jews and Druze are required to serve in the armed forces from the age of 18 and both sexes are obliged to register;

3. Lithuania, (in March 2015) reinstated national service on a limited basis for men aged 19 to 27;

4. Argentina, Portugal and Ethiopia, have the power to enforce national service if there is a shortage of troops;

5. Spain and Sweden have kept conscription as an option in a national emergency.

http://www.kmbc.com/national/uks-prince-harry-require-military-service/33071054

Any type of military involvement should not be compulsory, for anyone. I think it's a bit "rich" to call for national service coming from a member of the royal family.

For the last time, the suggestion of compulsory national service was not aimed at increasing the size of military, preparing for war or to simply train hoodlums how to use guns.

The idea was to address the high youth unemployment and today's youth lack of respect and lack of self discipline. It does not necessarily have to be military training but it does need to be something that requires commitment for a set period that is long enough for the individuals to the develop positive skills and a mindset they can benefit from for the rest of their life.

Given a choice many youth would prefer to stay at home, do drugs, watch TV all day whilst collecting the dole and still complain the dole payments aren't enough. Although they may not like it, if they were forced to serve the community in some fashion, living away from home in a disciplined environment, while gaining positive experience and useful skills, chances are they will complete their service as better people and be happier within themselves. A positive kick up the backside, so to speak.

I totally agree we should not pollute our armed forces with undesirables therefore some sort of alternative training program that achieves the same end result is preferable.

Are those of you who are so adamantly opposed to the idea happy to see nothing done instead? Or if you have a better idea, let's see it.

Maybe Harry's got a point! You go in as a freeloader, living off the public purse, and emerge a multimillionaire. Harry's net worth is estimated at $40,000,000. Military service didn't do any harm to the career prospects of dear old dad, $210 million ?, and grandpa Boo Boo $30 million, its all in the wife's, name doen't want it to interfere with the old age pension. A family tradition no less!
The fringe benefits are not bad, first class travel in a private jet, five star accommodation, alone with fine wining and dining, what more could a ex Centrelink junky, come soldier, ask for?

If ever Hippie's suggestion is accepted, whose cruelty knows no end, no Abbott would be able to stop the boats. Myself, being too old to be conscripted again, I would be out on a plane that very day with a one-way ticket, but the seas would be full of boats going the other way, with families desperately trying to get their sons and daughters out of Australia. Children would have to flee their loving homes, their work-places, places of study, monasteries and grandparents they care for - all to avoid being locked up, punished and tortured for just one "crime" - being born in Australia and reaching the age of 18.

The day this happens, Australia would be no better than Daesh, that day there would be no reason why Australia should continue to exist and not be invaded by some other evil regime and destroyed to the ground, that day I would certainly curse it in my prayers.

Before I came here, the Australian Consul promised me that conscription is unconstitutional in Australia, otherwise I would have found a different refuge to live in - and so would every parent and grandparent who loves their children and grandchildren.

Paul 1405
I don't think putting down someone does your opinion any good at all.
He was at an outpost under attack, and on the second time in helicopters.

I have no opinion on the national service. I think the army would not
be keen to be lumbered with hundreds of no hopers.

More political correctness -

"The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a bit of a misnomer, says France, as it lends the imprimatur of Islam to a group that the vast majority of Muslims finds despicable. "This is a terrorist group and not a state. I do not recommend using the term Islamic State because it blurs the lines between Islam, Muslims, and Islamists," France's Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in a statement. "The Arabs call it 'Daesh' and I will be calling them the 'Daesh cutthroats.'

The name Daesh, according to France24, is a "loose acronym" for "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (al-Dawla al-Islamiya al-Iraq al-Sham). The name is commonly used by enemies of ISIS, and it also has many negative undertones, as Daesh sounds similar to the Arabic words Daes ("one who crushes something underfoot") and Dahes ("one who sows discord"). —Samantha Rollins"

Good to see Yuyutsu is ahead of the rest of us.

And yet behind our own Prime minister, ConservativeHippie.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/pm-tony-abbott-baits-jihadis-with-hated-daesh-tag/story-fni0fiyv-1227181490381

Is Tony Abbott politically correct now?

ConservativeHippie,

Although (some youth) may not like it, if they were forced to serve the community in some fashion, living away from home in a disciplined environment, (they may) gaining positive experience and useful skills.

