The problem with this is that the idealists have basically tied the hands of the people that are trying to keep us safe. Hiroshima was a terrible thing. It was also necessary to end the war. By trying to be "humane" are we not in reality being less "humane" by allowing things to drag on indefinitely?
Should be working on taxes. I just can't seem to get going today. Sitting here looking at all the ice on the trees and glad that I am at home and not on the road. Hope things are good for you.
The ones committing atrocities around the world today only care about the power of force. They will however appeal to your power of reasoning in order to continue on their course without opposition.
In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man and brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot. - Mark Twain
I see people saying that change will take time. Don't you think the rulers of the world know this? Our society didn't get spoiled over night. We didn't become self-centered over night. We have gotten to this point over the course of time. Self-sacrifice isn't going to happen. Even the world leaders aren't willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Look at the UN and all the scandals of late.
In this world, being a pacifist only ensures that you will be over run by people that could care less about your convictions.
What needs to be done won't happen because of apathy. This generation of people does not understand what the second amendment to the constitution was all about. Our founding fathers gave us the right to bear arms just in case the things that are happening today, would happen.
We have far too many people in this country that want the government to take care of them from cradle to grave. Because of this, our elections will change nothing. The people are too concerned about their own insignificant lives to even begin to comprehend that it isn't all about them. Hard work and sacrifice got this country to where it is. Few people today can even begin to comprehend the word sacrifice.
I believe that the leaders really could care less as long as they can continue to remain in power. If you look take a look at the two sides of the upcoming election, it is pretty much as my last post states. You have the people on the one side with their hands out saying give me, and the other side wishing government would stay out of our lives as much as possible.
I think you have already answered your own question Al. Third world countries versus modern, technologically advanced cultures. We have become so accustomed to our "easy" way of life, that we see no reason to fight for anything anymore. Also, take a look around. The things that were considered wrong or immoral years ago are openly accepted today. No one cares anymore. I have actually heard US citizens argue the fact that Iran or any other country should be allowed to have nuclear weapons to "protect" themselves from the US and others.
An excellent example is Gitmo. Everyone was outraged over the treatment of the "prisoners" down there. Our soldiers were "desecrating" their "holy books". I hear rumors of Geneva Convention violations going on. Does anyone honestly believe that the "enemy" really cares about our rights or the Geneva Convention? How does one stay on the moral high road when our enemy has no such qualms? Sometimes, you have to do whatever it takes to get the job done. If the current population of the US and the world at large had been around during WWII, I daresay we would be speaking either German or Japanese right now.
Another saying that goes along with this one that is also fitting is, "If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything". The "civilized" world is all about not offending anyone. Our "civilized" culture doesn't realize that the "evil" people of the world will use our fear of offending anyone to their advantage and to further their causes. The "evil" people of the world understand and know the "civilized" people of the world better than the "civilized" people understand themselves.
Contentment sometimes comes as you mature. The world that we live in with the slick marketing campaigns that tell you that you need everything that is bigger, better, faster really undermines contentment. Unfortunately, far too many people buy into the instant gratification society that we live in.
Just like the people that work in the welfare offices. They have to have so many people on welfare to justify their jobs. Same with social services. If they actually fixed something, they might find themselves unemployed.
I think FOX says that they are fair and balanced because they make no bones about being right leaning. When anyone watches FOX, they know exactly what they are in for. The rest of the media claims to be "impartial", which we all know is a lie. FOX lets you know upfront which way they lean.
Not by a long shot. I am no better than anyone else. I just happen to believe in personal accountability and responsibility. The government can not fix our lives. Our politicians can't even control their own lives. I sure don't want them trying to control or fix my life. I am responsible for my own life and I don't think government should be involved in trying to "solve" our problems. The government doesn't solve problems. It only creates them.
dazzling_dave Forum Posts (1,993)
So nice to see you.
Never thought I'd see that day. 
RE: The Only Thing Necessary..
How can you say these things Al? Haven't you been paying attention? There is no such thing as "evil".