"People who, in war time, insist on distinguishing the enemy by race or religion are f**king idiots."
That may well be true in the war against terror (where one could add nationality as well, interestingly enough) and was partially true for WWII as the example above shows, but it certainly isn't true as a blanket statement, as many wars have been based on race or religion. These classifications are human constructs, and when those constructs are used to create rational for war, it is idiotic to ignore those constructs as being an essential component of the conflict.
And even in wars based on race and religion, there are so often those of the "enemy" race who want no part of the war or are actively sympathetic to you, it's still foolish to make blanket assumptions.
We weren't dumb enough in World War II to treat all German and Italian immigrants as enemies--although we did round up and intern thousands of them, it was at nowhere near the level we did to the Japanese Americans--the only reason seems to have been that it was impractical because there were so many more of them.
It's often the case that when I say I'm surprised, I'm full of crap: I'm not surprised at all, just disappointed.
Whisky Tango Foxtrot indeed.
10.4.2007 8:00pm
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
That may well be true in the war against terror (where one could add nationality as well, interestingly enough) and was partially true for WWII as the example above shows, but it certainly isn't true as a blanket statement, as many wars have been based on race or religion. These classifications are human constructs, and when those constructs are used to create rational for war, it is idiotic to ignore those constructs as being an essential component of the conflict.
And even in wars based on race and religion, there are so often those of the "enemy" race who want no part of the war or are actively sympathetic to you, it's still foolish to make blanket assumptions.
We weren't dumb enough in World War II to treat all German and Italian immigrants as enemies--although we did round up and intern thousands of them, it was at nowhere near the level we did to the Japanese Americans--the only reason seems to have been that it was impractical because there were so many more of them.
More people need to read military history. Modern warfare is bureaucracy taken to actual physical violence.
BTW, Dean - I think you do and aren't surprised.
Whisky Tango Foxtrot indeed.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.