Orrin, I posted this comment on Chris' Blog. I don't really know why other than I felt called to write it for some reason. Geez, anyone who has ever known me would think that I have lost it. I believe I have found something instead. For the first time in my 39+ years, I am actually taking time to really think about some things. Taking time to really PRAY, and taking the time to really LISTEN. I understand that the comment I made isn't about Polish history, just as it was not about Revolutionary War history, either. I start writing something and without any "specific intent" stuff like the following just shows up. If I ever get good at specific intent, maybe I can get an "A" in sophomore English. :) Chris, (and Orrin) During the past 6+ months, I have been graced to hear some amazing history lessons. I have also been blessed with reading about history on this and other blogs. I have done my best to really try and understand the historical points that the authors and speakers were trying to make. I would also ask myself if there was something the author or speaker was trying to tell the audience, without really saying it. I guess I am about to try to do the same thing, in a hypothetical/historical way, of course. From this blog, and speakers at certain events, I have learned many facts about Winston Churchill that I never knew. For example, and I must paraphrase, the quote which was loosly translated to mean "Bring It" in our common way of speaking. When that quote was made, the enemy did in fact "bring it". From my reading of history they brought it in a terrifying and ferocious manner. My humble opinion is that the nazis knew, in there cold black hearts, that if a little distraction like Winston Churchill could not be crushed, the nazis were in serious trouble. Not only in serious trouble, but if the pesky renegade were to gather strength, to gain allies, to muster resistance, and have the audacity to actually succeed, then the future of the nazi regime looked especially bleak. The question I have is that with your deep understanding and education of history, at the time the "Bring It" quote was made, did Churchill make the loosely translated quote because he KNEW he was going to WIN. Or did he make it out of faith, hope, or just to lift the spirits of his people. I am sure that during those dark times, when England was ruthlessly attacked, that victory may have seemed like only a shadow of hope for those who lived through it. For those who endured and survived. For those who didn't know if true allies existed or not. It must have been an agonizing time. We now have the lens of history to view the results of what happened. Just as the "Bring IT" quote didn't make it to the history text that I vaguely remember from high school, I was hoping you may be able to fill in some of the blanks that also didn't make it into the history books, at least not here in Texas. (I do hear that Michigan has some very good schools.) I understand that this comment has nothing to do with the conflict between England and the fledgling United States. For all the high 'c' temperments out there, I apologize for that. This history lesson is heavy on my heart right now, and this is the best I could do. To sum it up. When did Winston Churchill know that he was going to win, no matter what the enemy said or did. I hope this makes sense. Ian from Texas Additional information: Having read the article about the Solidarity Movement, a few points jump out at me. 1. Solidarity was a worthwhile movement. A revolutionary vision. People bought into the vision, and into the leaders. 2. The movement was not an overnight success. A lot of people endured alot of pain for a long time to see the vision become reality. 3. There were many times during the history of the movement that the outcome was uncertain. 4. It took everyone, hanging onto each other, through all the hardships, to see the vision become reality. 5. Some ideas just cannot be stopped. Thanks, Ian from Texas