The World Is Awash With Weapons!
Have gun. Will use!
Friends, the U.S. has just concluded an arms deal with Taiwan. It is selling the Chinese folk on the small island off the China coast 6.5 billion dollars of weaponry.
Now, understandably, the Chinese are upset because they see Taiwan as belonging to it and hope that one day Taiwan and China will become one again.
The Chinese see America up to its usual tricks: causing trouble, upsetting the balance of power between nations, sticking its nose in where it doesn’t belong, etc. It has threatened major retaliation against the U.S. but not that of military retaliation, at least not yet.
I seem to remember that the U.S. almost brought the world to its end when Russia tried to bring missiles to Cuba. The American position was that no country would be allowed to bring anything to Cuba that might threaten the States.
Of course, Russia is ringed by American ballistic missiles but that’s different! And China now has a better armed Taiwan sitting close to its mainland thanks to America. And Venezuela now has American troops occupying Haiti. And Pakistan has American drones filling its skies. And Yemen has cruise missiles landing on its soil, thanks to America. And Iraq and Pakistan, both of which are close to Russia, have a strong American presence.
America has one set of rules for itself and the opposite set for other nations. But the point of this post is not to deal just with America.
Many countries in the world contribute to the sale of armaments and therefore the risk of war. America may be the major manufacturer and it sells more than anyone else but they are not the only ones in the dirty business of arms dealing. France, Israel, Britain, even Australia is in the game along with North Korea, China, Russia…the list goes on and on.
There are weapons available for who ever wants to buy. They even have arms shows where the latest in killing technology is on parade. So if you’re a criminal or a member of a militia group or you head a despotic regime, there are weapons available for you from simple rifles all the way through to helicopters, missiles, drones.
Now, the purpose of these armaments, small or big, is to kill people. And I suppose those who have weapons are inclined to use them. This means that peace doesn’t stand a chance in a world that is awash with weapons.
Then there are many nations, many people, who don’t want to see peace. Nations like America for instance. Such nations are in the war business. Their economies are built on it!
So how do we stop war? The answer is we don’t! But there is one way that war will stop. That’s when we have a nuclear war. We came close to it in Cuba. Fortunately Russia had more sense than America and backed off. But it’s just a matter of time before a flashpoint somewhere in the world will see nukes being used (Iran?) and then the bunfight will really begin.
And after the world is largely destroyed and most people are dying from radiation cancer, perhaps then and only then will people sit down and say: “Actually, war is dumb. Armaments are dumb. Look where it’s led us. We should stop the manufacture of all weapons, make them illegal.”
Bit like bolting the door after the horse has bolted, isn’t it?
P.S. The 6.5 billion dollar sale, subject to congressional review, include Black Hawk utility helicopters built by United Technologies Corp’s Sikorsky Aircraft; Lockheed Martin Corp-built and Raytheon Co.-integrated Patriot missile defenses; and Harpoon land- and sea-attack missiles built by Boeing Co.
The U.S. is also increasing the number of missile defense systems in the Gulf Region and has concluded multi-billion dollar arms deals with various Gulf States (the ones that are in its pocket).
SOCRATES: AN ICON.
DRIVEN AS IT IS BY AN EXTREME RELIGIOUS, MILITARIST, RACIST, CORPORATIST, GREED-BASED IDEOLOGY, THE U.S. MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE WORLD!
You said it, David G., you said it. Knowing these truths, deep in my soul, very early in life, is why I never procreated. I will continue to ask others to read you, and I hope you and all who contribute here, have a great week. I intend to!
Reply
Humans have an innate tendency to cull the herd. David G., you said it right a few days ago when you admitted that we have an inborn taste for blood. It’s the nightmarish evil side of our species, something most of us try to overcome.
Over the course of history, we’ve reproduced too quickly and far too prolifically. With a limited amount of land and an even more limited food supply, warfare becomes an alternative to lack and starvation. This is true when we can’t depend on an epidemic, a natural disaster, or a famine to reduce our numbers.
The endless struggles in the Middle East have their roots in the ancient tribal rivalries, mostly over who rightfully owns the watering hole. When one extended family set up camp in a desert oasis, they had to reproduce as many male offspring as possible to assist in the guardianship of that rare source of water in the desert. It’s a territorial imperative that almost never involves the concept of sharing.
