The Lessons of History
Or what did the last war bring you?
It is an oft repeated chestnut that he who ignores the lessons of history is bound to repeat them, and it may even be true. But what about the lessons you learn from history and modify them to your advantage.
We must ask, what did the Republicans learn from that war, compared to what the Democrats took away from the conflict? To start with, the Democrats clearly learned that the war was a fractious exercise in national disruption. They learned that it destroyed families, it killed off over 50,000 young Americans, and it left an indelible stain on our national image.
The Republicans learned that there was money to be made in War.
The Democrats took their lessons to heart and have implemented policies to mitigate the possibility of future conflicts. They stood down from confrontations, increased foreign aid, worked assiduously to minimize strife around the world. The image of Jimmy Carter brokering the only lasting Middle East agreement was inspirational; Clinton's ill favored attempt to allay the crushing poverty in Africa, and his equally tempered response to Libya's terrorist activities stand in stark contrast to later events.
The Republicans learned that there is money to be made in War.
The Democrats dissociated themselves from terrorist organizations and totalitarian regimes. They made clear decisions to wind down the war machine and they attempted often futilely to deal with arms merchants and deals that could only lead to more strife and pain. For some obscure reason, probably ethical, they did not become business partners with killers and religious fascists.
The Republicans learned that the best way to make money in a war is to become business partners with your enemies.
It is hard to imagine a Democratic President being closely allied to terrorist organizations that spend vast amounts of money trying to destroy our culture. The Democrats do not appreciate the beauty of dealing weapons with both sides at the same table. From Iran Contra to Saudi participation in the Carlyle group, there is a clear business strategy at work. And that strategy is whatever works.
So we must applaud the Republican Party for endorsing this open minded approach to war. It will certainly not harm the party bottom line, and it will keep jobs for the elite on both sides.
The Republicans have a much better understanding of the lessons of history; it's a shame that our country has to die for it.
Or what did the last war bring you?
It is an oft repeated chestnut that he who ignores the lessons of history is bound to repeat them, and it may even be true. But what about the lessons you learn from history and modify them to your advantage.
We must ask, what did the Republicans learn from that war, compared to what the Democrats took away from the conflict? To start with, the Democrats clearly learned that the war was a fractious exercise in national disruption. They learned that it destroyed families, it killed off over 50,000 young Americans, and it left an indelible stain on our national image.
The Republicans learned that there was money to be made in War.
The Democrats took their lessons to heart and have implemented policies to mitigate the possibility of future conflicts. They stood down from confrontations, increased foreign aid, worked assiduously to minimize strife around the world. The image of Jimmy Carter brokering the only lasting Middle East agreement was inspirational; Clinton's ill favored attempt to allay the crushing poverty in Africa, and his equally tempered response to Libya's terrorist activities stand in stark contrast to later events.
The Republicans learned that there is money to be made in War.
The Democrats dissociated themselves from terrorist organizations and totalitarian regimes. They made clear decisions to wind down the war machine and they attempted often futilely to deal with arms merchants and deals that could only lead to more strife and pain. For some obscure reason, probably ethical, they did not become business partners with killers and religious fascists.
The Republicans learned that the best way to make money in a war is to become business partners with your enemies.
It is hard to imagine a Democratic President being closely allied to terrorist organizations that spend vast amounts of money trying to destroy our culture. The Democrats do not appreciate the beauty of dealing weapons with both sides at the same table. From Iran Contra to Saudi participation in the Carlyle group, there is a clear business strategy at work. And that strategy is whatever works.
So we must applaud the Republican Party for endorsing this open minded approach to war. It will certainly not harm the party bottom line, and it will keep jobs for the elite on both sides.
The Republicans have a much better understanding of the lessons of history; it's a shame that our country has to die for it.
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