Do you have evidence to prove this? Many so called "programs" over many years - both long and short term periods - have been brought in by governments and various bodies (who seem to think they know better than everyone else) and forced onto others - based on the principles, you see as vital.

These in my view include a basis of authoritarian and politically correct based elements - and many people today have not seen or recognise the damage - particularly those who have not had to deal with these "solutions".

One of these was having the national service introduced - and to think it is still in place, in some countries worldwide - is purely disgusting

Suse,

"We only need the well trained military personnel and law enforcement members to learn how to use guns, and not just any idiot"

Why would we want them to learn?
I would have thought that as they are "....well trained..." already that they would have learned how to use guns.

Okay Nathan you've turned around my thinking. I now believe we should stop expecting more from our youth. There's no need to help them get out of their ruts. Who am I to say good manners, self respect, a desire to contribute positively to society, and the self initiative to get a job even if it means starting at the bottom, are all desirable qualities.

I'm with you Nathan. Let's advocate for increasing the dole for school leavers, can the useless training programs, and while we are at it, legalise drugs and hand them out free.

Bazz, is that the official line for mass constipation about Harry, the gallant solider fighting off the Taliban in Afghanistan, all on his lonesome, or some such clap trap. I recall how good old Uncle Prince Andy was supposedly to have won the Falklands War, all on his own, single handed. It turned out to be a lie, again made up for mass constipation! Some may be naive enough to believe that feel good propaganda, but I don't swallow it for a minute.

Unseemly and very unfair and unnecessary slagging-off of a young man who is making the best of his opportunities (and the restrictions and limitations of Royalty).

Just like a Green though to be shabbily bad-mouthing and sledging anyone successful who is trying to do the right thing.

You'd think that there would be some applause for Harry Wales spending a fortnight with NORFORCE out of a very busy schedule (to take one example). I bet they were excited and thankful for the world-wide recognition that brought. He was on the ground and shared the same conditions. Above all, he was and is very respectful.

OTB,

We must make allowances for Paul, he's a Green and that puts him at a disadvantage for a start.
I bet he thinks that George VI and his wife fled London during the Blitz and that Prince Phillip spent the war years in some comfortable billet far from danger.

I agree fully with you ONTHEBEACH, Capt, Harry WINDSOR is a pretty good soldier by all accounts ? Qualified Helicopter Pilot, two tours of Afghanistan, and being a Royal doesn't make him bullet proof. It's my understanding he did all the sorties he was allotted. Again I assert, the Taliban with their surface to air RPG's could have shot his chopper out from beneath him if they recognised it was Harry flying the A/C ? So I can't see how the risk had been reduced in anyway ?

Grunt or Royal, it's of little consequence, if it's your time, you're done, simple as that ! It's got me buggered why some have this need to continually attack Harry, or William, merely because they're of Royal blood. Harry served honourably in the Afghan war, simple as that. Leave the poor bloke alone ? If any of his detractors wish to make light of his military service, well go over to Afghanistan, and show us al,l how it should be done !

Reintroduction of National Service ? Somehow, with the youth of today, I suspect No:1 MCE, would be 'chockers' within the first day or two ? Most couldn't take it !

Pathetic Paul.
I am sure if was just a show some soldier who was also there would have sold the story to the media by now.

You really are pathetic; just change your signature to Pathetic Paul.

What is pathetic, is theses so called 'royals' who have been having a bludge, and enjoying the fruits of the labours of the hard working common people, us serfs, since William The Conqueror turned up in 1066!
What I suggest for Prince Harry, Prince William, Prince Charles, Prince Phillip, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and prince the corgi, Is, take Harry as an example, Prince Harry, gives up his $40 million of unearned wealth, and becomes Mr Harry Windsor, or his real name Harry Saxe-Coburg-Gotha,(maybe not enough space on the dole form for such a long name) they didn't actually ever change it legally to Windsor, just took it cause at the time Great Grandpa Eaddie was having a bit of barney with his rello cousin Willie, The Kaiser of Germany! Go down to Centerlink register for the dole, all $519.20 per fortnight, move out of the government provided palace, and live in a council flat in Whopping! And at the same time, look for a real job!
Am I being unreasonable? I think not! The French had the right idea and so did the Russians, it just didn't work out too well, better luck next time. I shouldn't have mentioned the French and Russians people might get the wrong idea.

