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Falklands/Malvinas: One can only hope for a new realistic perspective

Thursday, February 2nd 2012 - 19:48 UTC
Full article 41 comments

This is the seventh of a series of extended political articles written exclusively for the Penguin News web site by Deputy Editor John Fowler. John is a former Superintendent of Education and a former Manager of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board. Read full article

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  • Marcos Alejandro

    Correction
    With “The Penguins”, the hands of the clock began to turn again......forward

    Brits by nature love wars and invasions to our land(and all over the planet), 1806, 1807, 1833 and 1845 however they are unable to defeat diplomacy.
    UK has forgotten that might is not right.

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 08:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Papamoa

    @1
    Typical of an argentine to start stoking the Fire of War!!!!
    PEACE MAN move on with Your Life and let the Islanders live there Lives there own way!!!

    Long Live the Falklands.

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 08:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • JustinKuntz

    Might is not right?

    Who invaded in 1982 - cue wailing and gnashing of teeth about something that never happened in 1833.

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 08:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Malvinero1

    Might is not right?

    Who invaded in 1982 - cue wailing and gnashing of teeth about something that never happened in 1833.
    As usual,who started first,Against a nation that never bothered you.
    Shame on the brits.And with a nation with strong cultural,economic and political links.
    If you think “oil” about Malvinas, forget it.If there is is negligible and nooo body can do a damn thing WITHOUT the Infrastructure from the Mainland....
    I have good connection with OIL specialist in that area.Even if the oil will go t o$ 500 a barrel will not be profitable WITHOUT the Support from the continent..
    So get real people....

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 08:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • MurkyThink

    This article says :

    If we can manage to ignore the....................

    I say :

    Basically ,the British political classes and their extented networks used to be one of the principal guardians and representatives for a sense of Britishness.,for a great British project which was about power and status across the globe,but also linked to progress and democratic values at home.That sory of Britishness carried great resonance across the nations and regions of the UK,and it stands in ruins today.

    The British political elites,from politicians to civil servants and think tanks in the London village no longer have any emotional,gut or instinctual feel for the multi-national ,hybrid,patchwork nature of the UK that doesn't mean automatic break up but it doesn't auger well and it does make any sense of common story or mission more unlikely..the sense of loss,anxiety and lack of moornings can be felt around ....!....

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 09:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Kipling

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Pakistanis
    this is the future of UK. Falklands without any british immigration. What the hell are u doing there?

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 09:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The Falklands are British

    Enough of you Argentine loonies for tonight. I have a good novel on my iPad so time for an hour or two of that. Thanks, it's been highly amusing. LOL!

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 09:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • MurkyThink

    (6)

    You say :

    Thisis the future of UK.................

    I say :

    Britain is experienced the worst “” educated persons drain“” of any country as settle abroad..Record numbers are Britons are leaving -- many of them doctors,teachers,engineers-- in the biggest exodus for almost 50 years..there are now 3.3 millions British born people living abroad...no other nation is losing so many qualified people,..almost 60% of those leaving take jobs,altough hundreds of thousands of retired people living abroad....the main reason of this escaping to do with quality of life,laws,bureucracy,tax and all of rest of it....!.....................

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 09:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • tobias

    The problem with what the author expressed is that even if the new generations don't care as much about the Falklands (and that is true, I have said this myself to the tune of being called a liar here), and even if by some miracle Argentina and the UK settled the issue to the satisfaction of all sides especially the island's residents... There will be no firm gaze into the future for the UK-ARG relationship.

    Well, there will be, straight into the icy south. As long as Britain holds pretensions in the Antarctic, where no self-determination can be invoked, there cannot be a fruitful relationship, because that is where Britain loses the trust of even that growing younger generation of Argentines who want to drop the Falklands issue.

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 09:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • shb

    @tobias.

    Why should it bother you if we are interested in Antartica - there is plenty of space for everyone?

    @malverino 01
    QUOTE“Who invaded in 1982 - cue wailing and gnashing of teeth about something that never happened in 1833.
    As usual,who started first,Against a nation that never bothered you.”

    What!..................................

    Its a bit like the Germans claiming that Poland attacked them in 1939. That was a pretty moronic claim.

    I'll pre-empt your inevitable and irrelevant shouting about some piece of history that has no bearing on the issue in hand. Yes the UK has attacked and invaded other nations that were'nt bothering us, but not you..............

