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| Thread: Heros(heroes) & Heroines(heroe-ine?) |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 3 · «PREV / NEXT» |
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Svarog
Honorable
Supreme Hero
statue-loving necrophiliac
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posted November 04, 2004 02:49 AM |
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Didnt they stick a wooden cross in the little vampire after they saved him?
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The meek shall inherit the earth, but NOT its mineral rights.
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ratmonky
Famous Hero
Abu Hur Ibn Rashka
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posted November 04, 2004 05:26 PM |
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Quote:
Didnt they stick a wooden cross in the little vampire after they saved him?
svarog, this was a lame joke 
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Dies illa, dies irae,
Calamitatis et miseriae.
Requiem aeternum
Dona eis, dona eis Domine.
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Svarog
Honorable
Supreme Hero
statue-loving necrophiliac
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posted November 05, 2004 12:43 AM |
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i knew many wouldnt like it.
But i like it. 
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The meek shall inherit the earth, but NOT its mineral rights.
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terje_the_ma...
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Disciple of Herodotus
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posted November 08, 2004 11:45 AM |
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It sure made me laugh, but I'm known for my rather macabre sense of humour
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"Sometimes I think everyone's just pretending to be brave, and none of us really are. Maybe pretending to be brave is how you get brave, I don't know."
- Grenn, A Storm of Swords.
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted January 10, 2005 07:18 AM |
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Edited By: Consis on 21 Jan 2005
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One Man Can Make A Difference
It is a great wide world in which we live. To the honor of our own existence do we owe nothing less than the right to be free to persue our own path and search for happiness. In a great world of billions of people one man, one person, and one voice may cry out for peace but most likely never be heard.
The place: Tiananmen Square. The date: June 5, 1989.
 http://www.time.com/time/time100/leaders/profile/rebel.html
Quote:
In the dark early hours of June 4, the government struck back, sending tanks from all directions toward Tiananmen Square and killing hundreds of workers and students and doctors and children, many later found shot in the back. In the unnatural quiet after the massacre, with the six-lane streets eerily empty and a burned-out bus along the road, it fell to the "tank-man" to serve as the last great defender of the peace; an Unknown Soldier in the struggle for human rights.
A small unexceptional figure in slacks and white shirt, carrying what looks to be his shopping, posts himself before an approaching tank, with a line of 17 more tanks behind it. The tank swerves right; he, to block it, moves left. The tank swerves left; he moves right. Then this anonymous bystander clambers up onto the vehicle of war and says something to its driver. As soon as the man had descended from the tank, anxious onlookers pulled him to safety and the waters of anonymity closed around him.
The man who defied the tank was standing, as it happens, on the Avenue of Eternal Peace, just a minute away from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, which leads into the Forbidden City. Nearby Tiananmen Square — the very heart of the Middle Kingdom, where students had demonstrated in 1919; where Mao had proclaimed a "People's Republic" in 1949 on behalf of the Chinese people who had "stood up"; and where leaders customarily inspect their People's Liberation Army troops — is a virtual monument to People Power in the abstract. Its western edge is taken up by the Great Hall of the People. Its eastern side is dominated by the Museum of Chinese Revolution. The Mao Zedong mausoleum swallows up its southern face.
This man is one of my most thought-of heros. He represents the courage of the common person through nondescript existence and achieves what most historic limelight-egos relentlessly hunger for. He was not looking to rule the world, become king or emperor, or even seeking political office of any kind. He simply wanted to be heard for the value of one person's own identity and uniqueness. Long will I live though never forget. I will forever remember the act of courage this man showed in the face of the overwhelming odds of an oppressive government.
He taught me through his actions that you can disagree with your government and still be patriotic, still be humanitarian, and still hold great honor and dignity deep within your heart. There were two heros on that day; the lone young Chinese man standing in front of the tank and the man inside, driving the tank, who would not kill the civilian.
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Roses Are Red And So Am I
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted April 19, 2005 06:11 PM |
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Edited By: Consis on 19 Apr 2005
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A Small Tribute To A Knight In Shining Armor
Winston Churchill
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." This speech was made in the House of Commons as the Battle Britain peaked on August 20, 1940. The home front was totally involved in the war because of the Germany bombing raids and Britain was "a whole nation fighting and suffering together." But special gratitude was directed towards the airmen, one of whom was pilot Billy Fiske, whose prowess and devotion were capable of turning the tide of the war. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. He worked out the phrase in his mind as he visited the Fighter Command airfields in Southern England.