"The French had the right idea and so did the Russians, it just didn't work out too well, better luck next time. I shouldn't have mentioned the French and Russians people might get the wrong idea." - Paul1405

What wrong idea might we take from a member of Green Party saying the above, Paul? That this self declared pacifist would support violent revolution to install a communist government? What on earth would make us think that?

Paul1405,

You shouldn't be so jealous.

If you tot up the cost of the dole and free government services including very expensive health delivery to many unemployed no-hopers whose chosen lifestyles and selfish, irresponsible choices are affecting their health and general well-being, they would have to have in excess of a cool million invested (and paying tax on) if they were being required to pay themselves and the exasperated, long-suffering Aussie taxpayer wasn't stumping up for those services instead.

That is why economic migrants pay criminal gangs to get them to the Western democracies. Welfare states where other people called taxpayers are doing the hard yards by going to work all of their lives to support bludgers who never intend to work for the whole of their lives (and through family reunion bring in their claimed relatives to sit back as well).

The problem with the Greens and other leftists who believe that a 'wealthy Australia' SHOULD (MUST!) keep them in the manner they would like to become accustomed to is that the gathering, inescapable consequence of large scale migration and factors like globalisation is the loss of the quality of life and government support that were previously supplied FOC by those hardworking, soft-hearted 'whites' who came from the highly civilised UK and some European countries.

Some longer paras there that could hurt the brains of the egocentric, demanding leftists. Many have warned them before in short, simple words and to no effect though. While they will claim not to read it anyhow, the party is over. They can expect a reduction in those government services and pensions. Present and future federal governments will not be able to stop the decline in living standards and probable loss of liberal democracy as well.

Gather your rosebuds and scoff at Harry Windsor while you may, Paul1405.

Paul,

Did you not know that Prince Charles' ".... views on farming. Prince Charles' Duchy Home Farm went organic back in 1986, when most shoppers cared only about the low price tag on suspiciously blemish-free vegetables and unnaturally large chickens piled high in supermarkets. The Prince's farm supplies barley, beets, carrots, milk, mustard, oats, parsnips and wheat to Duchy Originals, a firm he set up in 1992. In what he calls a "virtuous circle," the company markets organic products such as cookies and soups made from the produce grown by his own farm and from ingredients sourced from other suppliers using farming methods that protect the countryside. The company's profits go to charitable causes."

There you are a real Green for a change and note where the profits, in this instance, go.
http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1663317_1663319_1669898,00.html

You should have said Prince Charles is a 'Royal Greenie'

It's always interesting how different people
interpret the same phenomenon in very
different ways. An interpretation influenced
by their background, training, prior experiences,
and personal values.

Here we have Prince Harry making a comment from
his own personal life experience regarding
the military and the positivity of
what he (and others he associated
with) gained. He wished this valuable experience
for other young people in the UK.

Prince Harry is about to leave the military and
wants to go to Africa and learn about conservation
in which he's interested. I suspect that his father
would be very pleased with this move and would support
his son's actions.

Prince Harry by the sound of it was merely talking
from what he had experienced.

However, I think that most of us would agree his military
experience must have had a good influence on him.
I recall a few years ago pictures of him naked in a Las Vegas hotel.
Now, wanting to go to Africa and learn about conservation
is a far cry from Vegas. Whatever's brought about the
change in him - can't be a bad thing, and perhaps
it would not be a bad idea to give youngsters who prefer
living on the dole to working - a push in the right direction.
It worked for a Prince.

Hi there PAUL1405...

To be fair Paul, I don't believe that Harry was advocating the introduction of National Service for anyone in Oz ? Furthermore, I don't believe he sought to be taken too literally either, rather more of a 'throw away line' ? Like you might see a bunch of youths engaging in misbehaviour or loutish activity in the street. You'll often hear people say '...what they need is six months in the Army to teach them some discipline...' ?

If that person were to be sat down and asked, if their remark was truly meant ? I believe many would simply laugh it off, and say '... of course not...' but adding, '...they do need some discipline nevertheless...' ?

Paul, I do recognise that you're totally opposed to the concept of National (Army) Service in principle. In fact you intractably oppose any military intervention of any sort, other than to repel an enemy attempting to invade Australia. And I respect you for that, as you're a legitimate Conscience Objector.

However, what are your thoughts on a National Service initiative, of a type designed to inculcate some of the necessary personal virtues that hitherto fell within the aegis of the Army ? I'm not even sure of an appropriate model to be honest with you ?

