Re: militarist

Daniel Mahanty (MAHANTYD@ojp.usdoj.gov)
Wed, 19 Aug 1998 11:47:52 -0400

>Based on my reaction to what I've read, I don't think I could ever 
>presume to debate combat with a veteran. 

Well said. Nor could I - as though they were the keepers of a knowledge
I don't want to understand, and never could.
Politicians present a whole 'nother scenario.

> I never HAVE done so, but 
>now I know I never could do so.  It would be the height of arrogance 
>for someone like me -- no matter what my political beliefs -- to 
>do anything more than listen.  And learn.

A lesson as a student, I am  learning  everyday. I find that History is the
great teacher, but he teaches in a foreign language most often.

>We should only be so lucky as to reduce human conflict to matters of 
>simple mathematics and other business of the mind.  

Or even to matters of nature, or instinct...
and thank God.

>The deeper I get 
>into the Ambrose book, the less I find myself trusting that there can 
>be some personal utopia where there is no violence, no war, no
>conflict.

I will heed your perspective and experience -  
and pick up a copy of the book.

>Is this something Sergeant X came to understand?

This, among other things, I believe.

>  I suggest so,
>and that it took form, in part, in his own handwriting on the flyleaf 
>of the Goebbels book he found among the possessions of a Nazi
>official he had personally arrested.

I would venture to agree with you on this -

Thanks,
 
Dan