Europeans don't see it that way. They see us as liberators.
As you know, I'm comfortable with the classical liberal view on economics and social issues. However, I'm not all that convinced by the modern libertarian view on certain episodes in history.
T.C., Remembrance Day, as it's called in the Commonwealth countries (Veterans Day in the U.S.) is actually Armistice Day, celebrating the end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918 (a completely unnecessary, senseless slaughter that lead to the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany and the horrors of World War 2).
If you are really serious about classical liberalism, please do a little research into the history of modern warfare or at least read something like (War is the Health of the State) for a better understanding of how war strengthens the state and increase its power into every other area of our lives.
Well, World War I was completely irrational and trench warfare was a metaphor for how pointless it was. It blew away all that was built by Western civilization up to that point. It, I believe, was the starting point of Western decline (loss of Renaissance humanism, Enlightenment philosophy, decay of Christianity etc.) and the rise of America (the 20th century WAS the American century) in that context.
It is true what you say, and believe it or not, my degree in history focused on this period (1870-1945)so I'm very well aware of the different perspectives out there. I have a whole wall unit of books, periodicals and essays on the subject. But I will check out the one you mentioned.
I do completely agree leading up to 1914, the Great Powers acted like a bunch of crazed imperialists nutbars and the terms imposed upon imperial German upon the conclusion of the war (pushed heavily by France and the UK despite America's insistence on negotiating fairer terms) were severe leading, in part, to the rise of the murdering mental case Hitler. Who, in turn, did have designs on world domination - including the eventual invasion of America.
His plans were pushed back a little and turned to Russia. His thinking was to subdue all the inferior races and countries and when the time came, to pour all of Nazi Germany's energies into conquering America.
As for RD, it has become not only for the Armistice as you mention, but both World Wars, and even (judging by the comments of leaders), modern soliders who serve today.
In other words, it's expanded its "scope" if you will. So, I'm guilty of going with that flow.
T.C., if Bret has rubbed off on me, please stop me before I blog or comment again! Seriously, didn't mean to imply that you're ignorant of history, but the insane and constant military worship that goes on almost everywhere in America, and especially on "holidays" like yesterday, makes me sick.
Nah, didn't take it that way. Just couldn't resist.
It does spill over into worship but how is it any different than how politicians, athletes and celebrities are treated?
We can honor them in quiet elegance. I see veterans at the table selling poppies and you can feel the pride and dignity they have. Some of these guys deserve to be saluted.
What are we remembering? The horrors of war? The slaughter of innocents? The murders committed by the troops?
ReplyDeleteEuropeans don't see it that way. They see us as liberators.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I'm comfortable with the classical liberal view on economics and social issues. However, I'm not all that convinced by the modern libertarian view on certain episodes in history.
T.C., Remembrance Day, as it's called in the Commonwealth countries (Veterans Day in the U.S.) is actually Armistice Day, celebrating the end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918 (a completely unnecessary, senseless slaughter that lead to the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany and the horrors of World War 2).
ReplyDeleteIf you are really serious about classical liberalism, please do a little research into the history of modern warfare or at least read something like (War is the Health of the State) for a better understanding of how war strengthens the state and increase its power into every other area of our lives.
"please do a little research into..."
ReplyDeleteSounds like Bret, only with a 'please!'
Well, World War I was completely irrational and trench warfare was a metaphor for how pointless it was. It blew away all that was built by Western civilization up to that point. It, I believe, was the starting point of Western decline (loss of Renaissance humanism, Enlightenment philosophy, decay of Christianity etc.) and the rise of America (the 20th century WAS the American century) in that context.
It is true what you say, and believe it or not, my degree in history focused on this period (1870-1945)so I'm very well aware of the different perspectives out there. I have a whole wall unit of books, periodicals and essays on the subject. But I will check out the one you mentioned.
I do completely agree leading up to 1914, the Great Powers acted like a bunch of crazed imperialists nutbars and the terms imposed upon imperial German upon the conclusion of the war (pushed heavily by France and the UK despite America's insistence on negotiating fairer terms) were severe leading, in part, to the rise of the murdering mental case Hitler. Who, in turn, did have designs on world domination - including the eventual invasion of America.
His plans were pushed back a little and turned to Russia. His thinking was to subdue all the inferior races and countries and when the time came, to pour all of Nazi Germany's energies into conquering America.
As for RD, it has become not only for the Armistice as you mention, but both World Wars, and even (judging by the comments of leaders), modern soliders who serve today.
In other words, it's expanded its "scope" if you will. So, I'm guilty of going with that flow.
T.C., if Bret has rubbed off on me, please stop me before I blog or comment again! Seriously, didn't mean to imply that you're ignorant of history, but the insane and constant military worship that goes on almost everywhere in America, and especially on "holidays" like yesterday, makes me sick.
ReplyDeleteNah, didn't take it that way. Just couldn't resist.
ReplyDeleteIt does spill over into worship but how is it any different than how politicians, athletes and celebrities are treated?
We can honor them in quiet elegance. I see veterans at the table selling poppies and you can feel the pride and dignity they have. Some of these guys deserve to be saluted.