Teach some of these young men and women how to make better choices with their lives ? Job (application) skills, grooming and hygiene, even some basic speaking skills. Tightly constricted by time and money; what would be the duration - who'd staff such a 'National Service' scheme ? Could discipline become part of the strategy ? Those youngsters who thwarted the concept entirely, what could be done with them ? Paul, some mighty tough questions and issues, I reckon ? What are your thoughts please mate ?

OTB Said;
(and through family reunion bring in their claimed relatives to sit back as well).

Now that DNA tests are so much cheaper these days, family reunion
applications should be checked with DNA tests.
If they object, then no visa.

O Sung Wu, there is in Sydney an organisation that operates a "teach them some discipline"
courses on a property outside of Sydney. There was a doco on it on ABC
a year or so ago. The parents of some of the youths said it was successful.
I think there was a failure on the doco, but on the whole it did the job.
Perhaps more government funding of such organisations would save a lot of doles.

Hello there FOXY...

I couldn't agree with you more. Harry when younger did not enjoy a particularly good reputation for being steady, reliable, moreover a credit to the royals. Until he hit Sandhurst, and everything changed including for Capt. WINDSOR who by all accounts acquitted himself quietly adequately in Afghanistan during his two tours of duty, as an Apache (Attack) Helicopter Pilot. A rotor wing, weapons platform, with a particularly complex name to fly effectively.

So I'd certainly like to have his abilities, his brains, his obvious aptitude to manage such a formidable weapons platform. And, fly the thing all at the same time ? It matters naught that he's a Prince, and everyone around him needs to respectfully genuflect every time he nears. Flying the Apache, nobody holds your hand, you risk exactly the same risks of surface to air RPG's or a heavy calibre machine gun fire, as any other Army pilot in a combat zone. If he's hit, he bleeds, he feels pain, fear, the need to take a piss, and try to control his nerves during a 'contact'...It matter little he's a prince or a pauper ? His critics seem to forget all that stuff.

Actually, I often wonder how well his critics and detractors would perform, if they were to be placed in exactly the same set of circumstances, when time literally 'stands still' that Capt. WINDSOR had endured during the invariable 'contacts' ? Coping with your 'tunnel vision' where your eyes ONLY see tracer rounds heading up at you to the utter exclusion to everything else ?

G'day there BAZZ...

That experiment conducted just out of Sydney sounds like it's worth looking at ? I've seen (TV) similar operations conducted in the US and GB along similar lines. The US scheme was conducted on a Ranch well away from any cities, and that itself didn't go down very well ? Many of the young people needed access to their smokes, and smoking was generally prohibited, so there was a lot of arguments even a threatened assault if the staff didn't return this young blokes cigarettes ?

Interestingly the British model was based on the old 1950's Army, National Services scheme. An old Army base was deployed, the staff were all retired Army personnel, the 'recruits' were remanded there by the judiciary from teach of the main towns in and around Greater Manchester, I think ? They were mandated to remain there for the entire three months. A case of go there, or go to gaol ?

How successfully was it ? Well not all that good by some accounts ? Some of them really played havoc while there, and ultimately ended up serving a much longer sentence in gaol, in any case ? What was the point ?

Finally we are on the same page about something Foxy. It might be a good time for me to retire from making any further comments on OLO.

So much of what we all do here is only cheering for our side, I was beginning to wonder why any of us bother.

Just taking Harry's helicopter a little higher to get a better perspective, adventure, self-testing and risk-taking are particularly important to boys to develop. Where things are breaking down is in the lack of models, specifically fathers, in their lives.

However, even where there are fathers, there are also claims that those fathers are time poor - which to a previous volunteer in sport and adventure activities such as myself - is not always a convincing argument at all. Often it is preoccupation with the Net and other toys (and lack of effective father parenting themselves) that prevents fathers from spending the necessary real time with their sons.

By the time they might be old enough for the military is usually far too late to help their development, mental health and anti-drug resilience.