I couldn't possibly do the proper honor of posting all the great accomplishments of Sir Churchill here at Heroes Community. I will therefore write a short and sweet paragraph of how this man has personally touched my heart.
~The more I read about the history of the modern world, the more I become acutely aware of the great and noble sacrifices of past generations. In particular, a turning point in the last great war was quite possibly one of mankind's finest hours. Here was a time when the threat of horrific anti-semitism and raging nationalistic fascist warmongering ran wildly unabated; all under the auspices of a tyrannic racist dictator willing to kill innocent men, women, and children whose ethnicity did not fit into his masterplan of the world. It was a great and terrible time when men rose to support the basic nature of evil that rests on Fear's shoulder. It was fear of losing a job, not being able to put food on the table for your family, and of being militarily invaded by neighboring countries on the claim of national debt. There in that dark time can we also find some of our brightest individuals. One of these individuals was an English-born man whom never gave up in his quest to win the day from evil men. And they were evil indeed. But on the eve of certain doom; when the threat of menacing defeat loomed over the gateway of the English-speaking world; no one need tell him what duty was needed to endure the call to arms. He was in fact, a beacon of light which lit the way for all who kept their eyes open to the danger which could befall our democratic world. It was the 'Battle of/for Britain' that brought a nation to grip with its own mortality. This was the day that free men arose to meet the challenges of a Nazi aerial onslaught. This was the day that would determine the future of the free and democratic world. This was the day when a leader holding the torch of honor would light the way for a better world. He was and is a great and honorable man with unshakable will and indomitable strength whom represents the best in all of us.
With all my best wishes
And my personal thanks for keeping hope alive
May God rest your noble soul....Sir Winston Churchill
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Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
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Svarog
Honorable
Supreme Hero
statue-loving necrophiliac
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posted April 20, 2005 12:35 AM |
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Churchil, yes, my favourite statesman of the XX century (beside comrade Tito ). I always take the time to read a good Churchil quote, cos they are so full of wit and even a tad of the unique English humour. Anyone knows some site with his famous one-liners?
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The meek shall inherit the earth, but NOT its mineral rights.
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terje_the_ma...
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Disciple of Herodotus
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posted April 20, 2005 01:03 AM |
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Personally, I prefer Anthony Eden, foreign minister in the early 50s, who almost singlehandedly negotiated the arrangements that saved NATO, and prevented the creation in its stead of either a French controlled Euro Army or two bilateral treaties, one between BRD-USA the other BRD-UK, with France as a possible Soviet ally...
Now that's what I call statemanship!
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"Sometimes I think everyone's just pretending to be brave, and none of us really are. Maybe pretending to be brave is how you get brave, I don't know."
- Grenn, A Storm of Swords.
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privatehudson
Responsible
Legendary Hero
The Ultimate Badass
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posted April 20, 2005 01:10 AM |
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It's to be remembered that the guy wasn't exactly a saint, nor entirely without faults.
He once declared that in the event of a German invasion of England that he'd gas the entire southern coast to deny them the area. When people questioned this he snapped that it was "our" land to do with what we pleased. Opponents of Dresden and the British Bombing raids on Germany would do well to recall that Churchill knew full well the consequences of the raids and the lack of results. He also advocated the use of gas as a weapon against Iraquis between the wars (coincidentally, the man in charge of Bomber command and directly responsible for the firebombing of Dresden, "Bomber" Harris learnt what you might call his tricks of the trade bombing Iraqui tribesmen)
His war record is also tainted by his inability to keep his nose out of military affairs. He screwed up the African campaign in 1941 to defend the undefendable in Greece, spent much of the war obsessed with the Balkans and was at least partly responsible for the debacle of Gallipoli in WWI. It's arguable that by continuing to employ Montgomery in the foremost role that he did despite Montgomery's lacklustre performance he probably caused many problems also.
Now don't get me wrong, I think that during the period of 1940-43 he was probably the only man capable of keeping the British in the war. His chief rival for the role in 1940 had been someone who was all but garunteed to sue for peace. Instead under Churchill the British not only clung on but took the fight back to the Germans, and did enough to bring the USA into the war. I admire the way he pulled the country through, and believe he was the right man, in the right place at the right time. On the other hand though, I don't hold with one-sided views of anyone. What I am therefore saying is that the above is the flipside to your post, and both should be considered when dealing with the man. A reminder if you will that even the best of us have faults.
