Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Thrawn on September 11, 2002, 09:09:12 AM
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Switzerland becomes newest UN member
Last Updated Tue, 10 Sep 2002 19:02:28
UNITED NATIONS - After hundreds of years of neutrality, Switzerland became the 190th member of the United Nations on Tuesday.
Switzerland's entry into the UN was one of the first orders of business in the new session of the General Assembly.
The country was the first to decide to join the UN after a referendum. About 55 per cent of Swiss voted in favour of membership during a poll in March.
http://cbc.ca/stories/2002/09/10/swissun0209010
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The Swiss allegedly worked with the Nazis during WWII, making gold transactions for Hitler...not to mention taking the gold fillings from exterminated Jews and melting them into gold bars...thus funding and facilitating the Nazi war effort..not TOO neutral..granted, the Nazis could have squashed Switzerland like a bug so they might not have had a great deal of choice.
http://www.bigeye.com/nazigold.htm
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Originally posted by hawk220
... the Nazis could have squashed Switzerland like a bug so they might not have had a great deal of choice.
I would not be so sure. In both WWI and WWII the germans as well as allies were eager to move through Switzerland. Only presence of mobilised army of few hundred thousands trained citizens determined to defend their country in a terrain extremely suited for defence made them reconsider.
As great as germans were in mountainous warfare, subduing Switzerland would have been a major effort for them and far from guaranteed success. The cost would surely not have warranted the effort.
P.S. How come joining the UN in any way compromises a country's neutrality? Does it mean that being in UN, someone can make USA to engage in war we do not want to engage in? UN is not a military alliance.
miko
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I've went to Switzerland a few times when I was living overseas. The whole country is a freakin' fortress.
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interesting....when I was there, I learned that the hiway system was designed to double as possible landing strips and that when Eisenhower started the project in the 50s to put hiways across the US, we took the same idea and that the rules say that every mile in 10 has to be straight for a half mile(or close to that effect) in the US.
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Joining the UN doesnt necesarily invalidate their policy of neutrality.
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Not militarily, necessarily, but it does show that they want to be involved in international affairs (and Animal, no, that doesn't mean when you go to Grenada and pick up on the ladies). Neutral means whatever happens, they aren't going to get involved at all - and the UN gets involved, whether or not they actually send troops anywhere.
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The Vatican learned all about the Swiss military back in the Middle Ages...the Swiss now have a contingent of troops that guard the place.
Switzerland is a fortress...almost impossible to invade. All males MUST also join the military. I found it disconcerting over there to see so many guys in uniform carrying guns.
A boring lot for the most part...but piss them off at your peril!
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Originally posted by miko2d
I would not be so sure. In both WWI and WWII the germans as well as allies were eager to move through Switzerland. Only presence of mobilised army of few hundred thousands trained citizens determined to defend their country in a terrain extremely suited for defence made them reconsider.
As great as germans were in mountainous warfare, subduing Switzerland would have been a major effort for them and far from guaranteed success. The cost would surely not have warranted the effort.
P.S. How come joining the UN in any way compromises a country's neutrality? Does it mean that being in UN, someone can make USA to engage in war we do not want to engage in? UN is not a military alliance.
miko
since when do you attack your OWN bank ?
that's idiot no ?
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Originally posted by hawk220
the rules say that every mile in 10 has to be straight for a half mile(or close to that effect) in the US.
I thought that was just so you could pick your nose?
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when I was there, I learned that the hiway system was designed to double as possible landing strips
I think you're thinking of Sweden here.
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hawk220: interesting....when I was there, I learned that the hiway system was designed to double as possible landing strips...
For invading armies? Is there a chance you are mistaken and the highways there are designed so that they cannot be used as landing strips? That would make more sence.
straffo: since when do you attack your OWN bank ?
that's idiot no?
No. Occupation of the country does not have to be accompanied by destruction. Look at all the counties that folded without struggle in WWII and provided Germany with much-needed resources besides initial strategic options.
Germans enjoyed french hospitality and potatos of Paris (which was surrendered without a shot). Norway's resources were used to transport Sweden iron ore to Germany. Same with those countries' financial systems.
