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Another thing to consider is that the first battle in European history that we can reliably say had over 500,000 participants on sides is the Battle of Koniggratz in 1866. The Battle of the Nations at Leipzig in 1814 came close at something like 450,000 total combatants. It must be realized that in the days of subsistence agriculture, mass armies were simply not possible. There was not sufficient food or fodder to allow them to form and march. It is only in modern times with modern agriculture and preservation methods that mass armies have become possible, and even then the creation of such an army strains the resources of whatever nation raises it. Simply look at the government control of the economy required to support the armies of any of the combatants in either World War to see how difficult it is to raise, equip, train, and employ such a huge army.
How about Bismark's strategy of isolating and outmaneuvering potential opponents and making treaties and alliances to keep potential enemies at arm's length? This worked very well for the Prussians until the accession of Wilhelm I and his his deliberate policies to upset the balance of power of Europe.
I am going to have to check this out the next time I go to Berlin. There was a great movie a few years ago called Goodbye, Lenin about an east German woman who woke up from a coma after the wall fell and the hoops her children went through to keep that fact hidden. Great movie, but it was only in German. I would recommend it to anyone.
Ski,Have you looked at the Federal Budget lately? If I managed my personal finances in the way the Federal Government does I would be in jail fro fraud at a minimum. I cannot think of any entity other than government that can spend so much money it doesnt have with only a vague promise to repay. Yes, debt is indeed a problem, both for individuals and the government. Have we all forgotten the scare of the mid-nineties when there was talk of a federal default?
I have said for years that it is ironic that I have to have a license to go fishing but any idiot can have a baby. Yet we are still surprised when idiot parents or grandparents do stupid things.
Have you and my husband been talking to one another?? That's the exact thing he's said with each “dumb-parent/grandparent-stupid-people-trick” report… ;D
No, but just based on that, I would probably enjoy drinking a beer and BSing with him.
I am not suggesting that cultures do not grow and change over time. What I am saying is that the modern phenomenon of multiculturalism is inherently unstable, mainly because it's proponents assert that multiple cultures can cooexist within one society. I am simply arguing that a society in which multiple cultures attempt to form one society while maintaining distinct cultural norms is unhealthy for that society because it promotes divisiveness and thus weakens that society in the face of external threats.I will cite a current example from contemporary society. It is quite obvious that some of the cultural practices under Islam are incompatible with modern western culture. Among these are the subordination of women, lack of freedom in religion, the press, speech, and legal constraints on different classes of society. These are all cultural attributes that cannot exist within western society because these practices have been rejected in the course of western cultural growth. That is what I am talking about when I say multiculturalism is bad.
I would argue that Wellington is a greater figure than Nelson, he was the architect and winner of the Peninsular War and also defeated the master himself at Waterloo at the end of the Hundred Days.
Thanks for your comments. Soon some may listen to you. I don't subscribe to your comments, because they lack substance. I welcome any others to allow your nonsence to pass their auditory canals.
Once again… HUH?? ??? ???
You are repeating yourself. What you is said is already clear to all. Are you a Girl or Boy Scout? And do you have any merit badges?
Eagle Scout and Cavalry Scout, and yes, I have plenty of merit badges.
Don't we live in the era of mob rule already? It sure looks to me like the mob has figured out that they can vote themselves more bread and circuses. I see very little in government policy that is geared to the greater good but much that has to do with keeping the proles from getting too restless.
I have said for years that it is ironic that I have to have a license to go fishing but any idiot can have a baby. Yet we are still surprised when idiot parents or grandparents do stupid things.
Do you think Russia's current actions in mainly Eastern Europe nations are a continuation of Cold War mentality?Do a google news search on Estonia and you'll see what I mean.
Russia's actions in Eastern Europe are a continuation of a centuries old Policy by the Russian's. They think that the Slavic countries are their backyard and they should have carte blanche to do with them and to them what they will. As to the Cold War, did it ever really end? I would argue that it was briefly suspended but is now beginning to flare up anew. The cold war was all about about free nations versus authoritarian regimes. China is simply the biggest dictatorship left, but there are plenty of others out there as well. If you think about it, militant Islam is simply another authoritarian creed on a par with Marxism, Fascism, insert -ism here.
multiculturalism? This is what goes on daily on this planet, and has always transpired. It is the futile efforts from multiple cultures on this planet to adapt, and accept one another. Probably one of the largest generators of war.Multiculturalism is what humans have fought about forever, at least after our forefathers left Africa. That you query its meaning does not give this one any hope. You still ask for what is evident, while it has been so through out human history.
What you are talking about is multiple cultures and their interactions, not the modern day phenomenon known as multiculturalism. Multiculturalism asserts that all cultures are equally valid at all times and in all places, this is simply not so.
I have actually seen pictures of my grandparents farm in Oklahoma from the 30's that look similar if not so extreme.
Yes these things could be said. However, the urge to commemorate seems particularly strong in the last twenty years or so. I sometimes wonder if Fukuyama was right and we have reached the end of history. We do not seem to commemorate recent history so much as dredging up things farther away and trying to remember the impact we thought they had.
