I’m rarely enraged to such an extent that I feel compelled to write a blog post immediately but this is one of those occasions. As an ex-serviceman it has struck a nerve but I feel certain that it will similarly anger other decent men and women who have no particular connection to the armed forces.
Earlier this morning I read news in a post on The Wandering brit blog about an odious, vile little example of human life who goes by the name of Karl Winn. Winn is the owner of WebEurope, a web design company based in Somerset whose client base I dearly hope will soon disappear.
When Winn was approached by a recruitment company looking to place ex-servicemen in work he chose to vent his narrow minded and particularly disgusting opinions.
he would rather recruit ex-drug dealers, convicts and child molesters’ than employ former servicemen or women.
Winn, 60, said he would rather ‘recruit ex-drug dealers, convicts and child molesters’ than employ former servicemen or women.
Why haven’t we heard more about this odious man and his appalling comments before? The Sun have covered it which may account for few believing the story was accurate but sadly it is. Winn’s comments are so disgusting that I cannot allow them to pass without taking some action however small.
I did say I would prefer to offer employment to criminals because they had at least been investigated and brought before the courts to be held accountable for their actions
Win attempts to justify his comments in a press release on his site but he instead digs himself deeper, indeed his attempt to explain his position show him in his true colours. He says “I admit I did say I would prefer to offer employment to criminals because they had at least been investigated and brought before the courts to be held accountable for their actions.” and adds “Contrary to popular sentiment serving in the British Military is not in itself “brave” or “heroic”, and it certainly isn’t in support of “democracy”, least of all ours.”
The Wandering Brit blog has a link to this page, a reverse IP lookup of a selection of companies who use WebEurope’s hosting services. If we were all write to one or two of these companies and alert them to Winn’s comments we may be able to hit him where it hurts, his balance sheet and show him what decent members of the public think of his attitude.
This isn’t an eloquent post by any means, it has been typed whilst I seethe with anger at how we allow people like him to make such comments without recourse. We all have and are entitled to our own personal opinions on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, indeed the war that raged for many years past in Northern Ireland. But most decent people are able to recognise that it is the Government that chooses where our forces operate. To blame servicemen and slander their heroism in such a way is utterly deplorable.
Thanks for relaying this.
I was highly reserved in my post because of my complete, total and utter rage and the fact I’m only 20mins from Taunton.
While personally I’d like to introduce him to old style infantry Milling, living a stones throw from 40 Commando might have an effect all of it’s own.
But alas, unless he’s ever in a position where he would require saving by our armed forces, nothing will change the attitude of Dickheads like this – and even then he’d probably whinge and moan about not having enough sugar for his tea.
PS on a different subject, while I will knock Mac on my blog – there are occasions where only a Mac will do, like in editing suites etc 😉
We seem to have shared many common interests, military, travel, technology etc!
Oh btw, I appear to have fubarred and misposted a comment in between the two intended ones in your blog, feel free to expunge it!
As an Ex serviceman of the light blue variety. What an a***hole! Needs stringing up. Although I think that the use of the word ‘hero’ is rather overused these days, most of them serving in warmer climes are certainly brave, and I admire them for it. To rate Ex servicemen below ex-drug dealers, convicts and child molesters is a bit outrageous in my opinion
I agree with you Darren that everyone is entitled to their opinion on a particular war but that troops go where they are told and unless they do something there that is wrong then they are doing the Government’s bidding and it is completely wrong to treat them this way. Shortsighted too as people who have been in the armed services often have a lot to offer an employer.
Where I live our village is in shock at the loss of a lad just 21 in Afghanistan this week. It doesn’t matter what any of us think about the war there it’s a tragic loss and he and the others lost deserve our respect.
Personally when I recruit staff I look for the best people and don’t make decisions based on prejudice of whatever kind.
As much as it angers you, not everyone supports the wars in Iraq and Afganistan and by extension, our troops there and people have a right to express their opinion.
I get tired of the populist papers like the Daily Mail and The Sun who make such a play of supporting “our boys” but then go on to publish fake “abuse” photos. All they give a damn about is selling newspapers and everyone who reacts to a sensationalist story like this is playing into their hands.
These boys are in countries that we should never have invaded and are directly responsible for destroying a countries infrastructure and directly or indirectly causing the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people.
Not all of us buying the government propoganda and lining the roads of Wooton Basset to see the dead “heros” come home. A large proportion would like to see them all brought back safely and an end to this phony war.
You completely miss my point in your desire to make yours.
It does not ‘anger me’ that some do not support the war in Afghnaistan or Iraq. I too am not entirely in favour of our operations in either country.
But I do not hold the armed forces to blame for the decisions of our Government. My anger is directed at those who blame the armed forces for following the orders of our Government.
I’m not going to attempt to debate the rights and wrongs of their offensive and defensive actions in Afghanistan but there is a very serious issue with out of country fighters engaging our forces. These fighters are not doing so to protect the people of Afghanistan that is for certain.
And Wooton Bassett is not Govt Propaganda, to suggest it is shows that you are blinkered. The gathering of members of the public was a spontaneous act, initially by people from that town alone, to show their support and to honour the dead. To suggest otherwise dishonours those that gave their lives in service to our country.
M8TJT did you say light blue?
Sea Scouts get everywhere these day 😉 lol
Mwahahahahaha