The Philosphy Corner

[TeChN9nE]

Thought I'd start a thread where we could discuss civilly (keep all comments neutral, unbiased, and non politically driven please) the things that go on in our world

"Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship. ...voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country." - Hermann G?ring

 

[Sexy Beast]

The above statement is almost true. If the "common" folk are provoked they will ask for blood. Best case for this is after Pearl Harbor, you could not find an American citizen who did not war. This was not a reaction to what some leader at the time wanted but it was what everyone really wanted.

Conversely in WWII the European theater could easily be described as a manipulation on political leaders. Roosevelt wanted to aid England in their fight against Germany, but America at the time was isolationist and recovering from an economic depression. Pearl Harbor was used as an excuse to fight Germany even though they had nothing to do with the attack. Was Roosevelt right in this action? History has come to the conclusion yes. Will the leaders of nations always be right? No, of course not.
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Remember this: "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel" - Samuel Johnson

We can not always trust what people are willing to do in the name of patriotism or national defense. It could easily be self-servicing. The same has been shown to be true in religion.

I suppose the moral of the story is: Don't be so quick to decry a National leaders decision, but be suspicious of it none the less.

 

[R3POMAN]

Conversely in WWII the European theater could easily be described as a manipulation on political leaders. Roosevelt wanted to aid England in their fight against Germany, but America at the time was isolationist and recovering from an economic depression. Pearl Harbor was used as an excuse to fight Germany even though they had nothing to do with the attack. Was Roosevelt right in this action? History has come to the conclusion yes. Will the leaders of nations always be right? No, of course not.

The same could be said about the link between 9/11 and the war in Iraq (please don't flame i am not trying to perpetuate conspiracy theories).

 

[NinjaFluff]

Sorry guys, but this one already shows potential for getting out of hand.