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Archiver > SOG-UK > 2005-04 > 1114443461


From: Tim Powys-Lybbe <>
Subject: Re: [SoG] World War 1 Medal Cards -
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 16:37:41 +0100
References: <3.0.1.32.20050425102246.01584c70@POP3.demon.co.uk> <0b50a5df43434bd75a9598be3daa8986@focalplane.com>
In-Reply-To: <0b50a5df43434bd75a9598be3daa8986@focalplane.com>


In message of 25 Apr, April Ashton <> wrote:

> Dear Goeff
>
> Surely the statistics, resulting in percentages are misleading

Having done a bit of statistics in my working life, I thought Geoff's
explanation was first rate with a proper regard for probabilites and
degrees of confidence. It may be that some find this to be a Cloud of
Unknowing but the fact is that there are statistically valid truths
expressed as percentages and degrees of confidence; they are just as
much truths as the old black is white lot and give a far wider account
of probabilistic facts.

> - but
> what's new in the day and age of spin, we may well ask........ the
> main considerations are that so many gave their lives - and so many
> were disabled for the rest of their lives - these men and women had no
> choice - they were sacrificed by the politicians - and their lives
> and those of some of their dependents were profoundly affected for as
> long as they lived; in conscience, their records should be preserved
> - at least until every shred of information has gone into safe keeping
> for posterity - this is in the very least the obligation we as a nation
> should be happy to fulfill; yes of course there are financial
> considerations - but having worked in the public sector all my life, I
> have no doubt that the funds could be made available if the will was
> there to do so.

Of course funds can be made available. But they have to be found from
somewhere. Either costs have to be reduced elsewhere or taxation
raised.

(There is much the same problem with running the Society of
Genealogists save that the option of "raising taxation" - increasing
subscriptions - does not seem to be with us.)

But in this case the Society's view is already quite plain. See
http://www.sog.org.uk/#news1
What more needs to be added to it?

--
Tim Powys-Lybbe                                          
             For a miscellany of bygones: http://powys.org

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