BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice

Subject: BS: Lumley re-defends Ghurkas from Prejudice
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 04:26 PM

What, am I first again?

Another unspeakable conservative politician attacks Ghurkas on racial grounds as needing to be dispersed "like asylum seekers".

Is there a political party in the UK prepared to rise to proclaim the moral ground?

No. It is left again to Joanna Lumley - not only gorgeous (for her age) but also a delight to hear speak.

What is wrong with the English and their politicians?

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Ghurkas from Prejudice
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 05:07 PM

"Gurkhas" please.

However you spell it, they should be welcomed. And I think Gerald Howarth, the MP in question (and a Junior Defence Minister) is probably quaking in his shoes.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Ghurkas from Prejudice
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 05:25 PM

Thank you McGrath - fat finger syndrome.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Ghurkas from Prejudice
From: michaelr
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 05:34 PM

Good on ya, Pats.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Ghurkas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,999
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 06:09 PM

I don't know who the Lumley lady is, but I like her already.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: gnu
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 06:39 PM

When did this take place?

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Dead Horse
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 06:53 PM

I always thought the plural of Gurkha was Gurkha.
Or maybe Johnny Gurkhas, as the troops called them :-)
Did you know that Gurkha are employed by the Singapore Police, the Sultanate of Brunei, the Australian Military and the US Military?
They also have several regiments in the Indian Army.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 07:02 PM

On the nudes tonight, gnu

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 07:16 PM

My father would be horrified if he was still alive. He was in the army and spoke very highly of the Gurkhas. Joanna Lumley is wonderful; she has fought tirelessly on their behalf.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,999
Date: 27 Sep 11 - 10:02 PM

Gnu, it's happening now. Started again about a week back. It is shameful in the extreme. I'm glad my grandfather died before he witnessed this.

##################################################

Tul Bahadur Pun was awarded a Victoria Cross. His story is worth reading. He's somewhat atypical of all I've read or heard about Gurkhas as soldiers. Canadians who were alongside them in Italy had great respect for their soldiering abilities. I've listened to some vets speak of them, and they do so with fondness. This situation is a disgrace. And the suggestion from Howarth--I figure England gets its politicians from the same factory we get ours.

There's no pill to cure stupidity.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 07:32 AM

Not only is she wonderful, Eanjay, but she's funny, she isn't married to an overpaid, oversexed footballer, and she speaks English properly. For once, a role-model we can hold in the highest respect (as well as fancy to bits!).

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 07:46 AM

Good GOD! I 100% agree with Primitive Tribesman about something!

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Max Johnson
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 10:28 AM

My late father fought in a Gurkha brigade in Burma during WW2 (20th Indian Division) and he would never hear a word said against a Gurkha or a Sikh.

And that's just one of several reasons why I support the Gurkhas against the bean-counters.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: akenaton
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 11:26 AM

Joanna's a bit dry for me....I prefer Helen Mirren!

At the moment.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 12:13 PM

OH dear! She could be very very awkward...

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Lighter
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 01:13 PM

Not only all of the above, Lumley was apparently honored with an OBE in 1995.

At least according to Wikipedia, which also names her as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

I'd like to believe it. But I haven't been able to confirm it independently.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,999
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 01:28 PM

Here ya go, Lighter.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Lighter
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 01:37 PM

Wow! And they wouldn't lie, either!

Thanks, 999!

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 03:58 PM

"Joanna Lumley - not only gorgeous (for her age)"

Joanna Lumley is gorgeous outside and IN. Her age will *never* matter for she is a Lady, with a capital 'L'...She's supremely intelligent, utterly beautiful, deeply spiritual and is able to connect with anyone on the planet, from Prince to Pauper...all of whom glow in the wake of her Shining Aura. She also has a magnificent sense of humour!

She should be Prime Minister, because she'd get this country back to Shining as bright as her Aura in a moment...

I have the utmost respect for her.

