Pariahs?

This is coolbert:

Here are two men, one American, one English, that made a big mark, each in their own way, during World War Two [WW2].

Men who became pariahs in the years subsequent to the end of the war. Highly controversial individuals that assumed the roles of outcasts within their own societies. Controversial and outspoken figures, each of which, when called upon, contributed to the defeat of fascism in their own way.

Such was Revilo P. Oliver. [for those of you that have yet to catch on, Revilo is Oliver spelled backwards]. American scholar of the classics and the Romance languages. A man of the most profound learning and ability. As a young boy, he began a study of Sanskrit!!?? Such was the abilities and interests of Revilo P. Oliver!!




Began his duty during WW2 as a cryptanalyst working for the U.S. Army. Having knowledge of the Romance languages as he did, this would have been a natural position for him to fill. A scholar and intellect in a position that requires BRAIN power!

Became the Director of Research at the Army Security Agency for the duration the war. Had almost two hundred researchers working under him. Again, a position for which he was most suited. Persons that can do this type of work and do it well are hard to find. Oliver must have been proud of his accomplishments during the war. On a web site dedicated to him, is a copy of his certificate from the Army testifying to his war time service.

"During the Second World War, Oliver worked with distinction at the U.S. Army Signal Corps [actually, the Army Security Agency] installation, Arlington Hall, in cryptanalysis. From 1942 until the autumn of 1945, he came to be in charge of a rapidly expanding department, and advanced from Analyst to Director of Research (eventually responsible for the work of about 175 persons)."

[WARNING!! If you are easily offended by material of an adult, frank, and intense nature, DO NOT go to this web site!!]

Oliver, in the years after the war, assumed a political position that can only be described as “far to the right”.

A founding father of the John Birch society. A man whose politics and views on American society as the years went by, became more strident and “rightist”. In the eyes of some people, Revilo would be better named “Reviled” P. Oliver.

Whatever the views concerning Revilo P. Olvier, it cannot be denied that the man served in an honorable fashion during WW2, in a vital position, and did so with panache’!

Such also was the Englishman Enoch Powell. Scholar, master of the classics, learned in a a variety of languages. A native English speaker, was fluent [??] in Greek when he was five years old!! Mastered during his lifetime no less than twelve languages!!??



"he became a student of Classics, specifically Latin and Greek (which would later influence his 'Rivers of Blood' speech), and became one of the few students in the school's history to attain 100% in an end-of-year English examination. He completed his education at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he obtained a double first and fell under the powerful influence of A. E. Housman. He was later appointed Professor of Greek at Sydney University aged 25."

A man not unlike Revilo P. Oliver with regard to intellect!!

A man who also served his nation during WW2 in a most admirable fashion.

Was drafted as a private in the British Army. Was spotted as potential officer material while on kitchen police duty. At the time, was a Corporal. One rank above private. Became an officer and served with distinction. ROSE TO THE RANK OF GENERAL OFFICER BY THE END OF THE WAR!!

MUSTERED INTO THE ARMY AS A PRIVATE, MUSTERED OUT AS A GENERAL!!

"He was trained for a commission after, whilst working in a kitchen, answering the question of an inspecting officer with a Greek proverb . . ."
. . . .

. . . .

"By the end of the war, he was the youngest Brigadier in the British army, having started off as a Private."

REMARKABLE!!

Powell, also a man politically active, filled a number of governmental positions in the post-war years. WAS A MAN WHOSE INNATE TALENTS WERE RECOGNIZED AND APPRECIATED! SO MUCH SO, THAT HE WAS A MAN MANY TOUTED AS A FUTURE PRIME MINISTER OF ENGLAND!!

The hitherto successful life and career of Enoch Powell came to a screeching halt in the aftermath of a single speech he gave. Called the “Rivers of Blood” speech. Felt by many to be a rascist polemic inspiring hate of immigrants. May have not been intended to be so, but was widely interpreted by many as BEING SO!

This ONE speech effectively ended the political career of Enoch Powell. A patriot, a man of learning and ability, was cast by the wayside!

Oliver and Powell. Two men that served their respective nations in an admirable manner when called upon. Later become - pariahs – despised – and cast out!!

Deserved? I guess it all depends who you talk to. Nonetheless, their military service cannot be denied and appreciated. Worthy men of achievement, both of them!

coolbert.