theloniusfleabag

Dear GINKSGYCLE, Well said. I do believe your frustrations, while shared by millions, are misplaced, to a certain degree. The American dream has become tainted, and it is becoming worse. You say you have a house? A family? The right to earn a fair wage? Relative safety? Then the American dream you and your father remember has provided all that you need. It is the dream that has changed, not you, nor your neighbor, nor your abilities. Providing for one's family has been usurped by greed as the 'greatest good'. 'Keeping up with the Joneses' is pounded into our heads by the media, consumerism has more followers than religion, and now there is no such thing as 'enough'. ENRON, they were 'victims' of themselves and of Mammon, for every company nowadays has to produce 'more'. Shareholders want 'more'. Companies are expected to produce it, or investors will go elsewhere. I'll bet that you are a very good 'provider' for your family. It is the media that is telling you that 'you could have more'. Our children suffer for this pursuit of greed. Morals and 'family values' are being cast aside for the sake of 'more money'. I think TV dinners are about the time when 'family' tooka back seat to 'Mammon'. Chin up, GINKSGYCLE, for if you have a home and a family, and love them, you are richer than most.

Dear Derek, Israel was created out of a country called Palestine by the British and the UN. If you doubt the 'terrorism' statements, look up 'The Stern Gang' and see if there is a link. Also, look up 'Palmach'. The holocaust was indeed a horrific event. Millions died, not just Jews, but homosexuals, gypsies, Russian POWs, etc. If indeed, 6 million jews died, then millions more were also 'exterminated' at the hands of the Third Reich. This, sadly, is not the worst humans have done throughout history, however. The Chinese lost an estimated 20 million civilians in and around WWII, mostly at the hands of the Japanese. "The Rape of Nanking" is another example of evil run amok. You are right, though, insofar as that Israel is the most democratic nation in the middle east, and could be a shining example to all, but they are botching it up. It (the terrorism) was actually between WWII and the creation of Israel.

Dear KK, I do agree with you (and Whistler) that the common infantryman is not required to think. I was best buddies with an engineer in the Canadian Military, and even went to a recruiting office when I was about 18. My buddy told me not to enlist in the infantry, for that is where all the dummies go. My post is more of an overview of past US military efforts, of which I could cite many examples of American 'inferiority'. To cite some examples: The US Armed forces are trigger-happy. (They have probably the highest incidences of -friendly-fire casualties of any modern force. All the way back to 'Stonewall Jackson' being killed by his own troops. During WWII, they frequently shot, shelled, and bombed their own and allied troops, far more so than any other participant. ) The US refuses to accept advice and expertise from those who are more knowledgable. (several examples of this, from WWII, Vietnam, Afghanistan, you name it. During WWII, the US absolutely refused any advice from the British relating to convoy escorts and systems, and finally agreed to use British Mine Sweepers as part of the convoy system, but were adamant that no British officers or expertise would be used.) I agree that the common soldier is not to blame, for they must indeed follow orders. I suppose it would be the commanders, those whose battle plans are to be followed, those are the truly inferior ones. If Canada were to spend our entire tax revenue on the military, and run up a debt of trillions, we could also be world class. I would rather rely on conscription in a time of true crisis, however, trusting the formidible 'fighting spirit' of the average Canadian, than rely on having the US as an ally. Chances are greater of dying when the US is on your side (friendly-fire wise) than from the enemy.

Dear KK, I believe both sides are guilty, and both sides must take steps to rectify this imbroglio. It could be argued that Israel is mostly to blame for the escalating violence. Hamas used to be non-violent, and was supported indirectly by Israel and the US. The more land Israel took from the Palestinians, and the more laws passed to eliminate economic competition from Palestinians, the more aggrieved they became. First they protested peacefully, then came the stones and firebombs, then suicide bombers. In a book called Inifada, (1987 by Ze'ef Schiff and Ehud Ya'ari) they understood that the escalation of violence was because many Palestinians, especially those of Gaza, "simply had nothing left to lose". Oddly enough, the IDF (Israeli Defence Force) took the most moral of stands by any of the participants, and also were the most criticized by all sides. The IDF sought to maintain their high moral standards, under fire from the right for being too soft, and by the left and by the palestinians for being too harsh. They tried to follow orders while still being 'human', and for and occupying force they indeed performed admirably. However, Ariel Sharon and his ilk would have eradicated the Palestinians and taken the land that they coveted, claiming 'covanent' with G-d. The claim is that 'fanatical muslims' wish to eliminate Y'Israel, yet Israel wishes to eliminate Palestine. A no win situation, so I say rename the whole place as "the Holy Land' and give neither providence.

