Social Sense
"hand salute" to ME? Coming from a Marine, that's the biggest compliment I think I ever got. Thanks, Mustang.
This is a fantastic post and I agree with every single word. Am going to link it right now..............I don't do this often, but this says SO MUCH of how I FEEL, I have to.
Thanks for doing it FOR me..you're the best.
xxx
I keep saying we are like France 1930-40. Maybe we will wake up before it's too late.
We get the government we deserve.
Pablo.
You paint a pretty damn dismal picture of the future, unfortunately I think it is a correct vision.
Joe
Sera, sera?
//"hand salute" to ME? Coming from a Marine, that's the biggest compliment I think I ever got. Thanks, Mustang.//
Z, you earned it. You see, Mustang is modest. He doesn't pass those out to just anyone, for just anything. He's stingy with them, because he's a thinker and one of the brighter minds on the internet; and he wants to be stimulated to think. So, as you can see, he responds t5o that stimulation quite well, with intelligent prose such as this post.
But I will warn you of something. I have known him for a long time and for some reason, when he hand salutes me these days, very often a request to borrow money comes soon thereafter. 
Long time no see. Forgot me already huh? LOL! 
Just kidding my friend!!!!
You are absolutely correct and as always another excellent write-up. I cannot think of one thing to add and your comment section covers it too - so I will just compliment you on your superb writing skills once again capturing the truth as it really is.
Semper Fi
LASUNSETT..Mustang sure is a great thinker....
and, re: the money? thanks for the warning..!!!
Excellent point. Most of us have a very short memory to draw on when it comes to politics and it's good to look back further into history for a better perspective.
Truly wonderful post, Mustang. It is unlikely that we will ever be returning to 'politics as usual,' since the illusion of normalcy is not often attributable to political turpitude. "Will America survive?" I sure hope so. If we can get our educational instructors and history books to reflect an accurate account of historical events, without censorship or omissions, we may effectively be able to inject a much needed shot of patriotism into the youth of America. Given a more accurate barometer, they will either learn from our mistakes or be destined to repeat them.
This school term, I have the pleasure of teaching American Government.
On the first day, I pointed out to the students, many of whom were objecting to the dirty techniques of campaigning this year, that American politics has always been filled with conflict and rancor -- even at the Constitutional Convention. Remember the words of Benjamin Franklin when asked what kind of government the delegates had established? "A republic -- if you can keep it."
As for the future of our nation, I think the prediction in this essay is spot on. I'm glad that I'm not younger!
We are all Americans, except the 40% who would like nothing better than to transform America into a European styled socialist state...well said Mustang. what will become of our Nation if Hussein Obama gets near the White House?
I have heard this argument before and tended to dismiss it. With ilegal immigration, though, the calculus could be changing. Is it inconceivable that in our lifetime (I am only 45), we could see illegals get the vote? This could cause significant changes to our country.
Chuck:
Thank you for stopping by … I appreciate your thoughtful contributions. The calculations must consider more than “illegal immigrants” and the rather industrious programs to garner their fraudulent participation in the electoral process.
And yet, let us think about the likely consequences of successive rounds of amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants. How will this affect our national demographics? You will note that the Federal government recently suspended border patrol activities in the wake of Hurricane Ike; and while I can appreciate the humanitarian gesture, we might wonder if such would even be necessary if our Nation were not plagued with between 12 and 20 million illegal immigrants.
Beyond this, our census people predict ethnic minorities will become the majority in 40 years. That’s fine … this isn’t a racial issue (for me). What is an issue is that people who receive amnesty come to us from socialist oriented cultures. A shift from 40% to 45% of those harboring a Marxist ideology would still be significant.
Meanwhile, voting fraud continues unabated. Our Attorney General recently stated he is aware of the problem, but lacks the resources to do anything about it. Not surprisingly, Democrats in Congress do not see this as a problem – it benefits them directly. For the rest of us, a lack of voter confidence jeopardizes our most important institution: fair elections.
As dismal as it sounds, I think the deck is already stacked in favor of Marxists. The majority of those involved in our educational system are committed socialists, so if parents continue to leave civics education entirely in the hands of public education, America loses. If conservative groups do not immediately begin to widen the electoral base, America loses. If conservative Americans do not begin to increase their involvement in local, state, and federal issues … America loses.
I think this topic is worthy of serious consideration, and I believe it offers a challenge to those still young enough to make important contributions toward maintaining our unique American traditions, while repudiating European socialism.