In the opening scenes of “2001: A Space Odyssey” we see the rise of man depicted when the first lower primate picks up a bone and quickly begins smashing things with it. Then he puts two and two together and learns to smash the skull of an opponent. He and his band of ape-men immediately take possession of the watering hole because of their advancement in warfare.
Some of us remember quite vividly the Cuban Missle Crisis. JFK was adamant that the USSR turn around and take the armament shipment back and not to dare place the missles in Cuba. We were convinced that this showdown would result in World War III. Our college in North Carolina stockpiled canned goods and barrels of water for our use when the war broke out. All travel into and out of Florida was stopped. As the time of the showdown got closer, we all realized just how futile these precautions would be if a nuclear war actually broke out.
Why should Red China be so incensed that Taiwan is buying arms from the USA? That crowded little island would never use them to attack any other nation. Perhaps it has something to do with the Oriental concept of “losing face.” Or maybe Red China wants to acquire that island, minus its population and will use this betrayal by America as an excuse to attack. America at one time thought of Taiwan as the only true China and called it “Nationalist China” during the Cold War. Then, almost overnight (thanks to Richard Nixon’s visit to mainland China) America turned its back on Taiwan in order to toady up to Red China.
The USA has a tendency to make ephemeral friendships around the world. Friendships of convenience. In other words, disposable friends. It is America’s great misfortune that it is financially dependent on, and indebted to, China. It’s a debt that can never be paid back in money, so, unfortunately, it will have to be paid back through other means.
Reply
It is certian that neither Taiwan or Iran will ever attack anyone, but having some powerful weapons might cause another country to stop and think if they were faced with the prospect of being bombed in return.
The US isn’t in too much of a hurry to bomb North Korea inspite of all the talk about “evil empires” since North Korea has nuclear weapons.
As long as one country is willing to go to war other countries need weapons as well as a deterent.
How else do you stop a country like the US? We only attack weak countries.
Probably, like you said David, when most of us are dead will we realise how dumb war really is. I hope!
Reply
The name Chekhov’s gun comes from Anton Chekhov himself, who stated that any object introduced in a story must be used later on, else it ought not to feature in the first place:
Chekhov’s gun is the literary technique whereby an element is introduced early in the story, but its significance does not become clear until later on. For example, a character may find a mysterious object that eventually becomes crucial to the plot, but at the time the object is found it does not seem to be important.
“One must not put a loaded rifle on the stage if no one is thinking of firing it.”
“If in the first act you have hung a pistol on the wall, then in the following one it should be fired. Otherwise don’t put it there.”
“If you say in the first chapter that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, in the second or third chapter it absolutely must go off. If it’s not going to be fired, it shouldn’t be hanging there.”
Hello, Taiwan!!!
Reply
Thanks for the comments guys and gals. It is refreshing to read constructive comments by serious, thinking people given some of the nonsense that is available on the internet.
Judge Joe, your statement that “The USA has a tendency to make ephemeral friendships around the world. Friendships of convenience.” says it all.
To me, it is a frightening thing when one nation is not only intent on controlling the world but is well advanced in its ambitions. That it is willing to ignore all Conventions and International law to do so (as well as to become completely amoral) is deplorable.
And that so many people can’t see what is happening is even more frightening!
Reply
coco Reply:
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:49 am
and is the ‘halo’ around obombers head (on the reuters picture) just a coincidence???
Reply
David G Reply:
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:34 am
I’m sure it’s not, Coco. When will he be made a Saint?
Reply
Hi Friends, many of us agree the USA is the heighth of hypocracy. The classic “do what I say, not what I do” What I’d like to see is the field leveled, as envisioned by the UN w/o the big shots getting vetoes, special privileges & kowtowing to the 21st century empire.
I was truly dumbfounded when I learned that all these millions & billions in USA aid arrive at their destination to be traded for USA weapons only. When I hear aid I certainly don’t think guns, I think butter.
Was it not Eisenhower who opined that every weapon made took food out of the mouths of the impoverished & hungry of our country and the world.