Dear Hugo, I will stand by my quote. Highly trained or 'specialized' is not the same as intelligent. It limits the ability to 'think outside the box'. I saw a documentary by Gwynne Dyer (who served in 3 different Armed Forces) and in my opinion is one of the most intelligent and pragmatic 'military minds'. He also felt that the 'brainwashing' of basic training 'limits' independent thought to a crippling degree. Loyalty is great, but it comes at a price. Dear KK, I read that Canadians also do very well in 'Top Gun' competitions, often winning over their US counterparts.

Dear Mr. Read, A very good post and well researched. A bit contadictory to your previous posts about the US 'leading the way', however. Are you leaning to the left, a bit? lol.

Dear Derek, Please try to keep expletives to a minimum, often adjectives will suffice. Have you ever heard the term 'wagon-burners' used to describe 'natives'? How about, 'circle the wagons'? Those pesky 'native americans' used to attack 'settlers' (which would now, in the occupied territotries, be construed as terrorism) to try to defend their lands against invasion/occupation. I do not think this analogy is far off the mark. If one goes back far enough in history, the Caananites have first claim to 'Israel'. Then whom? That is a precedent we as humans should desire to leave behind.

Dear Mr. Read, I would be happy to address your points. With regards to crime rates, I have very limited time to do research regarding stats, especially since this forum, as great as it is, foments nothing. I did a quick google search, and one moron from a website called 'useful idiots' had some opinions on the matter of the US vs whomever, but this is far from credible information. The US Department of Justice had a formidible array of stats, but alas, I have no time for reading all of it. What I could glean is that, the US has a declining reported crime rate, and the UK has a very large crime rate. The US murder rate is far higher on average, but I would be far mor reluctant to state that 'capitalism causes higher homicide rates' than you seem to be about stating 'socialism causes higher petty crime rates'. Less disposable income, that one is true, but I will say, from experience, that money isn't everything. One Party Federal State??? That is beacause Liberals and Conservatives are one and the same, once power is achieved. Appease Big Business. All 'democracies' are like that. Less efficient governance? Amen. Corruption isn't a socialist monoply, though. Left wing media? A good thing. Becoming more and more 'americanized', though. Health care? Lots of waste, too much. Not because of equality, though. User fees, however nominal, could go a long way in curing 'hypochondri-itis', though. Military? While critically under-funded, I would take 100 ill-equipped Canadian men over 500 Americans for fighting abilities and intelligence anyday. We would win by attrition. As long as we weren't on the same side.

Dear Mr. Read, As does everybody else. They used them. The key word 'had' implies tense. 'Has' is a different tense, and therefore a different meaning. The posts on this forum have nothing to do with US foreign policy. Further to this quote, the threat of WMDs and the fabricated 'evidence' WAS given the sole justification at the time of invasion.

Dear KK, You are right. All is not well. I understand what you mean by 'catalyst' and if, in the end, the world becomes a better place, the victims of 9/11, victims of the holocaust, victims of tyranny will be the ones remembered as martyrs, instead of the perpetrators. Mankind has a long way to go before tomorrow.

Dear KK, I agree with most of your post, except linking WTC to Iraq. I will not use the word 'evidence' or any other, for they are linked to Osama, not Saddam. Earlier I had read a post regarding some nonsense about 'the enemy of your enemy is your friend'. Israel and Jordan both allowed Hamas to gain money and funds in the vain hope that Hamas would 'supercede' the PLO. As the Intifada gained momentum in 1987, Hamas was non-violent in their first year. Israel blocked PLO funds, and allowed Hamas to gain funds and followers, as did Jordan. Looking back, OOOOPS!. However, the lesson that was ignored was 'always do what is right'. Forget abetting your enemy's enemy.

Dear Black Dog, Afghanistan was littered with mines thanks mostly to the Soviets. I would not be surprised at all if the Canidians were killed by a forgotten soviet mine. That country is in dire need of assistance, but to what end? The will of the population? Then the western world needs to leave them be. You are very correct in saying Shari'a law is the enemy, yet it is what the majority want. How does the western world aim to save them from themselves?

Dear KK, Lol. Dear Mr. Read, Very well put, Mr. Read. I would only ask that you clarify 'socialism' vs. capitalism (as Canada is a mixed economy) and ask "what % of Iraqis are happy with the US occupation". I would imagine a few of the oil executives would be, but they would constitute less than 1%. If this were true, the Iraqis are 'happy' with the invasion, the international community should back off, regarding the US as the 'Shining Path' to riches and glory.