Angel, the appropriate word to describe an Obama presidency is D I S M A L.
AOW ...
Today's average citizen is 100 times more educated than the average person in 1789 ... but the Revolutionary Era American was easily five times smarter.
"A republic ... if you can keep it," indeed. Early American colonists tried communism two hundred years before Karl Marx was even born, and they rejected it. We ought to wonder why we even have to discuss it today.
Semper Fi
Pablo is right, of course. Being right all the time is what happens when you live longer than almost everyone else.
But I think Pablo forgets how fascinated Democrats are with European socialism. Sadly, not sufficiently fascinated to migrate there.
Semper Fi Mi Amigo
Attention all Readers!
LASunset has a cousin named Vinnie. Exercise care before accepting any of his "offers," no matter how good it might sound at first blush.
This is pretty much in line with David McCullough's view of the country.
In the face of constant rivalries and flux the best quality we can look for in a candidate is common sense.
Hence Obama. McCain's rigid antiquated dogma is a recipe for no progress.
Did I mention that leftist ideology teaches us it is gauche to acknowledge our belief in God?
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It does nothing of the kind, stop lying.
What it does do is tell you that simply because Martin Luther and a few councils stated that the bible is inerrant literal truth many are in no way compelled to believe in nor have their freedom limited by your dogma.
It's really quite simple.
I won't bother to argue with Ducky. He's beyond all hope.
I agree that it looks dismal, Mustang, but we can't give up. I also agree that the liberals want to change us into Europe and I wish they'd just move there! We'd all be a lot happier, both them and us.
Of course you won't Gayle. I was struck by mustang's comments about the lefts belittling belief in God because went to a screening of Andrei Tarkovsky's "The Sacrifice" last night.
It's definitely not a film for the folks who like those Hollywood Big Macs but it conveys a lot about the nature of "faith" contrasted to the shallowness of "belief". Pits nature against the restriction of (Protestant) predestination, pits hope against despair.
If you have Netflix or any opportunity to see it I suggest you give it a try. It may help you understand why some find the right's position of questioning peoples spirituality to be a source of the very division mustang discusses.
In other words, we feel we are being lectured by people who will crumble when their foundation is threatened and lecture on spirituality when they can not see some of their lack.
Mustang,
Your rounds continue to be in the V ring.
While I delight and admire your writing style, it is shameful that too many of our citizenry are so ignorant. One might excuse (I don't) our youth for more interest in "music", pop stars (tarts - male and female), and PEOPLE, US, etc. One wonders, however, why the hogwash of The View, Oprah, Donahue, and regiments of Lefty academics (right down to elementary school), clueless entertainment "stars" and others either cannot read in any depth nor do any research without just selecting things they agree with.
Journalists (ha), all seem to be talking to themselves vice providing accurate news. Groups and special interests are pandered to, while citizens not in the chi-chi or "oppressed" groups are ignored.
Who, indeed, landed a Omaha and Utah beaches? Who, indeed, has secured the freedoms so many are keen to trash?
Thank you, as always, for continuing to attempt to sound the bugle. To gain the attention of people operating on half a brain.
****************
Mr. Ducky,
I would take you more seriously if you would respond to my comments.
I write something. Then, almost always you throw a half-truth brick through my window. I respond and you go mute.
This is rather like bumper sticker politics. Life, I think you know, is more complex, as are issues. The Amy Goodman school of "facts" would be laughable if they were not so contrived for effect. Think AgiProp.
*****************
Semper Fi
It does nothing of the kind, stop lying.
You appear to suffer from selective memory syndrome, Ducky. That’s okay. We know how convenient it is for leftists to make fun of people for holding on to “guns and religion,” and then claiming the conservative press took the statement out of context. I am not lying … and your statements over many months would seem to reinforce the fact that the socialist elite disdain those who have strong Christian views, but have no problem speaking out on behalf of the views of non-Christians. Seriously, we get it.
And honestly, if you think Obama is the candidate with common sense … then you are seriously lacking in that department as well.
Former Dukakis campaign manager Susan Estrich this morning suggested the socialist left appears committed to the self-inflicted gunshot wound. As the left continues their childish behaviors (Governor Gidget, Caribou Barbie), Estrich opines they are driving center/independent voters into the McCain camp. That would be a good thing. But more than this, Democrats may suddenly find their congressional seats in jeopardy. Important disclaimer: Susan Estrich also supported North Carolina prosecutor Mike Nifong … so we can’t claim that she has a fine record for accuracy.