On quotes:
I believe Nancy Astor once was so angry with him that she declared "Winston, if I was your wife I would poison your coffee". Churchill snapped back "If I was your husband I'd drink it" 
My favourite is a bit longer. He was once giving a dinner during the war when his aides interrupted to inform him that Charles De Gaulle wished to speak with him urgently on the telephone. Churchill brushed this aside telling them to inform the Frenchman that he was busy. They returned shortly later to say that De Gaulle was angry at being ignored and insisted on speaking to Churchill. Churchill leaves the room and returns some 10 minutes later. He sits down and says "De Gaulle has just informed me after boasting for 10 minutes that the French consider him to be the new Joan of Arc" He pauses....
"I felt it was my duty to remind him that the English burnt the last one at the stake"
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We're on an express elevator to Hell, goin' down!
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terje_the_ma...
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Disciple of Herodotus
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posted April 20, 2005 01:43 AM |
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Quote:
His war record is also tainted by his inability to keep his nose out of military affairs. He screwed up the African campaign in 1941 to defend the undefendable in Greece, spent much of the war obsessed with the Balkans and was at least partly responsible for the debacle of Gallipoli in WWI. It's arguable that by continuing to employ Montgomery in the foremost role that he did despite Montgomery's lacklustre performance he probably caused many problems also.
Wasn't he also the "mastermind" behind the (failed) WWI operation where the Entente tried to launch an attack on Turkey through the Dardanelles, in order to open a new front in the south east, and thus further straining the rescources of the Central Powers?
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"Sometimes I think everyone's just pretending to be brave, and none of us really are. Maybe pretending to be brave is how you get brave, I don't know."
- Grenn, A Storm of Swords.
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privatehudson
Responsible
Legendary Hero
The Ultimate Badass
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posted April 20, 2005 02:02 AM |
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He planned that operation yes, believing that the battleships could smash the fortresses there. Instead they ran into the heavy minefields, suffered heavy losses and failed to push through to Constantinople. In some ways they are more of an extension of the Gallipoli campaign coming just a month prior to it, and it's failure directly lead to the landings.
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We're on an express elevator to Hell, goin' down!
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted April 20, 2005 05:56 AM |
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A Word Or Two...
If I may be so bold, men are quite imperfect beings. This is true for all men. This is a rule and law(by God). You cannot go through a single day without having been affected by your own mistakes, or the mistakes of other men.
When looking to history, I have a much softer view of "the man" as opposed to his "accomplishments". I look back with forgiveness because he now belongs to the pages of history. His life is over and cannot be undone.
However, when I look to electing a new president I have a much more critical sense of awareness. I won't be slight when deciding who shall lead my country. His mistakes, both good and ill, will greatly affect me and my family. To this end do I peer through the looking glass of judgment and determination. I watch every move, listen to every word, and judge for myself with a high degree of strict circumstances whether this man is qualified to lead my country. Hindsight is 20/20 while foresight is the Hobble telescope.
Churchill is dead. In his life he was in no way perfect. Time moved as surely as it always has and when the time came for him to choose for himself what to do with the life he had, he chose service of his country and his people. The people of Great Britain did indeed put all their trust into him and hoped he would make the just and right decisions. When the time came, he would not let them down. Even when many of his own countrymen were against him, he would stay the course and carry through during the Battle of Britain. This was a battle unlike any other in the history of the world. Never before was there so much at stake; and never since. For all his mistakes and mortal imperfections, he was indeed a man of honor and courage that shall not be forgotten. I am proud to say he is one of my heroes.
Svarog, for excellent Churchill quotes: http://www.winstonchurchill.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
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Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
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privatehudson
Responsible
Legendary Hero
The Ultimate Badass
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posted April 20, 2005 06:07 AM |
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Firstly I think you're putting too much into the BOB. Hitler had very little chance to invade the British isles with or without victory there, and though the battle had some effect on events in Russia, it's overall impact has always been overplayed IMO. I also think that if for some reason events had gone slightly differently you'd be considering him a villain now. It only needed parliment to agree to his plans on Iraq, or Hitler to somehow invade Britain and we'd probably think of him as a mass murderer.
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We're on an express elevator to Hell, goin' down!