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 10:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • you are not first

    MurkyThink,

    I support your statements. For those who do not there several studies( FREE) online. No everyone is narrow mind or angry in UK like some of the readers of this paper. Perhaps they thought they will live somewhere in Latin- American and be treated like they treat Andrew. NOPE.

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 10:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • so_far

    Mr Fowler:

    Please allow me this small analsis of your duties and responsabilities >

    1) Deputy Editor at Penguin News :

    Everybody could see that your articles published are clearly biased anti Argentina and unfortunately does not reflect the reality of what the international community wants and request......is just talking like civilized countries on the sovereignty of the islands.

    CONCLUSION = JOB FAILED

    2) Superintendent of Education :

    Just reading the comments of the islanders is amazing to see the high level of ignorance they have in relation to events from 1833 originating this ilegal ocuppation which are responsible for this crazy adventure of the united kingdom which are the basis of your ilegal comunity and will came to an end soon in this abnormal way of colonialism unaceptable in 21 century.

    CONCLUSION = JOB FAILED

    3) Manager of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board :

    Just see how scared off and kicked out 3600 tourists (and potential customers income for the islands) arrived on cruise Star Princess last month and you denied the dock, show their lack of wisdom about the management of responsible tourism.

    CONCLUSION = JOB FAILED

    Dude, you're not just incompetent, your hate agaisnt Agentina being deprived of a prosperous future to the islands and is simply promoting their destruction and isolation. Any thinking people can clearly see this reality.

    Sad.....you are pathetic Fowler

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 11:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • BenC30

    Cristina Kirchner is failing in her job. Argentina has some of the highest inflation in the world (compared to other economies) and her country is slowly crumbling around her. Fearful of the next election she raises a subject that she know will win her supporters - the Falkland Islands. It is this 'dirty' and 'pathetic' style of politics that show how far Argentina hasn't come since it's military rule.

    There is one question I would like to ask about Argentina that I am unsure of:
    Has there been a plastics shortage in Argentina since Cristina Kirchner started having surgery?

    Feb 02nd, 2012 - 11:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monty69

    12 so_far

    You're hilarious.

    Why would you think that a writer for the Penguin News writing 'biased anti- Argentina' stories would be failing in their job?
    He's doing what newspaper people everywhere do; giving the people what they want to read.

    The rest of your post is actually too ludicrous to bother with, and it's not often I say that.
    You're not secretly on our side, are you?

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 12:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • you are not first

    BenC30,

    I empathize with your real concern regarding plastic shortage. English people are far the highest consumer of plastic surgery. You do not have sunlight, organic food, best water sources, etc in the world( Like in Argentina or your do not know ?), and therefore you must assure that plastic is ALWAYS available to you ALL.
    In Argentina when somebody is very ugly we suggest him/her to apply for a SOAP OPERA in England.

    The QUEEN and the Gentiles( You want to be) are taking the money like you who support THE ENGLISH democratic Government you have.
    Now that Oil is coming from Malvinas thanks to BP( wait for they ”I AM SORRY FOR ANOTHER SPILL), you will be able to get enough PLASTIC for you. At least Cristina have her own natural resources in PATAGONIA.
    I will forward your concern to “ ARGENTINA COMMONS” I mean the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE( And English IT IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE)

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 12:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • so_far

    #14 Monty, about Fowlers Writers job you say....

    “He's doing what newspaper people everywhere do; giving the people what they want to read.”

    Wrong Monty.....very wrong,......what people in the world want is the truth....NORMAL people want the truth and informations, of course expect that from his local media for build a valid and REAL opinion about topics.

    I cant imagine The Guardian lying only becasue people need it or want it ??

    Totally crazy ....

    And about hilarius....well is not funny for me think in the lack of windsom of Mr Fowler....in the past because his irresponsable behave many people die.......so how many will die in the future if people like this write BS, lies and biased things all the time ??? multiply this for 30 years and you will get this situation 2012 ......thanks Fowler, generations will talk about your contribution for fix this problem.

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 12:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • BenC30

    15 you are not first (#)
    I have plenty of beautiful organic food. I grow my own and what I can't grow I buy Organic from my supermarket. Actually I think you will find that the US is the country that has to largest amount of plastic surgery operations each year.
    I too also have plenty of sunlight. I live in one of the sunniest, driest, safest and cleanest parts of the UK (East Anglia). While you are on the subject of 'standards of living', I can confirm that I have a well paid job, decent healthcare, a brand new car and all the consumer goods that I could possibly ever want.