Joanna sorting out The Politician over The Gurkhas :0)

The story of Joanna's father, Major James Rutherford Lumley "....was an officer in the 6th Gurkha Rifles, a regiment of the British Indian Army. He had served in Burma during the Second World War and his life had been saved by his fellow Nepalese servicemen.

Joanna knows that without their bravery she would probably never have been born. 'This has been the most rewarding thing I've done, without a doubt,' she says of her involvement in the campaign." (taken from that link. Yes, it's the Daily Mail, get over it...) ;0)

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1205295/Limpy-lumpy-planes-Gurkha-beer-Joanna-Lumley-Nepal.html#ixzz1ZHL1C85l


Joanna Lumley in 'Girl Friday' - Youtube Part 1 (all other parts are on there too.

Joanna's 'Nile' series

And of course, Joanna sending herself up as the wonderful and hysterically funny 'Patsy'
Absolutely Fabulous

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Brian May
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 04:36 PM

When in the military, I used to bump into the Gurkha regiments from time to time. Carrying them from Kathmandu to Hong Kong, down the Falklands etc

Proud, cheerful, reliable and utterly loyal consummate soldiers. Great guys.

If a politician has had a go at them, then he is a twat.

I last saw them locally they were smartly drawn up on Remembrance Day parade. They were quite old, but they lined up perfectly and the marching was spot on.

They are welcome around my house any time.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,Bluesman
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 04:57 PM

Lumley has a lot to answer for. It was never practical to invite impoverished Nepalese into this country, either for them far from home in an alien culture, or for the existing population. Be realistic, we are the most overcrowded country in Europe, can can't open the doors and windows and say "you can all come and all your relatives too." If we owe them a debt of gratitude, they got it in a form of generous pensions. Is Walnut Whip Lumley going to support and house them ?

When this story was headline news about 2 years ago, my lasting memory of Lumley (a washed up actress from several decades ago who was clearly seeking much needed media attention) was when she made a ass of herself in a television interview due to emptying a bottle or two before heading to the studio.

When the Gurkhas signed up - frankly as mercenaries - they expected a pension which would allow them to live well in their own country, that ws more than enough.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 05:19 PM

It is not acceptable for a politician to compare the Gurkhas to asylum seekers.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 05:29 PM

I thought Bluesman was bound to turn up saying stuff like that...

we are the most overcrowded country in Europe That just is not true. But why bother? I imagine he read it in the Daily Mail...

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,999
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 05:37 PM

I have never heard anything bad said about Gurkhas by informed people. I know a few vets who fought along side them in some hot spots. They are held in very high regard by soldiers all over the world. Their loyalty is unquestionable and their integrity unassailable. If the British government is intending to betray them, please send them to Canada because we would welcome them.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 05:59 PM

""we are the most overcrowded country in Europe That just is not true. But why bother? I imagine he read it in the Daily Mail...""

Naah, he just makes it up as he goes along.

You don't really think he can READ do you?

Only if the pictures are well drawn.

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 06:05 PM

A lot of people in the UK welcome them too. Aldershot, where I was born, is at the centre of this issue.

One of the problems is pension rights. The previous British government got this wrong in 2010 and now the present British government is getting it wrong too. Around 25,000 Gurkhas who retired before 1 July 1997 are not currently entitled to full British Army pensions, although veterans who retired after that date get equal rights with UK soldiers. It is possible that a lot of those who retired before 1 July 1997 would return to Nepal if they did get equal pension rights. Instead, some of them have taken up their settlement rights and claimed benefits in the UK in lieu of being paid a standard army pension and remaining in Nepal.

Defence minister Gerald Howarth would do well to choose his words more carefully.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 06:09 PM

Sorry, meant 2008 not 2010.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 06:35 PM

I am not aware of Joanna Lumley being a spiritual person. I am aware of someone else being a complete ass.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 07:42 PM

GUEST Bluesman can be relied upon to try to influence an argument not with facts but by dismissing credible sources and playing a racist card. Ignore him.