Mustang,
I think there's a significant difference between the nastiness of politics today compared to that of yesteryear.
True, there was rancor and bitterness in the campaigns of the past. But Giuliani's response that politics became truely "nasty" during the 2000 presidential elections reflects the appearance of something far more sinister than rancor.
Giuliani's answer was an acknowledgement that half-truths and outright lies about opponent became ingrained in American elections starting in 2000. Since then, lies upon lies have replaced coherent political platforms. Put more simply, Giuliani was conceding that contemporary American politics is more about destroying one's opponent that defeating him.
"America is changing." Indeed, it is. But it has always been changing. America of 1776 was vastly different from that of 1876. And none of that age could have foreseen America in 1976. Change happens.
Not all of this change has been good by any means. But not all of it has been bad, either. So, from an historical perspective, we do have some room for hope for the future. The future isn't predestined to be dismal.
" ... leftist ideology teaches us that it is gauche to acklowledge our belief in God?" I suppose it's okay to believe this if one wants to do so, but I can think of many people on the left who acknowledge their belief in God.
By the way - -
Z, there's an old military tradition that you give a dollar to the first person you receive a salute from. You owe Mustang a buck. And congrats on your first one. Best wishes for more in the future.
The Grunt
The biggest difference between politics then and now, excluding the specific issues, is that 200 years ago there was a commonly agreed upon base of reality and standard of morality. That has changed and each side sees the other as unrealistic because of differing core beliefs and core values.
I like how it's presented at the blog One Cosmos by "Gagdad Bob": Leftist think horizontally while conservatives think vertically.
http://www.onecosmos.blogspot.com/
tad, which comment is that. I'm sorry I'm not aware of it.
I will state that I try to avoid discussing the Marines if that is what you are referring to because it can lead to expressing some opinions that the host of this blog finds distasteful so I just avoid comment. Serves no purpose.
… and your statements over many months would seem to reinforce the fact that the socialist elite disdain those who have strong Christian views, but have no problem speaking out on behalf of the views of non-Christians. Seriously, we get it.
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No you don't. I am a practicing Catholic and evangelicals (including many of your readers) would not consider me a Christian.
Your definition of "Christianity" is very selective and your militancy is often at odds with the Constitution.
Andy:
I can think of many people on the left who acknowledge their belief in God.
This may be true for those left of center, but it is not likely for those who are far to center left. A committed Marxist is an atheist.
Dcuky, you're correct re: Leftist ideology; it's okay to discuss God (and even (gasp!) Jesus) if you're a leftwinger, but not if you're a rightwinger. It does not apply to anyone. good point.
I am so happy to hear you're a practicing Catholic. But, you also constantly remind us that people who believe in the Bible are 'fundamentalist nuts'...How do you justify the two? You believe in a faith whose only instruction comes from a book you don't think is true, or? The Popes use the Bible, are they wrong? This isn't a jab, I seriously would like to know.
Andy..thanks. It certainly IS my first (and probably last) hand salute. And, of course, I don't deserve it, especially from a guy like Mustang.
Ducky:
Your definition of "Christianity" is very selective.
I have never sought to define Christianity here or at any other website ... so please refrain from making unsupported accusations. I regard Catholics as Christians and refuse to get into the Catholic/Protestant debate.
Your militancy is often at odds with the Constitution.
Wrong again ... but it is clearly at odds with those nimrods of the ACLU, constitutional revisionists, and other idiots who think terrorist combatants are entitled to a Miranda warning.
How do I justify it z.
Simple (oh and thanks for censoring, you're a coward).
The Catholic Church allows dissent and recognizes that the church is a human institution and therefore fallible. It has apologized for errors in doctrine.
Evangelical Protestants accept no such doubt over doctrine and certainly are incapable of admitting error.
When we hear criticism of things like teaching civics in school and "liberal indoctrination" what we are in fact hearing is that the version of civics that the hard right finds acceptable is not being taught or the practice of Evangelical religious dogma is removed from the public forum (in accordance with the Constitution) because it clashes with other religious beliefs.
It's quite simple. Just watch the frenzy over homosexuality among evangelicals. Now what happens when moderates point to that as a denial of rights?
Mustang, was Dorothy Day a Marxist?
How about Peter Marin?
Were they Christians?
other idiots who think terrorist combatants are entitled to a Miranda warning.