    I'm not sure why you mention sunlight? Scandinavia has some of the poorest levels of light in the world but some of the best standards of living. Yes, I'm not fully English. I'm part Danish, but have a British passport - just like the Falkland Islanders.

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 12:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monty69

    16 so_far

    I suspect your 'truth' and my 'truth' are very different things.

    You say John Fowler is lying. I say he isn't. I can't find a single thing in that article that isn't true. It just depends on your perspective.

    And people don't want the truth. They want to be entertained first, and they want their own opinions reinforced second.
    Why do you think the Guardian puts a completely different slant on stories than the Telegraph? They are giving their readers what they want. I know, because I used to buy the Guardian!

    You're just miffed because he has a different opinion to you, and he has an audience. Too bad, get over it. You don't have a monopoly on the truth.

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 01:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • so_far

    #8 Monty.....dear

    “..people don't want the truth. They want to be entertained first...”

    you let me spechless.......no comments

    :O

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 01:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Marcos Alejandro

    18 Monty69 “..people don't want the truth. They want to be entertained first...”

    Unbelievable!

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 03:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Helber Galarga

    @10 FFS, the UK is even claiming a piece of Antarctica. Do you lads ever stop?

    And don't tell me Argentina has a claim to it too! At least we are the closest country to Antarctica in the world. You don't see Argentina claiming the Arctic's resources, now do you?

    *roll eyes* *facepalm*

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 03:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Malvinero1

    I'll pre-empt your inevitable and irrelevant shouting about some piece of history that has no bearing on the issue in hand. Yes the UK has attacked and invaded other nations that were'nt bothering us, but not you..............
    Its a bit like the Germans claiming that Poland attacked them in 1939. That was a pretty moronic claim.

    AHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHHAHAHHAH.
    My Argentines friend,this tops...uk never attacked Argentina....?/1806/07,1833,1845
    There are 12 british invasions against Argentina.....Not to mention the “soft” pressure...

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 04:31 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • O gara

    Mr Fowler portrays himself as such a reasonable man.Dining in downtown BA hed almost remind one of elaine.But in all this reasonableness.so typically city planter not a word ABOUT SITTING DOWN TO DISCUSS NOT ONE WORD.Because behind the veneer of reasonabkness is the total colonialist to the bitter end.

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 07:46 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    Whats the matter with you malvinistas today?
    You're not making much sense.
    But then, l suppose you never make much sense.
    Yes, Helber, the UK does claim part of Antarctica.
    You have a problem with that?
    From 1908 l think.
    Argentina's “claim” dates from 1942, when l guess they thought that we would be defeated in WWII.& they could pick up some scraps!
    Other countries that claim part of Antarctica are:-
    Australia
    New Zealand
    France
    Norway
    not sure if the USA does or not, then we have Chile &(who could imagine that they WOULDN'T “claim”)Argentina.
    So?

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 10:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • McClick

    # 24 Isolde ,,,,mate
    Your comments are not harmonious together with your name ......WHY?

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 10:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Frank

    @21 ' At least we ....( Argentina I presume..)....are the closest country to Antarctica in the world. '

    No you are not......

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 11:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Malvinero1

    @21 ' At least we ....( Argentina I presume..)....are the closest country to Antarctica in the world. '

    No you are not......
    You are rigth frank: It is uk!!
    Who has the oldest base in Antartica? And the most bases??

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 11:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    @25McClick,
    l am not, nor ever will be, your mate.
    l do have standards.
    So get lost.

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 12:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Raul

    12 so_far
    You are quite right, you have very good training and Falklands Conflict Update. Have Eyes But they are, have ears but do not listen. When reading whole article, the Fall into sin Prejudice, have a fanatical sect speech evangelist of the 17th century. Totally disconnected with the reality of sin Today's World Historical Context contemplate And Social Processes. All un features narcissistic irresponsible as John Fowler.
    Well reflected in the commentary:
    18 Monty69 “.. People not want the truth. They want services from primer Location entertained ...” And That Mark Alexander Responds Your Comment 20.
    Incredible!

