Netherlands: Why I Chose the Gun

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Netherlands: Why I Chose the Gun





02 September 2012


There are elements within the Netherlands that wish to dismantle the Dutch Army. The Dutch military, as General Petraeus once told me, “Punches above its weight class.” And it is true. They perform well in Afghanistan and are a valued friend, and military ally.
That some people wish to dismantle the Dutch Army indicates that they are not sensitive to the realities we live with. The Netherlands is a serious country. It leaves a footprint where it walks. The Netherlands should keep a strong military to guard the foot that makes that valuable and positive influence. This is serious business.

Those who wish to dismantle the Dutch Army should listen to this wise man.

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/net...se-the-gun.htm

Peter van Uhm: Why I chose a gun

Filmed Nov 2011 • Posted Jan 2012 • TEDxAmsterdam

17:11 video

Peter van Uhm is the Netherlands’ chief of defense, but that does not mean he is pro-war. In this talk, he explains how his career is one shaped by a love of peace, not a desire for bloodshed -- and why we need armies if we want peace.(Filmed at TEDxAmsterdam.)
General Peter van Uhm is the Chief of the Netherlands Defence staff. Full bio »

That is why I took up the gun — not to shoot, not to kill, not to destroy, but to stop those who would do evil, to protect the vulnerable, to defend democratic values, to stand up for the freedom we have to talk … about how we can make the world a better place.” (Peter van Uhm)Play (from 07:33)Share quoteMore quotes »


Peter van Uhm

http://www.ted.com/talks/peter_van_u...ose_a_gun.html