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If they are denied legal redress and due process how do they become terrorist combatants?
Now the Supreme Court has ruled several times that Bush and his corrupt justice department is in violation of the Constitution (something you profess to defend) but all we get are kind of pithy slogans.
Anon ... do grow up. The inapplicability of the US Constitution to citizens of foreign countries and stateless individuals has nothing to do with why they became terrorists. Such a statement displays an utter lack of understanding about almost everything, and this in turn is the genesis of and perpetuates liberal lunacy.
Ducky. "coward"? You know, I just wrote reams here in response but this is Mustang's blog so I deleted it. I won't fight here and I won't fight at mine. (Mine being the operative word..Mine, the blog at which I asked you to stop the sarcasm and the hate and unsubstantiated rumors)
I won't take more space here. I'm a guest here, as you're a guest at my blog. I wish you could show the same manners. When you find the courage to start a blog where you can state your opinions with facts, I'll have some respect for you. Maybe you will, too.
By the way, I'm sure Pope Benedict probably feels the Bible IS the inerrant word of God. You might want to look into that.
God be with you.
Duckling -- if Z is a coward than you are complete an utter chickensh*t. Learn that you are a guest. and a homeless guest at that. You should be thankful that you are not banned everywhere that you spread hateful sarcasm and socialism. Once you set up your own castle to defend then you may have one very small leg to stand on. Until then, come out of your momma's basement from time to time and start to take in a little reality.
ducky said: "When we hear criticism of things like teaching civics in school and "liberal indoctrination" what we are in fact hearing is that the version of civics that the hard right finds acceptable is not being taught or the practice of Evangelical religious dogma is removed from the public forum (in accordance with the Constitution) because it clashes with other religious beliefs."
why must you try to twist the truth and the facts, ducky? no one i know objects to not teaching about the civics because it does not fit their world view. we object to the wrong-teaching of civics when it does not match the facts. personally, i'd prefer that they not teach it as i am better capable of teaching the truth to my children than most teachers i have met.
as for the other part of your statement - more than just evangelical christians are up in arms about the removal of god from the public square. among those most upset are cristians - including practicing catholics and jews. the muslims are not upset because their god has not been banned. only the god of abraham.
i suppose that you believe in abortion as well and have no problem reconciling that with being a practicing catholic, too.
And heidianne just who is the arbiter of facts?
Now lately you have been critical of me for not professing the Murray Rothbard line, the most extreme of the laissez faire crew.
We are seeing today the final demolition of the American investment banking system and a pretty good demonstration that unregulated markets in fact eventually destroy themselves. However, in a position of power you would probably prevent that from being taught. It would be "liberal indoctrination".
I do not believe in abortion. I do believe that defining the start of life is difficult and my beliefs shouldn't be the determinant in a womans decision about her body.
Let's look at Sarah Palin as the extreme view. She supported forcing sexual assault victims to pay for a rape kit after a sexual assault. Now why would she do this at the most vulnerable time in a woman's life.
Simple. Part of the rape kit would include offering a "morning after" pill to prevent pregnancy. So Palin makes the decision for a woman that the woman must carry a rapists fetus to term.
Now the Catholic Church teaches that conception should be the result of an act of love withing marriage so we have a disconnect here but you will make the decision for us by mandating that your dogma prevail. Right?
As for Islam in the public square ... are you serious? Where?
Ducky,
You asked me a question in "Biden to Israel" on this blog. I was mostly at loss as to what you really meant. I did respond myself, but left a question for you. Nary a response from you. Why?
mustang, pardon me, I was the anonymous poster.
Now the Supreme Court has ruled three times that the detainees should be granted certain due process rights in accordance with our constitution.
I imagine you resolve that disconnect by saying that we just have the wrong appointees and that the court must conform to your opinions to be correct. That's a tough position to defend.
Now you have to realize heidianne Christianity on the whole is a fairly peculiar religion, since it doesn't really have any allegorical foundation. It's only "value" is dogmatic.
Greek mythology had an art and poetry to it. The Old Testament is just full of savagery and bigotry, while the New Testament is filled with platitudes that are very difficult to live fully if not impossible. Except for Revelations, in which Christianity returns to savagery.
So yes, snake-handling, speaking in tongues, all strike me as natural extensions of that old belief system. When a religion can be taken for its poetical and allegorical value, then it becomes a thing of beauty and the evangelicals tried to remove that from the Catholic church but they were unsuccessful.
