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Dane-Geld
by Rudyard Kipling

Posted on 06/20/2006 8:21:20 AM EDT by Clive

It is always a temptation to an armed and agile nation
To call upon a neighbour and to say: --
"We invaded you last night--we are quite prepared to fight,
Unless you pay us cash to go away."

And that is called asking for Dane-geld,
And the people who ask it explain
That you've only to pay 'em the Dane-geld
And then you'll get rid of the Dane!

It is always a temptation for a rich and lazy nation,
To puff and look important and to say: --
"Though we know we should defeat you, we have not the time to meet you.
We will therefore pay you cash to go away."

And that is called paying the Dane-geld;
But we've proved it again and again,
That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld
You never get rid of the Dane.

It is wrong to put temptation in the path of any nation,
For fear they should succumb and go astray;
So when you are requested to pay up or be molested,
You will find it better policy to say: --

"We never pay any-one Dane-geld,
No matter how trifling the cost;
For the end of that game is oppression and shame,
And the nation that pays it is lost!"

1 posted on 07/15/2006 2:31:27 PM PDT by Clive
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To: Clive
Invariably, the abductors seek to trade them for large numbers of Arab terrorists being kept in our jails, creating yet another impossible quandary.

Solution: Don't put them in jail; kill them after all useful intelligences has been obtained.

2 posted on 07/15/2006 2:51:33 PM PDT by JimRed ("Hey, hey, Teddy K., how many girls did you drown today?" (Hello, I'm a TAGLINE virus. Please help m)
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To: Clive

Dane-geld bookmark
Nice post...thanks!
3 posted on 07/15/2006 2:54:07 PM PDT by NonLinear (He's dead, Jim)
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To: Clive


The Code of Conduct

I am an American fighting in the forces that guard my country and our way of life, I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies.

I will never forget that I am an American fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.


4 posted on 07/15/2006 2:54:22 PM PDT by DUMBGRUNT (islam is a mutant meme)
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To: Clive
Do we bomb an apartment building where a wanted killer is hiding, knowing civilian lives will invariably be lost in the process? Do we react harshly to an incursion of our borders, aware that this reaction will put our forces even further in harm's way? Do we follow our instincts and ignore international pleas to show restraint, straining our already-tenuous relationships with other countries?

Yes, yes, and yes. Want my advice, Stewart? Don't worry about "sinking to their level." This is not about who finishes prettiest, this is about who is alive to finish. Kill them without mercy. Wipe out civilians, smash city centers, lie publically that it was an accident, apologize profusely, and then do it again and again till they realize that you are capable of being just as nasty as they are. Otherwise, they will eventually wear you down and wipe you out. Don't worry about saving your decency. Worry about saving your life. That's JMHO.

6 posted on 07/15/2006 3:07:11 PM PDT by A_perfect_lady
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