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Search forTragedy of heroes cruelly sent 'over the top' to die
Friday, November 21, 2008, 08:00
They were sent over the top to their deaths while the top brass were held up in well-stocked chateaux nearby. I am sure we can all recall the series Blackadder Goes Forth which in the final scene depicts the futile waste of life during this war to end all wars.
Even after two world wars we are still involved in conflicts around the world. The loss of life continues and we see blame being sought for the recent Snatch Land Rover incidents in Afghanistan as an old Etonian officer resigns in protest.
Perhaps, as during World War I, the selection process is not being allowed to operate naturally. About eight per cent who are educated in public schools go on to take about 50 per cent of the top jobs that are available.
We are simply not getting the best people for these top jobs. The gene pool is far too small and, as a result mistakes, are being made, big ones costing many lives.
You need to look only at the Tory shadow Cabinet; Eton or other top public school, Oxford, banking, civil service or Sandhurst; this is my sum of all fears.
We usually poke fun at Americans and their outlook on world affairs, but we, it seems, are a very long way off electing a black Prime Minster.
Unless we ditch the old nepotism that operates in our class system and allow the natural selection process so well defined by Darwin to flourish, more life will be needlessly lost. If we do really want the best from our armed services, then let's provide the best leadership and the best possible support both financially and logistically for them, based solely on the natural selection process.
Graham Forsyth Chard
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