It becomes part of my complete inability to understand Protestants and their ability to follow the two great commandments with these deficiencies.
Well Tad, it's like this. I often perceive ex-military as a group that has difficulty seeing the world in any sense but a potentially violent opposition.
They aren't going to look at Israel as part and parcel with dictators in Jordon, Egypt and even Syria of a system to keep the oil safe.
They also have a pathological hatred for "liberals" (whatever the hell they are) and Bill Clinton. In a fit of pique I just remembered how everyone used to rail against Clinton and how the military hated him.
Well I think the career military got a little upset that under Clinton there wasn't a war to fight to clear out the dead wood and have everyone move up the ranks. They must love Bush because there's sure been a lot of movement under him.
Like the old saw that "it isn't the writer that gives us freedom of speech, it's the soldier". Always neglecting that the soldier is incapable of creating a culture to protect. And quite frankly, needing to find something to protect us against in quiet times.
I agree with you completely. And don't get me started on illegal aliens, it brings my BP up!
Ducky, you need to study the Scripture..you're just sounding way too inexperienced and unknowledgable!
I know Catholics are not encouraged to read the Bible (and don't tell me they are, I'm sick of your mischaracterizations, it's clearly and absolutely not true, i have many Catholic friends), but please.....do some questioning of those evil Protestants who have the nerve to follow the ONE BOOK by which Christians are informed of His Word. Without it, what do you have?
z, don't presume to understand what people NEED to do in their spiritual lives.
Don't presume to tell people who have made their bones what they have and don't have. Your presumptions are what cause many people to fund evangelicals obnoxious and destroy any chance you may have at an effective witness.
Merry Widow actually does more to witness through the cheerfulness and good fun of her recipes than you do with your doctrinaire partisanship.
Good and true young Americans have served their country in uniform. They have always answered the call. They sacrifice much, and expect very little in return. Some give all they have. All give some. None ever forgets what they endured for others; the cost to them lasts a lifetime. And while half of America never forgets our veterans, the other half refuses even to see them. I think those who shun military service are miserable, spineless souls who leach off America. They are happy to partake of her bounty so long as it has been and paid for by the blood of far better men and women. When I think of the many sacrifices made in the cause of liberty for others in lands so far away, my heart swells with pride, but when I read the cowardly words written here by this person who calls himself ducky, I want to retch. Did my brother give up his life for scum such as this? Is this the true measure of liberal America? No wonder liberals are reviled by good and descent Americans. As for ducky, he is but one of too many who do not deserve the title of an American – because if he is an American, it is an accident of birth. He has done nothing worthwhile to earn it.
Charli
Charli, I am so sorry about your brother and humbly give my condolences and congratulations. I'm sure he must have been a wonderful man.
Ducky,...listen carefully, I'll say this again:
NOBODY HAS TO BE A CHRISTAN. PLEASE, who cares?
The Bible is THE ONLY information we have about the faith. Those who don't believe it's true, or only parts are, and who still call themselves Christians are more than a curiosity.
I "PRESUMED" to suggest maybe someone who CALLS himself something might want to READ about what it MEANS, what it stands for?
Some presumption on my part!
TMW is a close friend and a lovely person who I'm quite sure cherishes my friendship as much as I do hers. I'm glad you see the goodness in her, too.
What you think of me is of no consequence whatsoever. For someone who can't stand my supposed "doctrinaire partisanship", you sure spend an awful lot of time at my site. As for partisanship, I have to...somebody has to get the truth out and it's only bloggers who are doing that right now.
It must be drawing you to seeing the truth because you sure do hang around a lot.
Good luck to you.
Ducky,
The "Well, I think..", and the "I perceive.." and the "Well, I think.."
Sir, what you've written here is a massive testimonial about how too many Americans have too little knowledge about those who assure their freedoms.
Bottom Line for military men and women is: low pay, frequent moves, long training deployments and mostly 12/14 hour work days. They do it - in the main - because they admire the America from which they sprang and the Americans they serve with who are selfless, highly educated (more advanced degrees in the military than the general populace, AND more specific training to mission there also) and all that is when "peacetime" reigns. During war, they stand in hot and cold places against the enemies of ideals you claim are yours. The difference is they put their lives at risk...very often...and some die and some are horribly maimed. Newspapers and magazines rarely laud them and I say SHAME to them.