It's exactly the Suiss determination that even if their country is captured despite utmost resistance, there would not be a stone left unturned, let alone working roads, railways and banks that deterres invaders. Counties are like bullies - they do not just look for victory at any price.
miko
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WHEN I READ THAT :
Originally posted by miko2d
Germans enjoyed french hospitality
AND THAT :
and potatos of Paris (which was surrendered without a shot).
I'VE NO POLITE ANSWER FOR YOU
CAPICE ?
congrats that's the first time I use my ignore list
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The Swiss flew Me-109s.
The Swiss Guard protects the Vatican.
Swiss cheese is yellow, the color of cowardice.
That makes the Swiss Nazi-loving, Catholic-hugging, cowards! :p
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My friend Bert is Swiss.. He said the military is mandatory for 10 years. If you go to collage or leave or something else happens it doesn’t matter you still have to complete your military service up to the age of 45!. Wow
I wonder how many of you know there was a Swiss Lufwaffe grouppin in ww2.
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What's the big deal? Wasn't Paris declared an "open city" to avoid damage?
Weren't germans making fool use of occupied France's restaurants, rairoads and factories?
Didn't french Vishy troops fough against allies?
It's not like I said that France is the only country to have an internet "fill in your name" surrender form in all languages... :rolleyes:
miko
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For christ sake, as much Canada and France have had issues in the past, this is the whoopee limit. I sick and diddlyin' tired of the France surrendering BS. France and the BEF got there butts kicked in WW2. So fediddleing what. It this the irresposible commander that does not surrender when their position becomes untenable.
I especially take exception when this France surrendering crap comes from a person whose nation wasn't even fediddleing involved in the war at that point.
How does this strike you, "Haha, Vietam to send ambasador to American, US surrenders, LOL" "Vietamese fire rifle in general direction of US, US surrenders, haha, fediddlein rutabagas." "Chenyan farts, Russian surrenders!" "Afganistani looks at Russia, Russians Surrender!". Pretty damn stupid isn't it?
"Germans enjoyed french hospitality." Oh did they? One wonders how German men and officers where assinated then. One wonders how rail road tracks, ammo depots, and communitcaions lines were destroyed. One wonders how downed allied pilots escaped France. Let me guess, it wasn't the French Resistance, it was ultra secret British and American resistance.
Yeah but there were no free French fighting for the allies, oh wait...there were.
French men and women risked and lost thier lives to help the allies, and here we spitting on there graves. Cripes.
Yes I know who the Vichy were. But to generalise about the French based on the Vichy's actions is a great disservce to the French that fought and died for the allied cause.
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I really like Straffo. My respect for him prevents me from responding.
Damn you Straffo...you have taken away one of my favourite hobbies, poking fun at the French.;)
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Arrr,
Does that mean that the Swiss Bikini team will be changing their name...to the UNBikini team?
Let's hope so!
Arrr
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Mmmm...I love hot chocolate
(http://www.neilvandyke.org/weblog/swissmiss.jpg)
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I would like to thank Thrawn and Curval for their really kind post.
It help me thinking that not all people are [insert pretty harsh derogatory comment here ]
thank again guys !
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Hey, there's nothing wrong with the French.
Especially the female kind. ;)
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Thrawn: I especially take exception when this France surrendering crap comes from a person whose nation wasn't even fediddleing involved in the war at that point.
If you referr to Soviet Union, which is where I came from, it was very well involved in war. Who do you think arranged for Hitler's election, trained their officers, than backed up Germany's tearing down of Versaille agreements and militarising, supplied them with food and resources and generally instigated the WWII so that they could stab Germany in the back and "liberate" Europe?
None other than Josef Stalin and his merry gang.
Oh, yeah - plenty of russians and ukrainians cooperated with teh nazis!
Or are you referring to my current homeland the US? It sucked too on many counts. As Churchill said, "you can always count on americans to do the right thing - after they've exausted the alternatives".
See? It's easy to admit my own country screwed up. Any country does - well, may be except Swiss.
I have nothing against France in particular. In fact it's my favorite vacation destination. I studied french for a while and I find french people were friendly and polite - not arrogant at all.
I loved France even before I read in Manstein's and Tippelskirch memoirs how they enjoyed french hospitality.
