[OT] Off Topic - 2012 Olympics

["Simon Coates" <simon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi all,

Sorry for the OT posting but this has annoyed me -



The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012
London Olympics because they are deemed "too British".

Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be
"offensive" to other countries taking part in the Games. The
display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the
Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team
"too militaristically British". Red Arrows pilots were said to be
"outraged", as they had hoped to put on a truly world class
display for the Games, something which had never been seen before. Being
axed from a British-based event for being "too British" is an
insult - the Arrows are a symbol of Britain.

The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas trade,
as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the world.

The Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was
announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly
spectacular.

It is to be hoped that common sense prevails.

If you disagree with this decision, sign the petition on the link below

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/?ref=redArrows2012


Regards

Simon

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