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted April 20, 2005 06:32 AM |
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He Did More
Well you may or may not know this but he actually gave a twenty-page letter to Roosevelt detailing Britain's full and entire situation. This included all of her capabilities, all of her debts, foreclosures, and every piece of detail describing her military secrets. In essence, he gave a foreign man all the secrets of the British empire in one last hopeful gesture to gain Roosevelt's trust to finally encourage him to enter the war.
Example: "Here is my country and all we have. It's up to you now to save us."
The Britons have long been known for their arrogance. I believe any other person would have kept his dignity and witheld vital information thus losing the war. That was the way of the old English but Churchill knew there would be no future if America did not enter. He was a humble man and Roosevelt respected him every bit as much as any great leader.
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Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
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privatehudson
Responsible
Legendary Hero
The Ultimate Badass
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posted April 20, 2005 06:57 AM |
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Yes yes, this is all well known and interesting, but hardly changes the fact that the only major reason he's not recorded as a villain in our history books is because he won. Had the Germans won the war, they wouldn't have to look far to find reasons to try him.
I'm all in favour of having heroes, but lets not make them into saints unessecarily ok? 
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We're on an express elevator to Hell, goin' down!
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted April 20, 2005 03:52 PM |
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Edited By: Consis on 20 Apr 2005
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Uh Huh....
And you have a better choice for someone as hero/heroine? Let's hear it.
Edit: I'm not certain I quite agree with your Dresden remark. While horrific, I believe it was a casualty of the war. Look here for a more detailed opinion:
http://www.winstonchurchill.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=106
I agree with the synopsis.
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Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
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privatehudson
Responsible
Legendary Hero
The Ultimate Badass
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posted April 20, 2005 05:23 PM |
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I would say the blame of Dresden is still Churchill's on the basis that 3 years of similar raids had done absolutely nothing to wear down German morale and contributed much less to the war effort than was hoped for. In that light, it's irrelevant whether he stopped the bombing campaigns just after or not, he continued them for three years beforehand. I never specifically laid the entire blame for Dresden on his shoulders because it would be unfair. I blame him for continuing 3 years of wasteful and destructive bombing that was doing nothing but slaughtering civilians and ruining europe's finest cities.
That link is very good at blaming Harris, but not very good at asking the simple question, who was (ultimately) Harris' superior? Winston Churchill, so it's all very well finding Harris to blame, but that begs the question as to why he was used in that role if Churchill was so anti-bombing.
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We're on an express elevator to Hell, goin' down!
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted April 20, 2005 06:12 PM |
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Edited By: Consis on 20 Apr 2005
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Well My Friend,
In this world what options have we to turned toward when looking for guidance and role models? I understand to each his own. I am not perfect and so I look for strength in other people. There are those I want to be more like. I want to be a better person. My heroes are people that posess qualities I would like to have in myself. It is a very personal experience for me that I feel helps me grow as a person.
There are many dreary aspects of being a leader. Some have suggested that a great leader must be cold and calculating at times for the greater good of society. This is to say that he/she might have to ignore the needs of the few such as those in his own marriage or other such significant relationships in order to care for the much greater good of the many. I quite understand this. In history we can find leaders such as Churchill and others whom have applied their legacy to the growth of humankind. And there are many more who didn't; leaders all the same; cold and calculating with no redeeming qualities. I personally look toward a more humane individual who sees not only the importance of a battle but also the greater concept of the war. When it's all finished and done, what will be said of it? What will our children think? Did we make a difference or were we no more petty than our barbarous ancestors whom conducted wars for pleasure and self gain? Etc, etc...
Perhaps you have some persons of your own as well. As I suggested, perhaps you'd like to share them with us? I know I'd certainly enjoy reading your thoughts and opinions.
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Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
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privatehudson
Responsible
Legendary Hero
The Ultimate Badass
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posted April 20, 2005 06:16 PM |
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Quote:
Perhaps you have some persons of your own as well. As I suggested, perhaps you'd like to share them with us? I know I'd certainly enjoy reading your thoughts and opinions
Churchill is one of my heroes, I just don't believe in portraying him as a saint that's all.
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We're on an express elevator to Hell, goin' down!
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted April 20, 2005 06:24 PM |
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LoL,
Mildly jesting, he might actually be more 'saintly' than some of the actual saints! At least he didn't crusade or such drudgery. The catholics don't have a perfect score when choosing who qualifies to be a saint.
Although he would have made a good Saint-Nicholas. He was quite 'jolly' at times!
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Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
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