Triumph, a name almost consigned to history. Made a great
comeback in recent years, the market's pretty good right now at
least over here. Along with the Nortons I know they were very
nearly wiped out by Japanese imports to the U.K. The U.K.
motorbike industry was really reeling at one point. Triumph
machines have had a great history, and I thank you for restoring
some of them! I'm no expert, just know a couple of people who've
progressed to the bigger bikes, the 1200cc-1500cc range. Do they
get any bigger than that? Harley-Davisons of course carry a very
good name here too, naturally, along with some of our local
brands, Triumphs included. You must enjoy your job too much to
consider it work. NOT that I'm jealous...ABSOLUTELY NOT!..NOT AT
ALL...
...And yes good point about armament/ammunition supply regarding
Afghanistan. It all has to come from somewhere, these "axis
powers" being prime candidates. I just feel that regarding
Afghanistan these few weeks, but hopefully months..at the least,
may determine that country's long-term future. Rare
opportunities available at this time to solve the drug supply
issue and it's use as a theatre of war by other bordering
nations may pass on by otherwise, and they don't come around
again. If crucial issues on the ground there can be addressed
NOW, we won't come around to a repeat scenario in the future. I
watched a documentary about the experiances of U.S. and British
veterans of the 1990 Gulf War. One, who happened to be a U.S.
soldier, didn't feel like celebrating when he got back home,
because he realised the job hadn't been done. The 'Road to
Basra' episode pretty much ended things there and then,
politically. War of course is not about being nice, ALL of
course IS fair in love...and war. What I'm lead to believe from
first hand accounts is that, the majority if Iraqis within that
convoy, had in fact, been able to flee those vehicals before
they were struck. Those unfortunates that remained suffered a
horrible death to be sure. It's not some thing one cares to
dwell on, but such is the nature of war I suppose. As a result
of the bad publicity, it I'm sure, lead to the early foreclosure
of the conflict and the escape of Saddam Hussein from justice.
The reason that soldier was not celebrating was because he knew
full-well that quite possibly HIS own son may have to risk HIS
life to finish off the job that he felt he and others could, and
should have done. Relating back to Afghanistan, that's what I
mean about not missing opportunities, why repeat events such as
this if they be avoided by some brave and decisive, decision
taking? Most definately! cutting arms supplies are one factor,
trade and aid another and at this crucial stage a decisive
military mandate to re-introduce law and civility to those who
need and deserve it, by U.K. forces or whoever is available.
Starting at home I'd hope my government thinks hard about which
nations arms manufactures here at home supply to. I certainly
don't want yet another conflict where the enemy is shooting at
our troops with our own home-produced weapons. I think the
economy can afford to take the hit instead. I'd be curious to
know how Russia views things at this stage, having been happy to
supply the northern alliance over the years. The U.S. and Russia
at least diplomatically are closer now than they have been for
many years, a crucial opportunity to resolve the arms supply
issue from that avenue.
For things such as arms supply to be resolved in this region in
the long-term, would you in your opinion think it is enevitable
that this so called "axis of evil" be tackled first? Do you
really see any other option?