Dear Hugo, I do apologize for not answering all of your post, I am sure you can understand that we are all often pressed for time. I do enjoy this forum, and often there are things I would like to say and reply to, but do not have the time. My post was in no way intended to 'pick the few things' I could argue and 'ignore the rest'. As to Canada, for example, equality-wise, we have a public healthcare (rickety as it is) that offers health care coverage to all, not just those with 'insurance plans' and the like. I am not sure if you remember this, but Blue Cross/Blue Shield was fined about 100,000,000 dollars for shredding insurance claims in the US. Some coverage. Mammon uber alles. Schools, roads, all sorts of infrastructure are 'free', as in no 'toll booths' save a few exceptions. To compare the 'basic needs' of a society, such as education, health care, individual rights and freedoms, public transit, etc. I would much rather raise a family in Canada than almost anywhere else.

Dear KK,You seem to think that the US and it's policies are to blame.

Dear all, While I am personally 'pro choice' I do think that abortion is the wrong choice. I was adopted and am tremendously pleased with the results. As to what constitutes life, or 'humanity', I would expect that memory must play an important role. We only exist for each instant, the past and memory make up the rest.

Dear Mr. Read, Ahh yes, Survivor. I abhor television, and this show most of all. I have never seen an episode, but from what I understand, it is about losing one's moral compass, backstabbing, and throwing away the value of friends and community for the sake of individual gain. Sounds like America in a nutshell. No wonder it is so popular. If humans are indeed born 'tabula rasa', 'Survivor' is the Satan Himself as author of 'the book of life'.

Dear Hugo, This point is deeper for both capitalist and marxist economies. A state of either bent trades with states of either bent. The US trades heavily with China, a totalitarian-marxist, or communist state. It does so because slavery is highly profitable. A marxist (or heavily socialist) state can trade with anyone, and be 'profitable'. The problem lies with (in the western hemisphere) the US does not wish to see any socialist country suceed and will use military might to ensure it's failure. Nicaragua, El Salvador, etc. tried to adopt 'marxist economics' and the US used 'fear of communist expansion' as a ruse to deny the peoples of these countries the right of self-determination. The US simply abhors the notion of sharing. "All for one and one for all" is anathema, for they believe the best way is "every man for himself".

Dear Hugo, Your request, is very difficult to assess. Marxist states of less military strength than the US (in the west) are not permitted to exist, even if they are on the road to proving their worth. Cuba, for example, only turned to the USSR after crippling embargoes by the US for the US did not want to see marxism proven as a viable possiblility. In response, from memory, offer as a proven example, Hutterites. While they are collective farmers, economically they are proving that 'marxism', effort for the good of the colony, benefits the good of all, has worked. They are the fastest and largest 'aquirers of farmland' in western Canada. All of their needs are met and then some. Which brings about the question, what is a 'high standard of living? Knowing that you will be able to eat tomorrow? A roof over one's head? Today and tomorrow? To see a doctor when needed? Or is it a 9 hole golf course in your back yard? 100 Million a year? For pretending to be a doctor? While a homeless person from the streets of Chicago dies at your feet from gunshot wounds inflicted by a crack addict because they thought you were a doctor?? You have got to be kidding.

Dear Mr Locke, Most must have followed the 'golden rule', else society would not have flourished. Well over 50%, I would say. Sadly, that number is in decline. Once the number dips below 50%, it rapidly turns into a 'swirling motion'. lol

Dear Mr. Locke, While I lean towards the teachings of Siddhartha Guatama, I believe morality pre-dates religion, especially 'the big three'. We actually do not need religion to foster morality. Ethics are merely the manifestation of morality, and ethical code the foundation of religious law. But that is where mankind has always tainted the process.

Dear Mr. Read, Some of your points are valid, but these are silly. Lower morality???I have met many Americans who are disgusted by what America is becoming. What once was unthinkable, morally, is now becoming commonplace in the USA. I wretch at what 'American society' values above all else. That is the biggest reason why I do not watch television anymore.

Dear Hugo, Marxism is an economic system, totalitarianism a Leninist one. Russia is a piss-poor example of marxism. These are far better countries to live in, safer and more equal, than either the US or Russia. Would move from Canada to Sweden waaaay before the US or Russia. Lots of other countries are way better for overall standards of living.

Dear Mr. Read, Even Russia is a poor example of the theories of Marx. Hutterite colonies are 'truer marxists' than Russia. And far more profitable than almost any 'capitalist' farmer in North America. Mind you, Canada has controls such as wheat boards, and the US heavily subsidizes farming also.

Dear Lost in Manitoba and Black Dog, Afghanistan has been invaded many times, and has never 'lost'. Any foriegner will always be an intruder, NEVER a 'liberator'.