I'd say, from an American viewpoint, that the legend and the linkage of the British soldiers and their Gurkha partners is well-known but not completely understood (to us in the US, but perhaps also to modern generations in the UK). We have seen it represented in books and film, no doubt highly romanticized. The level of service and sacrifice these warriors from Nepal showed the British is unique, and to cast them off in their old age is deplorable.

That's not to say that the U.S. has managed to live up to all of it's obligations to individuals who supported us in wars abroad. An easy way to get out of these states of social/cultural indebtedness is to stop going to war or colonizing other nations.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,Bluesman
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 07:54 PM

"I'd say, from an American viewpoint, that the legend and the linkage of the British soldiers and their Gurkha partners is well-known but not completely understood (to us in the US, but perhaps also to modern generations in the UK)."

It could only come from a yank. LMFAO

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,999
Date: 28 Sep 11 - 08:03 PM

If you laughed that off you'd disappear.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 04:39 AM

Don't feed the troll.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Brian May
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 08:06 AM

Ah . . . good advice.

Mum's the word.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 12:23 PM

"I am not aware of Joanna Lumley being a spiritual person...."


She is a great believer in the Dalai Lama as his religion is 'kindness', which she adheres to. Some folks on here could learn a great deal from both Joanna and the Dalai Lama...

"..I am aware of someone else being a complete ass."

See above...

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,Bluesman
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 12:55 PM

It must be hard on someone like her when they reflect on fame and youth, both long since gone. Saw her on Sky a few weeks ago wearing leggings, Christ it was rough, the rear tailgate has dropped and everything else has headed south.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 02:06 PM

Joanna Lumley is absolutely fabulous in all ways :)

I was pleased to see this in the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,999
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 02:42 PM

Beautiful, eanjay. Thank you for posting that link.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 03:06 PM

What Lizzie said!

The Gurkhas have a long history of fighting for Britain, and what is not romanticised is their hard wired respect for the British Army, for their largely white British officers, and for the Crown.

Who else would walk several hundred miles over territory which is about 90% near vertical, from Nepal to India where the army had its recruiting station, for the privilege of joining a foreign army.

I remember a retired officer of a Gurkha regiment talking on telly about their part in WW2. He said that he told his Gurkha NCOs that they would be jumping into the Burmese jungle from planes at low level, and the senior NCO commented that they might not be one hundred percent effective. Their faces lit up when he mentioned parachutes, but not one had even considered refusing to jump.

Their loyalty and commitment deserves better than to be abandoned now.

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Penny S.
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 03:23 PM

We used to live in the village where her parents lived, to which she would come at times. She spotted my sister, heavily pregnant with twins, at a village fete in the hot weather, and made a point of having a conversation with her. But she also used to be spotted going round the village with a binbag and gloves, collecting litter to clean the place up. Totally admirable. and what does it matter if she doesn't look the same as when she played Purdey, her soul is the right sort.

The MP is an idiot.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 03:37 PM

Her documentary journey to the source of the Nile was superb, and she showed enormous empathy with all the people she met, without being patronising or playing to the camera. I think role models are important, and she is definitely one in my book. As for the Gurkhas, they are totally worthy of a full Pension. They've served this country admirably.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Penny S.
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 03:52 PM

Of course, spreading them all out so they have no one to talk with will spread out the strong feelings that they are being hard done by, possibly stirring their local British Legion members into supportive action, and thus affecting the future votes given to the people responsible for their situation.

Own goal, I feel.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST,999
Date: 29 Sep 11 - 04:11 PM

Don, I encountered that story elsewhere on the web. It was essentially the same as what you related. As I recall: The Gurkha leader told his NCO that they would drop from 700 feet into jungle. The NCO returned a short while later and said the men were a bit worried about that and could they please be dropped from 300 feet instead. The leader said, "But if you do that your chutes won't have time to open." The NCO got a big smile on his face and said, "Oh, we'll have parachutes?" He left with a grin on his face to inform the troops.

Nice post, Penny.

Mrs Lumley, wherever you are, the people who know about what you are doing on behalf of the Gurkha families have overwhelming respect for you. Imo, you have as much courage as the soldiers themselves.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 09:31 AM

Yep!