French history is not more rediculous than most other countries - just more known.
miko
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Originally posted by Thrawn
For christ sake, as much Canada and France have had issues in the past, this is the whoopee limit. I sick and diddlyin' tired of the France surrendering BS. France and the BEF got there butts kicked in WW2. So fediddleing what. It this the irresposible commander that does not surrender when their position becomes untenable.
I especially take exception when this France surrendering crap comes from a person whose nation wasn't even fediddleing involved in the war at that point.
How does this strike you, "Haha, Vietam to send ambasador to American, US surrenders, LOL" "Vietamese fire rifle in general direction of US, US surrenders, haha, fediddlein rutabagas." "Chenyan farts, Russian surrenders!" "Afganistani looks at Russia, Russians Surrender!". Pretty damn stupid isn't it?
"Germans enjoyed french hospitality." Oh did they? One wonders how German men and officers where assinated then. One wonders how rail road tracks, ammo depots, and communitcaions lines were destroyed. One wonders how downed allied pilots escaped France. Let me guess, it wasn't the French Resistance, it was ultra secret British and American resistance.
Yeah but there were no free French fighting for the allies, oh wait...there were.
French men and women risked and lost thier lives to help the allies, and here we spitting on there graves. Cripes.
Yes I know who the Vichy were. But to generalise about the French based on the Vichy's actions is a great disservce to the French that fought and died for the allied cause.
Excellent points Thrawn...
At the very least there are plenty of Australians buried there, and that makes it worth something
Vive La France!
Tronsky
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I've to admit that I over reacted here ...
You hurted a nerve.I must said that now I'm not as angry as yesterday and in fact I removed you from my ignore list this morning.
But reading your previous post I was figuring that you thinked (not sure of teh gramar ?) that the french citizen were waving german flag at Paris fall ,wich is far for truth.
Perhaps you didn't heard of the about 120000 soldier killed in the 6 weeks of the campaign of France ?
I do know that the attitude some french people were far from good during WWII (especially collaborating with the Gestapo or nazi in general) .
But a contrario some have given their life to save others ...
Again I'm sorry to have over reacted :(
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straffo: Again I'm sorry to have over reacted :(
That's the problem with posting - in personal conversation you can watch the reacton and clarify/expand a point right away before it gets out of hand.
I will try to be more clear.
miko
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Originally posted by Thrawn
For christ sake, as much Canada and France have had issues in the past, this is the whoopee limit. I sick and diddlyin' tired of the France surrendering BS. France and the BEF got there butts kicked in WW2. So fediddleing what. It this the irresposible commander that does not surrender when their position becomes untenable.
I especially take exception when this France surrendering crap comes from a person whose nation wasn't even fediddleing involved in the war at that point.
How does this strike you, "Haha, Vietam to send ambasador to American, US surrenders, LOL" "Vietamese fire rifle in general direction of US, US surrenders, haha, fediddlein rutabagas." "Chenyan farts, Russian surrenders!" "Afganistani looks at Russia, Russians Surrender!". Pretty damn stupid isn't it?
"Germans enjoyed french hospitality." Oh did they? One wonders how German men and officers where assinated then. One wonders how rail road tracks, ammo depots, and communitcaions lines were destroyed. One wonders how downed allied pilots escaped France. Let me guess, it wasn't the French Resistance, it was ultra secret British and American resistance.
Yeah but there were no free French fighting for the allies, oh wait...there were.
French men and women risked and lost thier lives to help the allies, and here we spitting on there graves. Cripes.
Yes I know who the Vichy were. But to generalise about the French based on the Vichy's actions is a great disservce to the French that fought and died for the allied cause.
Thanks Thrawn, once again you have done my typing for me
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OK, enough of the huggy kissy. Yadda yadda we all really love the French and think Straffo is a great guy.
If it weren't for the French we wouldn't have:
Bic lighters
Yoplai Yogurt
Oral Sex - (developed out of necessity due to lack of genitalia of sufficient girth but well done non-the-less)
Safety razors
Canned food
Pastuerized milk
Goofy horizontal stripes on a shirt and berets.
did I forget anything?
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Originally posted by midnight Target
Safety razors
They invented them? Then why don't they use 'em?....the women, I mean;)
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Originally posted by Curval
They invented them? Then why don't they use 'em?....the women, I mean;)
err ...it was a men invention you know ....
and we have invented Feminism ;)
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miko is having all together too much fun here..lol