I was in grade school during Cuban crisis, our city gov. opened some of the containers that were supposed to be hi protein biscuits & they were damaged & inedible.
Folks we are on our own. This is the most valuable lesson learned from Katrina. I wish I had answers, but keep in mind you have yourself & your support group, I wouldn’t trust the gov.
Their forte is locking people up, torturing & the list only gets worse.
David, I have to cancel my netscape isp, I hope I’ll be able to get your email under a different address of which I have several, any suggestions, or should I cancel & start over?
Thanx for taking the time to answer the mundane.
Hope this finds you in good health & great spirits, and that goes for every reader here.
Reply
John Robertson (Robbo) Reply:
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Kate, it is not only the USA which is hypocritical, just have a look at our government down here in Oz. Rudd is always awaiting his instructions from Washington, and to-day he announced his invitation to Obama had been accepted and the lad will visit us late in March. There are many ordinary people in the US, as there are here who are disgusted with our governments but are at a loss as to where to go. Please excuse the rantings of an old man but I have just taken my little grand daughter home and despair for what her future is.
Maybe I will go and have a cold beer.
Robbo
ps We’re thinking of you David
Reply
Grace Reply:
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:22 am
Must be disgusting to see one’s leaders kissing up to US. If everybody could cut cords and localize economies again… All we have anymore are Imperialistic Ambitions and friendships of convenience. The kind of friends that’ll kill you quick, like a chicken, when you no longer meet their needs.
Our strength is our numbers.
The Revolution will not be televised.
Reply
David G Reply:
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:40 am
Kate, having distrust of any government is vital. Politicians are self-promoters and, in the main, they don’t care about their citizens or their country. George Galloway is an exception.
Robbo, let me echo your sentiments about Australia’s revolting grovelling to the U.S. now that Britain is not on the scene.
If we were true friends of America we would tell them the truth about themselves and distance ourselves from their warmongering!
Grace, it is disgusting. Extremely disgusting. But then our Government sucks up to the Israelis too.
Reply
Kate, I can’t answer that technical question. I’ll see my boy on Thursday my time and I’ll ask him and let you know.
I’m in good spirits though I can’t vouch for the health bit. Time will reveal that!
Reply
I realized after I typed and hit send that maybe “disgusted” was too strong a word. BUT, I think at the heart of things, sometimes that is how I feel – when I see suffering and disparities that are great enough that our President should be able to see too. It is not merely disparaging, but it hits a deeper level of disgust, for the lack of basic humanity and common sense. Thanks, David, ” If we were true friends of America we would tell them the truth about themselves and distance ourselves from their warmongering!” That is the simple truth. Outside of all the missiles everybody thinks they must need, we are a country deeply astray from who we are. A true friend would care enough to point this out. Everybody is afraid of the Bully, I suppose.
My husband said something funny – so I must give him the credit. He said, ‘The Japanese get mad and say ‘It is our culture to kill whales! America counters with, ‘It is our culture to Save The Whales!’ If only America could remember this about ourselves!
That Coca-Cola commercial is the 1970’s tapped into our desire to be as one planet with one people. Everybody holding hands across the land singing, “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…” Too bad it was commercials that helped define who we are.
Reply
David G Reply:
February 4th, 2010 at 7:25 am
Grace, I often think that commercials do have a great influence on defining who we are.
When you look at the typical television programme, it is filled with ads urging us to buy this car or that cleaner or give our money to Bank A or B, etc. It’s as though buying and spending money is the only thing humans are good for.
Then, to capitalists, it IS all we are good for!
Reply
Grace, disgusted is not strong enough for how I feel. Our “dear leader” has this morning spouted the usual lies regarding Iran’s nuclear weapons program, and how they are a threat
to the world. I assume it is in response to the test rocket.
Robbo
Reply
Robbo, you can rely upon Rudd to echo whatever Obomber says. He is no better than Howard was.
So as Israel and America proceed with their imperial plans, the chorus from Australia and the U.K. will loudly echo their blind support.
We don’t seem to have politicians with balls or vision in this country (except perhaps Senator Bob Brown who did confront Bush in the Parliament!).
Reply