To Die or Not to Sell

People who choose to join military services do so to uphold the honor of their country. They do so with a determination that they will endure the toughest hardships.. and even death.. before they fall in enemy hands. They are trained to face the worst interrogations and ordeals... so that they never compromise their team, country, respect or pride. And those who succeed are paraded in front of appreciating citizenry, honored by their people and prided on. Needless to say, every military personnel is well aware of what he has signed up for. They know the history of their soldiers who have gone down fighting... and there are many who will die fighting - with a smile on their lips… not complaining… not crying.

What royal marines did after being captured in the Iranian waters can only be termed as a royal betrayal by the 15 marines who put themselves above their country and their army. The ease with which they succumbed ─ their (debatable) confessions like a guilty child, enjoying (so called) enemy hospitality as if they were long time allies or family friends, and then crying like pre-teen kids in front of the country's media ─ has deeply hurt many proud Britishers. UK's cash-happy, spice-addicted media tabloids haven’t helped much. They really have made a mockery of what is supposed to be a soldiers' sacrifice - trivializing it as an unwanted professional trauma. It doesn’t stop here …. they are now set to capitalize on this mockery in the name of freedom of information.

I can't really be bothered... but those who have lost their limbs and lives fighting for their country,without blinking their eyes, will feel hurt, betrayed and undistinguished. These marines have set an example... for UK's military will find it hard to list men and women who will be willing to fill in the ranks to sacrifice their lives for country's honor ─ not without compromise, capital or media galore.

God Save the queen!!

PS. Minutes after publishing this post... UK's MoD has announced a ban on military personnel selling their stories to the media. Now thats what I call - the power of blogging !!