Lostkitty, it is certainly true that politics plays a part in the state of our economy. How can it not? Our situation with Iran is having big implications, for example. I do have strong beliefs on a number of issues, as does Powayseller (along with others), and they have a tendency to come out, now and again. Many people come to this site wanting cold, unemotional fact that is focused solely on real estate and are distressed by any divergence from the original thread. It is hard to always to keep a conversation on a predetermined track.
As for my link, thank you for taking the time to read it. I read that article long ago (from a different source) and searched for it on the web so that I could provide a link. I did not know that it was on a pro-gun website. Even so, I do not think that is really relevant as the point, in my opinion is good. It is not a statement about “bullying” or a justification for any PARTICULAR war (Iraq, The Civil War, WWII, Korea, etc). Rather, it is a statement of human nature, which includes people who are peaceful, people who are violent, people who are sociopaths, people who are protectors. Those who denigrate it today may have felt different had they read on it on December 7, 1941 or September 11, 2001. For any of you who are bristling, I did say, “may.”
The link: http://www.pgpft.com/On_Sheep_Wolves_and_Sheepdogs-Grossman.htm
9/11 brought about a great deal of thankfulness among the American people for the dedication of firefighters, policemen and the military. Alas, it seems as though the admiration for firefighters and policemen has largely sunk into indifference or a mild thankfulness. The admiration for our military has been tarred by a disagreement with the Iraq war. The same thing happened during Vietnam. People who disagreed spit on returning soldiers. Did this make sense? Did the soldier set the policy? Any anger over the war should not be directed at the tool, rather at how it has been used.
Now that statement will lead some to scream, “Get rid of the tool, then it can’t be used!” This also makes no sense. I’ve read stories of a number of people getting killed by a frying pan applied to the head. Should we ban the frying pan? Okay, now someone is going to jump in and say that is a stupid analogy for this reason, that reason, etc. Please don’t, we are all aware of the holes.
I believe that we need a strong military as deterrence. Further, there are times when war must be used as a last resort. I point to the entire history of the world as evidence. This is NOT a statement either for or against any current or past war or conflict.
I have no ill feelings toward any person who disagrees with me and appreciate all efforts on behalf of others to extend the same courtesy. Powayseller has expressed an interest in meeting me. I would be very pleased to meet her, as well as anyone else on this board, regardless of whether they agree with me.
