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Post by Warrigal on Aug 16, 2019 19:17:30 GMT -5
This sentence just leapt off the screen and hit me squarely between the eyes.
Consider this:
In case anyone thinks that I am doing a bit of America bashing here, I assure you that I am not. Australia has been an eager partner in military adventures since the Maori wars in New Zealand and the Zulu wars in South Africa under British leadership right up to Middle Eastern and Afghanistan campaigns post 911 as a US ally. We even front up for NATO coalitions even though we are not members. I think the only war we missed out on was the Falklands war during Maggie Thatcher's time. We offered but the Iron Lady declined our help.
I remember reading George Orwell's novel 1984 in my teens. In Orwell's dystopia the world is divided up into three massive power blocks that are perpetually at war with each other. As one conflict resolves, another opens up and the population is continually brain washed into compliance with the ruling class, represented by Big Brother who appears on TV screens in every dwelling and public place. Disturbingly, these screens are 2-way communications used to spy on the people.
I'm beginning to think that Orwell was prescient. Written in 1948, his book still has something to say to us today. In particular, the final sentence, 'He loved Big Brother', describes the mind set of people who follow the leader without question, even when that leader is controlling them and working against their best interests.
If anyone would like to read the long article that the above extract is taken from here is the link: independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/us-and-australia-joined-at-the-hip,13003
It is a blunt criticism of both US and Australia. I would appreciate considered responses.
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Post by 2old on Aug 16, 2019 21:18:01 GMT -5
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_the_United_StatesCertainly no offense taken, Warrigal!!! Literally, the references in your linked article may be correct. And, the one I linked would tend to agree. But, how does one define "going without war"? Many of the conflicts listed in the 19th and early 20th century had to do with the U.S. and various Native American uprisings. Were those "wars"? And, many of the conflicts were taking on pirates on the sea or similar very short term conflicts. WWI ended in 1918. It does show we participated in a Russian civil war between 1918 and 1920. Again, not a full-fledge "war". We didn't join WWII until December 7th, 1941. So, technically, we weren't at war from 1918 until 1941. Since the end of the Korean conflict in 1953, we were involved in some skirmishes, but not "wars", until entering the Viet Nam disaster. All that said, it does seem as if the U.S. has played "Global Policeman" for decades. During the Cold War with the USSR, things could have gone sideways... but didn't. Both had atomic weapons and, together, could have destroyed the world as we know it. Didn't happen. The injustice, IMHO, to the American people was Bush lying us into the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict which is the longest in our history. We need to get out of that one. And, we need to no longer use foot soldiers in any conflict. We have come too far with military technology... drones, smart bombs, etc... to kill and maim sons, daughters, fathers, mothers in conflicts to merely benefit the political bent of a U.S. politician or party.
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Post by Warrigal on Aug 16, 2019 22:44:39 GMT -5
The first casualty of every war is truth. The American people weren't the only people lied to prior to this war. The same lies were told to the British and to the Australians.
When is a war not a war? It is often a matter of semantics. Australia was engaged in Malaya between the Korean and Vietnam wars. It was termed a 'police action' but was really a war against communist insurgents, as was Vietnam.
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Post by chinadoll1981 on Aug 17, 2019 8:58:11 GMT -5
War not healthy way to resolve conflict The cost in lives never worth territory gains nor any other reason for attacking This is essential to understand about Crazy Kim he is try hard to get attention to show he important but make no mistake he delusional to think he could win any conflict. All Asian nations there are in heighten apprehension over his continued aggression Japan closest but even Taiwan nervous over his antics He play Trump like violin and Trump ego can’t see through that!! If not so serious it would be comic! The serious consequences will be when Kim becomes bored with Trump and does something reckless The point is Trump is all bluster on Twitter but in reality is a complete coward but what he is liable to do is as scary as Kim
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Post by joymarty on Aug 17, 2019 18:30:33 GMT -5
Wars keep the U.S. corporations thriving. Eisenhower was correct when he said "look out for the industrial war complex".
This does not make me proud to be American.
Money money money and more money that is America. I believe in a capital society but how much does a person NEED, everyone puts their pants on the same way. Shame shame shame.
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Post by tnthomas on Aug 17, 2019 19:05:48 GMT -5
Apparently war is good for business, the challenge is to create a big enough lie to convince parents to send their sons and daughters off to their possible destruction.
Once we destroy a country, we can rebuild it the way we want.
Bringing Western style politics and society to a previously happy third world nation...in the name of God, apple pie and the girl next door.
For once being a rebellious colonial land, America just can't shake-off the desire to be a colonial power.
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Post by notmydad on Aug 17, 2019 20:16:04 GMT -5
but how much does a person NEED I believe it was in the movie "Wall Street" where one of the characters asked "How many yachts can you ski behind at one time?" |
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Post by chinadoll1981 on Aug 17, 2019 20:58:19 GMT -5
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Post by Warrigal on Aug 17, 2019 21:01:29 GMT -5
 Thank you China Doll. That is a message that encapsulates wisdom and truth.
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Post by chinadoll1981 on Aug 17, 2019 21:18:56 GMT -5
 As Buddhist I feel war is aberration and unnecessary to resolve conflict
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Post by tnthomas on Aug 17, 2019 22:00:55 GMT -5
As Buddhist I feel war is aberration and unnecessary to resolve conflict As a Christian that follows the word of Jesus, I see we have much common ground with our Buddhist brethren. |
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Post by rebecca2013 on Aug 18, 2019 15:09:42 GMT -5
Trump couldn't buy Greenland but now is thinking of invading!! Yahoo!!    Okay Just kidding..... or am I?? With DingDong in the White House.... anything is possible!!!!
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Post by dragonlady on Aug 18, 2019 15:25:34 GMT -5
As Buddhist I feel war is aberration and unnecessary to resolve conflict Unfortunately, war is profitable for a certain few |
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Thank you China Doll. That is a message that encapsulates wisdom and truth.
As Buddhist I feel war is aberration and unnecessary to resolve conflict 
