The Logic of War

[Hap]

"These are all transient things, but if indeed war should break out, then it would not be in our power to contain or stop it, for such is the logic of war. I have participated in two wars and know that war ends when it has rolled through cities and villages, everywhere sowing death and destruction."

"We have always regarded war as a calamity, and not as a game nor as a means for the attainment of definite goals, nor, all the more, as a goal in itself."

Anyone else out there who's not enthusiastic about the war and considers reducing cities to cinders undesirable? Cavalier postings prompt me to ask.  Especially the nuclear advocates' call to arms.

The above quote I took out of context from a letter written because I heard McNamara mention the letter in the movie "The Fog of War," and it expresses the seriousness of warfare.  I do not suppose that the current "war" will rise to the level of the first quote.  Nonetheless, the author is apt and not truthful always.  Here's the link: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/nikita2.htm

It's worth a read.  I'm certain reactions will abound.  When I was a kid, the author I recall as the fellow banging his shoe on a podium (at the UN?) saying "we will bury you."

Regards,

hap

[Debonair]

that one incident seems to be the one thing that a large number of people know about kruschev & it characterises him about as accurately as if the one thing you knew about michael jackson was that he has children

[Hap]

Debonair,

better to delve than to not know.

hap

[lukster]

Originally posted by Hap
Anyone else out there who's not enthusiastic about the war and considers reducing cities to cinders undesirable? Cavalier postings prompt me to ask.  Especially the nuclear advocates' call to arms.
 

Not sure what war you mean. However, nukes have deterrent value only if your enemy believes you will use them.

[lukster]

That was a lot of nonsense about the proliferation of Soviet nuclear weapons being defensive only. I'm glad that Kennedy wasn't foolish enough to believe it. The USSR wanted, as any expanding society would, to grow without hinderance. They wanted to be too powerful for any to oppose their spread of communism. The US wants the same but the goal is democracy. While the US hasn't and may never achive this goal the Soviet Union is already out of contention. Of course there's still that modernizing giant, Red China.

[Hap]

Rent a movie titled "The Fog of War."  I'd like to know what you think.

hap