However Prince Harry and many others know that and put heaps of time into many other Award schemes and adventure activities for boys. A very good example and choice for parents generally and solo mothers with boys is the Scouting Movement,
http://www.scouts.com.au/

A interesting article on raising boys from a mother's perspective,
http://www.mamamia.com.au/parenting/raising-my-adolescent-son-is-hard/

As a believer in an egalitarian society I have little regard for the thoughts and opinions of out of touch privileged members of the British royal family. This from Harry Windsor is a another one of those "let them eat cake" comments to what is a serious social and economic problem. A suggestion by someone who is not, and is never likely to be, in the position of those he comments on. At best it is an out of touch suggestion, with no practical merit what so ever. It does not sit well with the "new" image the establishment likes to project for the young royals of being carers and sharers in society when the reality is, given their privileged position, they would be incapable of fully understanding the problems of those beneath them. That is not a comment on heartlessness of royalty, but the reality created by their position. I will go as far as saying Harry and William etc may well be nice people, but the inescapable fact is they, by their very nature, represent the divisions that exist within society, including the British society.
I was somewhat flippant with my last posting. But seriously I see royalty as an irrelevancy in the twenty first century. What maintains the young royals popularity, is a well orchestrated constant stream of positive feel good feeds through the media, nothing short of a propaganda campaign to ensure the royal place and its long term survival as an entity in society, and not simply become an irrelevant anachronism is maintained.

cont

cont

G'day, o sung wu,

MY "thoughts on a National Service". I am not in favour, I much prefer equality of opportunity through education, leading to the acquisition of worthwhile life skills. Children who have been educated in a stable social environment with positive roll models, and have obtained those necessary skills to equip them for the future, rarely if ever, become a burden on society. In fact they become a positive asset to society, contributing more than their fair share, but of course there are the exceptions. Trying to reshape failed people later in life through national service or as you would know, prison, is doomed to failure in too many cases. I see young kids in trouble, drugs, petty crime, anti social and uncontrolled behavior, you don't have to ask them about their home life and their schooling, you know the answers. Many of these kids had no chance from day one and by their 18th birthday its too late, their life has been set in concrete, and nothing will change its path to destruction, but there are exceptions and they are worth the effort. Many of us simply want to inflict retribution on these people for their "sins". I am no bleeding heart liberal, I know the law has to be upheld and respected, and ultimately prison is the only answer for some people, but if we had did a lot more earlier in life thing would be a whole lot better for many individuals, and society in general.

Paul1405,

So anyone you can stereotype as coming from a 'privileged' background is forever damned for it and is not to be listened to and should be castigated at every opportunity, and conversely any who are unsuccessful and even criminal can claim fault in others for their state?

That is emotional ruling the man and is a flawed world view. Splitting, as so many leftists do.

Personally I would never dismiss the views of anyone without first understanding what s/he is saying and why s/he is saying it. That has come from experience and my belief in continuous life learning. It has served me well too and I am constantly amazed by the understanding and solutions that evolve from seeking out and really listening to, the views of people from vastly different backgrounds and with different skills to me.

Paul1405, it is not advice you want to hear and doubtless it is comfy and secure and involves less brain hurt to stereotype and split the world into those categories, but you sure are missing out of a lot by doing it.

With those 'Class' blinkers on you miss the obvious positives, virtues, of those you unfairly, wrongly despise and are bigoted against. For instance, Harry's immediate dismissal of the opportunity offered to him by some Oz feral media 'personalities'(sic), Kyle Sandilands in particular but his production team and management as well, to laugh at one of their own (I will not disgrace his target by adding her name) who suffered an unfortunate highly embarrassing mishap. Harry's reaction was to stand firm, sensitive, understanding and fair, to reject the 'humour'(sic) and offer understanding and sympathy to the target of the bullying, the woman. He would have done so for a man too, which further separates him form PC clowns of the Oz media and politics.

Few others would do the same. Harry has character, ethics and principles. You could rely on him as a friend, and as someone who doesn't even know you but can be relied upon `to step in to insist on fair play.

What about this too?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2337882/Harry-saved-gay-hate-attack-Prince-extraordinary-showdown-troops-threatened-gunner.html

OTB, over the years I have heard little of interest from members of the British royal family, that is not to say they have never made a constructive comment, they have. At times Charles has been forthcoming with valued opinions as did his wife Dianna from time to time highlighting wrongs that badly needed addressing. The problem for the royals is not to be seen as becoming too political and that limits what they can say. Shock horror, should they step outside the boundaries, and certainly not to the left.
In this case I very much disagree with Harry, but for someone who has expressed an opinion on this forum in support of citizen gun clubs, I suppose compulsory national service, would sit well with you.
As for "class blinkers" you are one who applies tags all the time, Noting good ever comes from the "progressives", nothing of good comes out of the mouth of a Green politician, feminists, Marxists, Trotskyist etc, you disparagingly refer to so often here. You chide me for what you perceived as an attack on Harry Windsor, a public figure who made a public comment, but you have no problems attacking those public figures of the left as worthless, you so stridently disagree with all the time.