    I also agree with the comment of Mark Alexander of Awesome!
    I would add more UN Review with a phrase well known in areas of law:. “A Confession of Parties, RELAY Test” Explanation of this is that it shows that the United Kingdom and the British without any argument Islanders have a favor to her, As Is As I reflect on his comment, recognizing THEY His Thought colonialist and imperialist.
    Pathetic and sad Advocates Notes colonialism and imperialism as John Fowler.

    Face1354@hotmail.com

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 12:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • malen

    what a machine of fabricating lies, please. get facts.
    this man says: ”(KIrchners) coming as they do from a city, San Julián”
    Néstor Kirchner was borned in Río Gallegos, and lived there, not in San Julián. Then he went to La Plata, from where was Cristina.
    In San Julián, the mayor of the city is a malvinense descendant that supports argentinian point of view at the ONU. His name is Gurí Gleadell, and here in the video he tells his family history and why he supports Argentina. This is the truth. Actually in functions.
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNxTWUQ5NIE
    or search in google Gurí Gleadell peticiona ante las Naciones Unidas.
    and another fact, polls of argentinian people agreees in majority with how our government is managing the subject of Malvinas. Facts, too.

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 12:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monty69

    29 Raul
    What a pompous and naive lot you all are.
    I'm starting to understand now why you all get so excited by articles in the UK press- it's because you think that everything that you read in the newspapers is TRUE!
    Oh, apart from when it's different to your opinion, in which case it's lies.

    How dare you accuse John Fowler of prejudice. He's a Falkland Islander, writing an opinion piece for other Falkland Islanders. He can say whatever he likes. It's his opinion, in the same way that the 'Comment is free' section of the Guardian is someone else's opinion.

    Are Argentine newspapers full of articles supporting Falkland Islanders' right to self determination?
    No. I thought not.
    That's because the readers wouldn't like it.

    The most popular newspapers in the UK are the Mail and the Sun. Why don't you have a look at their online content and tell me again what the public want from a newspaper. I guarantee you that a load of boring drivel about what the Argentines think happened in 1833 is not it.

    Until you can learn the difference between truth and opinion I don't think there is much more we can say about this.

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 01:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Filippo

    @ 30 malen

    “In San Julián, the mayor of the city is a malvinense descendant that supports argentinian point of view at the ONU”

    LOL this i because we give no choice in this matter. He can not survive politics as any other point of view. All the same he is an anglo and as such an enemy of our people. They is colonials who come here as crusaders to run Argentina for the Queen!!!

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 01:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • stick up your junta

    @16

    I cant imagine The Guardian lying only becasue people need it or want it ??

    'The Falklanders eat fish and chips. How can they belong to Argentina?'A growing number of young Argentinians are questioning their nation's claim to the disputed islands

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jan/28/falkland-islands-belong-argentina

    Totally crazy ....

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 02:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • so_far

    #33

    Indeed The Guardian is not lying about that article....of course is true some people could have their particular opinion. Argentina is a free country.....so ?

    the point is ?

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 03:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monty69

    34 so_far

    And your point is.....what?

    That John Fowler is not allowed his own opinion? On the grounds that....hmmm...he's a Falkland Islander? That his opinion is not the same as your version of what the 'international community wants and requests'?

    Guess what? We are a free country too. We can read that version of the 'truth' in plenty of places. Your newspapers are online as well I believe?

    Have you ever seen a Falkland Islander on here abusing the Argentine press for their one- sided coverage of the Falklands issue? No, nor will you.
    I happen to think that your media is completely biased and anti- Falkland Islander. I'm not bothered by that because I don't expect anything else. They are writing for you and reflecting what you already think.

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 03:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • so_far

    #35 Monty,

    Mr Fowler can write whatever he think or bealieve....what is not correct is to LIE, to MISGUIDED, to BIAS or HIDE crucial information to his readers.

    Remember his main rol in Malvinas

    Superintendent of Education ?

    Deputy Editor at Penguin News ?

    he´s not a regular guy.....his behaviour and what he DOES or WRITE is critical for many bennys around there that think he´s kind of hero, when in fact is a FAKE and WARMONGER.

    Just an example....he talk all the time about the brutallity of Argentina and the bad treatment of civilian in 82 in a vain attemtpt to demonize a pacefully country as Argentina.

    So, how anyone could explain his behave in the middle of the conflict with this little girl in the middle of “wild” argentinean troops walking so relax ??