America needs a strong, intelligent, moral and tough military...and that is what is has. It, however, does get tired of doing so much heavy lifting for no-nothings who yak and bray about things they know very little about and are too slothful to find out. They do not serve nor do they encourage their sons and daughters to serve. Again, I say SHAME to them.
Most Americans have never really been really, really cold...or really, really hot. They, in the main, have only to deal with the criminal elements of our society, which they seem at a lose to deal with.
I came up through the ranks and would do it again. I was honored to serve with heroes and real giants in morals and decency.
Congress, academia, the "entertainment industry, professional sports, are just some that ought to hang their collective heads. As for the Press....were did they go wrong?
Report each and every error or failing of the military. We want that. We struggle mightily to do the Right Thing every day. Meanwhile, the Press gives immoral, amoral people either a pass or lauds them. Again, I say SHAME.
Ducky, are you listening? Are you resolving to pick up some books and find out just what all those lads and lasses do for you?
Please to remember that America has NO ONE to call if things get really, really rocky. 2008 isn't 1917 or 1941. It is us....and some valiant help - though much too small - from of our allies.
I grow weary of reading (or hearing) stuff in the papers or on tv that is entirely wrong. Were I an editor of a newspaper or a producer in a tv station, I would would make sure my reporters, if they hadn't actually served in uniform, at minimum, had do extensive study of the military before they wrote a single word.
BTW, I don't "perceive" most Americans have little knowledge of those who serve, I know it. For more than a decade, young people have come through the college where I teach and their absolute absence of knowledge about the armed forces is more than staggering.
Sadly, Ameri
Ducky,
Get some books. Find out much more about those who stand in your stead to protect that which you hold dear.
Sir, the gauntlet has now been thrown.
Tad, the best statement on the warrior class that I've found is Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai".
I am a fan of 50's and 60's Japanese films because of the extremely high technical quality and the look at the WW II aftermath from the loser's POV. I think it's a little more objective.
Now it's a fact that most all of the great postwar Japanese directors were leftists, all except Seijun Suzuki in fact, so you can trash them all on that basis if you like.
However Kurasowa does a fine job of deconstructing the samurai class.
1. The must act for the social good
2. Unit cohesion is achieved by individual skills and personality and NOT shared ideology
3. The warrior class is in an ambiguous relationship with the society in general (farmers in this case)
4. The warrior class took no part in building the economic structure.
It's a work that projects a great deal of appreciation and even sympathy for soldiers but it does eliminate their claims to exceptionalism. In fact certain pithy slogans are absolutely destroyed.
Pick up a copy. It's probably the finest film ever made.
Ducky,
I've studied the warrior class (including, but not limited to, Japan, the American Plains Indians, the Zulus, the Gurkhas and others).
You seem to be portraying today's American Military with Japan's of the 1930s and early 40's.
Have you read The Rape of Nanking? I submit that Americans, despite some really awful things involving Native Americans in the 1800s, have mostly been nothing like the Japanese of that period. You CAN find examples of war crimes committed by Americans. They, however, are the exception, vice the rule.
I would bet that had you gone into a bar in any city in American in 1945 and tried to sell the notion that American soldiers, Marines, sailors or airmen were really pretty much the same (as Japanese soldiers [Code of Bushido, Emperor worship, etc])...you'd have had alot of difficulty.
How can any literate person not be aware of the rape of Nanking?
Now I will repeat my premise. In order to be valued members of a culture the warrior class must act in a social interest.
The current Iraq fiasco is not in the best interest of our nation and we are all quite free to point out that the mission is bogus.
I'm curious how you moved from Kurosowa's analysis of the military class to my comparing American service men to Japanese soldiers in WW II. Of course I make no such comparison.
Ducky,
I may have been delusional. However, all you mentioned were the Japanese, and do they have an awful record in WW II or what. Manchukuo, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Burma, Malaya, the Dutch East Indies, etc.
The mission in Iraq, actually, IS in our national interest. No, we are not going to get any more land, nor the "blood for oil" cries of too many non-strategists.
Further, we are winning and helping create more democracies vice less. The world since WW II, has seen a massive increase in really bad thugs masquerading as heads of state. Most were/are just murderous thugs who are robbing from their own people to advance their own personal desires. I won't give you the too long list - just now - as I have to be off to class.
Janessaries, Spahis, Goums, askaris, I am just pulling this from my head. Heck the Swiss Guard are warriors...not really...anymore, but the Popes had big armies long ago.
Will the America that we know survive? I don't know. I do know one thing, I'm not going to let it go the ash heap without a fight!
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