The top soldier in the UK speaks truth...is it appropriate to say "to power" given that he is one? I'm not sure. But it's a good read, more or less what all of us here in the blogosphere have been saying for, like, ever. But the conclusion of the article is odd:

Sir Richard warned that the consequences will be felt at home, where failure to support Christian values is allowing a predatory Islamist vision to take hold.

He said: "When I see the Islamist threat in this country I hope it doesn’t make undue progress because there is a moral and spiritual vacuum in this country."

"Our society has always been embedded in Christian values; once you have pulled the anchor up there is a danger that our society moves with the prevailing wind."

"There is an element of the moral compass spinning. I think it is up to society to realise that is the situation we are in."

"We can’t wish the Islamist challenge to our society away and I believe that the army both in Iraq and Afghanistan and probably wherever we go next, is fighting the foreign dimension of the challenge to our accepted way of life."

"We need to face up to the Islamist threat, to those who act in the name of Islam and in a perverted way try to impose Islam by force on societies that do not wish it."

"It is said that we live in a post Christian society. I think that is a great shame. The broader Judaic-Christian tradition has underpinned British society. It underpins the British army."

I suppose that's true, and it's the UK, where they have an official church, but still- Hey, Sir Dick: perhaps this attitude is why the Iraqis would like you to leave. Cause they're um, you know, Muslim n shit?

I'm reminded of the story of fundie missionaries Bush sent over along with the troops right after the invasion. I can't find it now, but the gist of it was that some group of winger fundies was trying to convert Iraqis to Christianity. They didn't have great Arabic, or a clear grasp on Iraqi history, culture or society. The conclusion of the story was that in (probably more than) one case, they could do little more than get potential converts to agree that "God is great." 'When Fundies Collide' is a very silly, pointless movie, you see.

Still, it's good to know British warriors for Christ have remembered their history, and are ready to come home and trade silks and peppers and return to farming and crofting. We'll see how long it takes one of our military leaders to have the brass to say something similar. I think they all know it's true, we'll never "win" in Iraq. It's just a matter of time (or Congressional elections?) before one of them decides he's tired of watching troops die for no reason.