Conjectures of a recovering dilettante in an election year........
Sooner or later it occurs to all of us that truth is very elusive. Some might argue that not only is it elusive it is very subjective as well. We all see reality through the prism of our “rose colored glasses.”
Unfortunately, not all “rose colored glasses” see or understand the same thing since we filter everything through the sum total of our life experiences and acquired prejudices. If you have ever had the experience of having two people who witnessed the same event give you two completely different accounts of what they witnessed, you have experienced what a significant dilemma this is.
What is surprising is why we do not consider this more often when disagreements occur between us. Unfortunately, we react more than we reflect. Granted in times of danger we need to react first, but what about all the other times when we are not in danger.
Since it is our nature to be egocentric, our reaction always favors our preconceived perspective. In a family situation this may result in a quarrel. However, internationally and politically the results are more serious. If you have any doubt, consider the political and cultural differences and interpretations we experience during an election year.
If two people from the same culture can have major political differences in what they see or experience, just imagine the chasm that exists if they are people of different cultures.
That might be a good reason internationally to mind our own business. As individuals we do not seem to be able to that and as nations it becomes more difficult. We have all met the person that believes they have been selected to save us all. It seems some nations suffer from the same affliction.
However, as nations, the motives may be more devious. Nations are very good at disguising their actual motivations with seemingly altruistic messiah intentions to save other cultures from their “devious” ways. The problem is that the “other nations” do not believe there ways are devious.
When this happens other more menacing means of persuasion need to used, particularly if the “devious” nation that needs to be saved has something the saving nation needs or wants. You simply need to look around the world’s trouble spots today and it should be rather obvious what is happening.
I have often thought that this is why the concept of regional limited wars was invented. In theory this looks very good – the more powerful nation with its superior military and economic might brings salvation to the wayward nation that needs to be enlightened.
Enlightenment however isn’t free. It requires access to whatever the saving nation wants for its trouble. And that is when the trouble really starts.
As the British discovered when they attempted to subdue their American Colonies, those dam Colonials didn’t fight fair. While they brought the precision and military strategy of a great power to bear, those dammed Colonials would spread out, hide behind trees and pick off marching soldiers, marching with precision, one by one. And, since the Colonials were defending what they believed was their homeland and the British were fighting in a foreign land, a limited war of attrition is eventually won by the “little guy.” Does sound familiar doesn’t it.
Who said that “those who don’t read history are damned to repeat it and those who do read history are damned to watch those who haven’t repeat it.” Whoever it was knew what they were talking about.
Comments