John,
It is at this point that I concede. The issue is unresolved, but you may have
the arguement sir. If you feel you must defend your rather disgusting view,
then that is your right.
My statements remain true, I should think, to any level-headed observer.
The Sherman was outgunned in WW2 as it was against Arabs as were early
American rebels (same type of gun doesn't equate to the quality, the
abundance, reliablility or supply issue). No matter which plane you choose to
argue your point, you are wrong. Your statement was racist and ignorant. You
may have much experience with Arabs, and that same experience may have colored
your views and even your interpretations of facts.
I'll freely admit that the Arab track record for tank war isn't grand, but it
has less to do with being Arab than it has to do with Arab leadership and
tactics. If you were ultimately misunderstood, I appologize, but I think your
continued defense of the original statement denotes otherwise.
My best regards to you, sir. I will comment no further.
Eli
Seems to me obvious but here goes:
My impression is that John 1)Has a stubborn streak once he has formed an
opinion ("Why should I say I agree with you if I don't?") that my Great
Grandmother would appreciate (You have any Cherokee ancestors?) and 2)John
seems to sometimes have a sense of humor that allows him to continue a thread
when there is obviously no persuading him to change said mind in a somewhat
"Just because" manner and 3)Sometimes it is just better to just let it drop
then try and insist John say the 'magic words' one thinks are appropriate
(John is not unique to my experience
there by any means - I'm married to a French Canadian raised by a
[emphasis on the first word] Polish-American Mother and a "There are
*no* hyphens in American!" Father (Polish and German at least,) so there are
at least two. When I met them there was this argument that had been
going on for over twenty years - and they died without putting it to
rest. So I understand stubborn... okay, 'firm opinion'... is a personality
trait that is as basic as breathing.)
Note: the only things my Father-in-law thought I had as flaws was I
wasn't Polish (I think it mean the wasn't sure about this
Spanish-Cherokee-yadayadayada mongrel,) I wasn't a union member, I
wasn't a Catholic, I wasn't a Democrat (Independents were waffling
Republicans) and... I forget the last one. And this in the first hour of
meeting me. I'm sure the list grew. <grin> John is a kitty cat compared to
that...
John, I hope nothing I said offends you, I only know you a little bit but
those are my impressions. I might disagree with you (if I was sure how *which*
of the things you say are only half facetious) but I am not about to try and
make you say anything just so I feel good. You have a low evaluation of Arabs
as tankers (at least) and that's you your evaluation. Hold to it if you
believe it's truth. Change your mind only if the facts as you understand them
warrant it.
Growing up around and dating Zionist Jews and attending college with Arab
and Iranian 'Rich Boys' during the 1969-1971 the first time I must admit
I have an noticeable difficult time warming up to those ethnic groups.
[When it happens I'll let you know...] That said I will stick to the
dictum that there are no bad soldiers only poorly trained and badly led
soldiers - even though that is a saying that isn't Gospel just an 'in
most cases' level of truth.
Okay, having offended 50% of the list with one or more comments I *really*
will let this thread die...
Gracias,
> --- Glenn M Wilson <triphibious@juno.com> wrote:
Actually, yes. I'm descended from a South Carolina
half-Cherokee slave overseer. I'm actually. . .
1/128 IIRC.
> --- Glenn M Wilson <triphibious@juno.com> wrote:
.....And this just goes to prove just how decent a place this list and the
listers are..... how many minor flame wars on other lists would end up like
this...? :-)