    Monty, you´know it already....FOWLER is a LIAR and just care HIS interest on the islands.

    Is really sad such ignorance of the people of the islands MOSTLY becasue of him and his FAILED JOB of education of the inhabitants......(multiply this for 30 years of misinformation)

    minute 8:53

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=720lj4O_5lw

    p.d. please hurt my eyes everytime any islander write “my country”.

    According to the UN Malvinas Islands is a Non-Self-Governing Territory, ergo a COLONY.

    PLEASE MONTY STOP TO FOOL YOURSELVES !!!

    Thanks

    :)

    www.un.org/en/decolonization/nonselfgovterritories.shtml

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 05:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monty69

    36 so_far

    You're talking like an idiot. This is a small country- we all know John Fowler personally. We certainly don't need you to tell us anything about him.

    And Falkland Islanders don't need your interpretation of the events of 1982. What would you know about it? On the other hand, John Fowler was there and so were lots of us.

    You obviously have a warped idea of what education is. We don't teach children what to think. They learn to think and make up their own minds. Are you seriously saying that it's a failure of education that we don't all think like you do?

    Are you sure you aren't on our side?

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 06:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • so_far

    #37 Monty,

    Of course im with islanders side, i wish the best for them and acording to international law is sit down and negotiate with Argentina, other way is no fate for Malvinas.

    About the education issue, i do bealive that is a big problem in the islands and Fowler have BIG responsabilities. DYOR sweet

    Need probes? Your words...

    18 Monty69 “..people don't want the truth. They want to be entertained first...”

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 07:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monty69

    38 so_far

    You keep quoting my words back at me like they are something amazing.

    Nobody but a fool relies on the newspapers for the 'truth'. All newspapers are biased, every single one. I thought everybody knew that. Apparently not.

    In fact I thought that everybody over the age of 7 knew that there was no such thing as absolute truth, particularly when it comes to history.
    Are you over the age of 7?
    If so, then I have a great deal more faith in our education system than yours because your critical faculties seem rather lacking.

    You can believe what you like about education in the islands, but since you don't know anything about it and you appear to be unable to think for yourself, I'm not inclined to pay it any attention. Sweet.

    Feb 03rd, 2012 - 10:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Glen1976

    Here's some food for thought. Why don't the Falklands just capture Argentina?
    They have superior military fire power in the area ;-) And now a nuclear sub lurking....And with all that oil revenue on the way they could put the filthy refineries on the mainland and preserve the beautiful islands and their way of life. Argentina (neh Falkland mainland) would be run competently and there could be real history taught in the schools, they might even stop being lazy and feckless. :-) Have a nice day all.

    Feb 04th, 2012 - 12:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • row82

    Argentines are not very bright, given the choice between fascism and democracy they have chosen fascism every time. Given the choice between American hegemony and being an independent nation, they have chosen America hegemony every time, characterised by its attendant secret police (NSA, CIA, Special Forces and other such gestapo trappings, including their own) and an attendant military or militant right government.

    Given the choice between being diplomacy and child like spats of anger and lies, they choose child like spats of anger and lies.

    Argentina has never recovered from being a wannabe be Axis power in the 1930's. Argentina's version of fascism (like that of Spain's) remained undefeated by WW2 Allied powers. It hadn't even had to fight a real civil war to maintain power, just murder 50,000-100,000 of its own unarmed political activists and we all know how easy that was for their brave and heroic military men, like their hero Commander Astiz.

    It took the Falklands War to shake the Argentines into some semblance of reality. Remove their military government and see the Americans as something other than a benevolent uncle, rather more like a the uncle you kept your children away from, you know the one in the old mack who always had his hands in his pockets and a grimace on his lips.

    But within a few short years a girl came alone, a wannabe Eva Peron and took them all the way back to year zero! And the Argentine people gave up their collective memory and switched back to servile child.

    In the West it's very difficult to understand how the average Argentine thinks. We have to imagine how our own per-adolescent children think and we can then get into their mindset. Give them a box of toy soldiers & some flags to play with and they are as happy as pie, tell them that they can't own Tracey Island though and they will cry their eyes out.

    At school, the teachers would always tell them “Tracey Island” was their's. Even though the reality was, it wasn't!

    Feb 06th, 2012 - 12:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0

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