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“And in the shock of the battle the men of the North seemed like a sea that cannot be moved. Firmly they stood, one close to another, forming as it were a bulwark of ice; and with great blows of their swords they hewed down the Arabs. Drawn up in a band around their chief, the people of the Austrasians carried all before them. Their tireless hands drove their swords down to the breasts of the foe.” Bishop Isidore of Beja
Born in 686, Charles the Hammer was 46 when he lead — not from the relative safety of a remote command post, mind you — and fought alongside his Frankish infantry, hacking, slashing and defeating the Muslim cavalry at the Battle of Tours/Poitiers — Indeed, he earned his nickname “the Hammer” during this very battle, due to his fierce and merciless hammering of the Islamic invaders.
Again, at age 46.
And his career as a general, king and all around fighting man was far from over. After Poitiers, he would kick the Muhammadans out of France, and deny them any foothold in Europe (beyond Spain). Not mentioning the good spanking he delivered to various restive dukes and counts all along what would become France, thanks to him, in no small part.
All in all, good old Charles Martel would hammer his foes, eat concertina wire and piss napalm(1) for nearly a decade after Poitiers.
Now, can you please tell me what sort of complacent pussies we have become, to deem unfit for combat those of us who would wish to enlist but reached their forties?
I’ve read and appreciated Mark Steyn’s America Alone, and while I don’t believe that Malthusian predictions on demographic bombs have proven viable in the past (starting with poor old Malthus himself), Steyn still makes an awful lot of solid points in his usual and very enjoyable style. However, if Europe falls and becomes Eurabia, as Steyn (and others) predicts, it will certainly not be simply over an age ratio issue (few and aged European natives versus lots of young Muslims) but will require first and foremost total and unconditional renouncement on the European side — and not just from the European elites, that are far too often already in voluntary Dhimmitude, but from the bulk of the people, no matter their age.
If Charles Martel can tell us anything, it’s that you’re only as old as your spirit and your will to fight for survival.
Either that or, since today is the first day of the last week of my thirties(2), I’m beginning the grieving process. Damn, if only I would get drunk for a change.
Comments
Comments thread (11)
2689 - bad cat robot
bad cat robot
Don't worry, it really isn't that bad once you cross the energy barrier at the Age Which Shall Not Be Named. I've survived for a year and a half so far, and except for sudden, inexplicable urges to yell at the neighbor children to get off my lawn it isn't bad at all.
As far as warriors of a certain age, if any mujahideen crossed my elderly relatives they'd be eating their dinners off the mantel for weeks-- if they survived. It's all in the attitude.(c.f. Terry Pratchett's Silver Horde ..)
2691 - Ben USN (Ret)
Ben USN (Ret) Washington State, USA
Here here! Charles the Hammer is an excellent example DF!
Hey, I want to go serve again. I might not be able to run far, but I'm willing to accept the risks. Put me on the Iraqi border somewhere where running long distances isn't necessary. Problem solved.
I'm sure many veterans, and folks over 40-50 (even older) would be more than happy to help out.
2693 - the dissident frogman
the dissident frogman France
Bad cat robot: Yep, don't mess with Cohen the Barbarian,
Ben: That's the spirit! Besides, men that age are more mature, and would join out of a well thought and strong sense of patriotism. Who could possibly say it's a bad thing?
2696 - Grimmy
Grimmy Where I'm at.
Us folk that are too old, tired, feeble, whatever to actually suit up and take bomb, bullet and bayonet directly to the enemy have our own duty in this war.
Hold steady on the home-front. It is our job/duty to ensure that there's something worth fighting for remaining for those who are out fighting.
Semper Fi
Ad Triarios Redisse!
2697 - Iwo Gina
Iwo Gina Maryland
People are (or really have no reason not to be) healthier today at age 50 than they were in Charles' time at age 20... And what's wrong with today's women-folk? My historical role-model (and my darling daughter's) is Boadicea, Queen of the Iceni, who's motto was probably "don't f**k with me or my children!"
2698 - Banjo
Banjo
I've often thought older gents had a role that the military for reasons of old habit hasn't been able to see. A lot of the routine work -- from maintenance to inventory control and so on -- could be handled by more sedentary folk who would be pressed into the fray only rarely in the case of dire emergency. Able to take the long view, they would be a steadying force, asking no more than any other recruit except for a window of time in afternoons for napping.
2700 - SisterToldjah
SisterToldjah
Amen to that :) I've found that the older I get, the more passionately patriotic I am - and I think that's true of anyone who has a strong love of country.
Ah - so less than a week to go ;) Have you decided on which you will do - the Lambo or the skydive?
Good point. Just from personal experience, between family, friends, people I work with, and friends I have made online through political message boards and blogs, I've seen that there are many men over 40 who would love to serve their country - some of them are veterans who'd love to be able to put back on their uniforms and join in the front lines in the battle against Islamofascism.
A few years ago, I met a close friend of mine's dad at a Marine reunion in South Carolina - he was in his early 80s and was a WWII veteran, and I got the distinct impression from him, and other Marine veterans who served in WWII who I met and talked to that weekend, that any one of them would have willingly gone into battle for their country again if asked. They had so much pride for their country, a pride that had only grown stronger with age.
2709 - Mike H.
Mike H. Spokane, Wa
"That murmer soon replies: God doth not need
Either man's work or his gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best; his state
Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
And post over Land and Ocean without rest.
They also serve who only sit and wait."
-- John Milton, "On His Blindness"
2724 - 2hotel9
2hotel9 Western Pennsylvania
The ongoing screeching about "youth", quite loud and wrong since the early '60s, is yet another manifestation of Marxist Societal Deconstruction. A subject which we have several threads discussing over at sayanythingblog, with the usual wailing&gnashing of teeth from leftards who merely want to "enlighten" all of us hate-filled Hatee McHaters who are far too stupid to understand their "logic".
As for The Hammer, one of my heroes. Age is irrelevant. Muhamdeens will subjugate and kill any who refuse to surrender to their Satan worship. Fuck them.
2729 - referman
referman plattsburgh ny
At the ripe old age of 48,who the hell came up with "ripe old age anyway?Sounds a little gayish.At 48 I've been trying to reup for 4 years,I have gone as far as to right my congressman" Mchugh" he asked me to send an information release form and yes it's notarised,that was six weeks ago!He has some pull with the dept. of the army and said he was very interested in helping me reup,we'll see.As I wait for a response I continue with my daily HVAC/R service work.Now you would think a WAR in the desert they just might want a 20yr experienced referman?I started my quest to reup after my nephew enlisted in the USMC.He spent 36 months in fallujah from early 04 through late 06.Those gentlemen saw some real nasty fighting,he was really pissed when they blew up his AAv and then their Humvee,then they had to walk through fallujah.So people ask me why the hell do you want to enlist?I ask them if they ever served their country,and when they say no I just say you had to be there!! God Bless All Who Serve and All Whos Been There Semper Fi