The only way to explain it is to begin with the events that occurred over 2000 years ago in the Middle East and work your way forward. The kid will be asleep due to his head spinning soon after Dad begins the story.
Sisyphos, there is no way to explain the wars we manage to get into. Lebanon, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc., etc., Dad will find himself dancing the um uh two step if he tries to explain any of them. Meanwhile, our brave troops are fighting and dieing while our politicians take months to reassess and try to decide what our goals actually are. This isn’t just a recent thing, it keeps happening over and over again and we don’t seem to learn from it.
“You see, son, there are brown people there who don’t talk or act like us, so we bomb them and come up with excuses later. Sure, now and then they talk about striking back at us, but that’ll never happen.”
“…there is no way to explain the wars we manage to get into. Lebanon, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc., etc.,…our politicians take months to reassess and try to decide what our goals actually are. This isn’t just a recent thing, it keeps happening over and over again and we don’t seem to learn from it.”
In my opinion there’s only one explanation and one ultimate goal: for certain corporate interests to become even wealthier. See “War Is A Racket” by US Marine Corp Major General Smedley Butler
“Corporate interests”, Bloomfan? Apparently even Marine generals aren’t immune from absorbing the tired old Marxist anti-corporation propaganda that permeates our society, so I’m not surprised that you have too.
(So how does someone grow up Quaker and become a Marine general anyway? What’s wrong with this picture?)
ejcapulet about 15 years ago
Wait until 3 am, go in his room, turn on the lights, then explain the whole thing and don’t let him go back to sleep until you’re done!
Sisyphos about 15 years ago
Look, Binkley (little Michael, that is)! You opened this can of worms! Now let your Dad explain it, if he can….
kreole about 15 years ago
The only way to explain it is to begin with the events that occurred over 2000 years ago in the Middle East and work your way forward. The kid will be asleep due to his head spinning soon after Dad begins the story.
jrbj almost 15 years ago
Sisyphos, there is no way to explain the wars we manage to get into. Lebanon, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc., etc., Dad will find himself dancing the um uh two step if he tries to explain any of them. Meanwhile, our brave troops are fighting and dieing while our politicians take months to reassess and try to decide what our goals actually are. This isn’t just a recent thing, it keeps happening over and over again and we don’t seem to learn from it.
Charles Brobst Premium Member almost 15 years ago
Nothings changed. They still can’t live together in peace.
pbarnrob almost 15 years ago
I also like “That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history.” –Aldous Huxley
celeconecca almost 15 years ago
pbarnrob Amen.
mrslukeskywalker almost 15 years ago
the land of everlasting war, among wild packs of crazed lunatics. That’s all you need to know, because it will never change.
Sherlock Watson almost 15 years ago
“You see, son, there are brown people there who don’t talk or act like us, so we bomb them and come up with excuses later. Sure, now and then they talk about striking back at us, but that’ll never happen.”
bloomfan almost 15 years ago
“…there is no way to explain the wars we manage to get into. Lebanon, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc., etc.,…our politicians take months to reassess and try to decide what our goals actually are. This isn’t just a recent thing, it keeps happening over and over again and we don’t seem to learn from it.”
In my opinion there’s only one explanation and one ultimate goal: for certain corporate interests to become even wealthier. See “War Is A Racket” by US Marine Corp Major General Smedley Butler
pschearer Premium Member almost 15 years ago
“Corporate interests”, Bloomfan? Apparently even Marine generals aren’t immune from absorbing the tired old Marxist anti-corporation propaganda that permeates our society, so I’m not surprised that you have too.
(So how does someone grow up Quaker and become a Marine general anyway? What’s wrong with this picture?)