Paul1405,

You would try to turn it back on me, ad hominem being your only defence as you see it because the facts are well against you.

Do you have any doubt that this young man was making an observation about his own experience and relating it to the UK?

What you were doing is damning the man for things that were well beyond his control, his birth and heritage. Although there isn't so much in there that he should be embarrassed by in any event.

Good on him for the good he does in his youth work in particular. Here is another example,

http://www.beargrylls.com/scouts-join-prince-and-bear-at-charity-race-launch/

A pox upon those who are hitchhiking a ride on his celebrity to serve their own secondary agenda.

G'day there PAUL1405...

Sadly I reckon you're right ? I should've recognised that for myself, as I've seen enough of it when I was working ? You pick up a young 15-17 year old for a minor street infraction ? All you get from them is 'attitude', in some cases you'd tower over them, yet they'd not for a moment, seem to be intimidated by your size of the fact your a copper ?

At home you may meet Mum, Dad, or both. You'd smell booze all over 'em, bad language and aggressiveness, residing in a dirty, dishevelled, Housing Commission dwelling ? And guess what...you receive more 'attitude' the second the door opens ? They wonder why their kid is well on the way to Long Bay ? The number of times I would've relished grabbing Dad by his ears, and thumping some sense into him, explaining why it's his fault why his boy is on the 'slow boat to the Bay' !

You know Paul, these kids haven't got a chance in hell of dragging themselves out of that domestically fuelled quagmire of criminality. Young boys with a complete absence of a decent role model, looking towards some mythical Xbox hero to fill that void, with nothing but a future of hopelessness and crime.

Paul,

Have you nothing to say about the tourism asset that Britain has in having resident Royalty?

As for an egalitarian society, that is an impossibility and would, I suppose, be rather dull; having about all the exciting sophistication of an ant colony.

NathanJ,

I agree with you. They are preparing for WWW3 and the New World Order, the next step after Globalisation.

The Anglo/Zionist alliance are warmongers and use the colonies as human sacfrifices, as they have always done by putting the ANZACS on the frontline. They have destroyed and persist in their aggression of invading perfectly functioning countries, like Libya and Syria.

You do realise that the USA is living in a police state and Europe is falling apart. Sweden now has the 2nd highest rape accounts in the world. It's all been planned over centuries. The NeoCon Trotskys control US and European politics. The Bush's are related to the Queen. The USA has never been a republic. There is no Democracy.

http://www.deesillustration.com/artwork.asp?item=1210&cat=satire

http://www.deesillustration.com/artwork.asp?cat=satire

http://www.deesillustration.com/

Mossad/CIA created ISIS etc. They are using Muslims to battle with the West.

Did Israel's Mossad Do 9/11? YES!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bG3Q3bkH_0

I know an unsung war hero (WWII) - an Aussie surgeon who did the most operations in a day (about 26) in the Middle East. He wrote a book critizising military leaders but his book was suppressed because of his criticism. We are living in very dark times. Our media is controlled and run by these warmongers. Churchill didn't care about dead soldiers, especially the ANZACS.

Gaddaffi wanted to stop using the US dollar and he also had much much Gold. They are provoking war against Russia and attacking countries who are not under control of the Reptilian Rothschild's banking empire who by the way control The Reserve Bank as we are still under the British Empire. The Rothschild cabal control the Bank of London and US Federal Reserve. Kennedy wanted to break the power of the Federal Reserve and also wanted to stop Israel from going nuclear.

England gave the nod for the Balfour Declaration (the creation of the fake Israel Khazar state).

Divide and Conquer has and always will be the Motto of Britain.

Constance,

Good to see you back, I always find your posts most enlightening.

Psychiatry is of only passing interest to me these days but I do read you with more than a little interest.

IsMise,

You are either a naive Communist, or a real one who should be held for treason but either way you are certainly odd.

Tell me, you must love all the violence in the world? I know you know your guns. Or just lacklastre on any conviction?

And I'm very of the Commie tactic to humiliate.

TRAITOR! You obviously couldn't give a damn for dead soldiers.