Thanks for the memory refresh mate. That was it exactly, and I had forgotten some detail.

As I said, I saw it on TV, when the officer was interviewed. I have an idea that it my have been an episode of "This Is Your Life", but I'm not certain.

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 11:31 AM

According to The Office Of National Statistics, England actually is the most overcrowded country in Europe.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/2967374/England-is-most-crowded-country-in-Europe.html

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 11:55 AM

According to The Office Of National Statistics, England actually is the most overcrowded country in Europe.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/2967374/England-is-most-crowded-country-in-Europe.html

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 02:10 PM

"Beyond Europe, England's population density is among the highest in the world for major countries. England ranks third in density after Bangladesh (1,045 per sq km) and South Korea (498 per sq km). !

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: BTNG
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 03:16 PM

Remembering previous posts by GUEST,Bluesman I was charitable at the time and thought he was just a chain yanker. I now have cause to revise that opinion, and now believe him to be a rather nasty, mean-spirited little (with the emphasis on little) man, to whom the sacrifices of those more brave than he ever could be, mean absolutely nothing. Sad really when you consider that there were those who fought and died just so the likes of GUEST,Bluesman can voice their rather dubious opinions.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Dead Horse
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 06:13 PM

I attended my first Cenotaph parade last year, and am going again next month (11 hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 2011)
and I was quite taken with the cameraderie of all taking part - lots of good natured banter and a fair bit of booing at the Military Police :-)
But when the Gurkha marched past our ranks, looking as smart as only the Gurkha can, everyone applauded them from all sides.
They are truly loved and respected by our armed forces - politicians are not.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 01 Oct 11 - 10:40 AM

Perhaps if we keep the Gurkhas, and deport the politicians..............?

I'll get me coat
Don T

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 01 Oct 11 - 12:11 PM

"Good GOD! I 100% agree with Primitive Tribesman about something!"

Fuck me, how did I miss that gem from Mr. Nasty?

Well, Dick, that's clear evidence that you're starting to grow up at last - keep this up and you'll be in long trousers and reading 'Janet and John' soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Mrrzy
Date: 01 Oct 11 - 08:13 PM

Hey, the Gurkhas beat the French Foreign Legion in The Deadliest Warrior, and I had bet on them too!

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Oct 11 - 10:00 AM

I support wholeheartedly the right of Mudcat members to use a Mudcat name of their own choosing but find it rather ironic that the sole dissenter in this thread has picked a name referring to a particular style of music, the originators of which were, and often still are, subjected to racial discrimination, prejudice and much worse!

Thanks to Eanjay for her explanation of the pension situation for Gurkhas. I work with local Gurkhas here in Reading (UK) and don't know any who would not cheerfully give up their right to claim Pension Credits, Housing Benefit etc etc in exchange for full pension rights. They see this – as many of our parents did – as seeking charity and feel that if they were given the pension to which they feel they are entitled, it would restore their pride, a pride not just in themselves but a pride in the country they have served so bravely for almost 200 years.
The absolutely crazy thing about all of this is that the British government has recognised the entitlement of Gurkhas to the same pension rights as every Commonwealth soldier but, as was originally the case with the right to stay in the UK, they have tied this to 1st July 1997, the date that the HQ of the Brigade of Gurkhas moved from Hong Kong to Kent! What that has to do with pension rights escapes me although the longer it takes to sort it out, the more Gurkhas can die off!

There are times when it hurts to be British

Eddie


Have a look at some videos here

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Kampervan
Date: 02 Oct 11 - 10:53 AM

I think that you'll find there is rather a high concentration of retired folk of white anglo-saxon lineage in Eastbourne and Frinton, to name but two.

Maybe we need a re-settlement programme to spread them a little more evenly around the country?

Some politicians really haven't got a clue.

Subject: RE: BS: Lumley re-defends Gurkhas from Prejudice
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 11 - 12:15 PM

There seemed to be a lot in Tenterden this weekend too...

A friend who lives in London told me how noticeable he found the monochromatic population.