FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Peace through strength is a vital concept. It is also an easy catch phrase to say; even for those who often go wobbly in the face of aggression to borrow a famous quote. Many observers believe that US leaders have waxed and waned over the years when it comes to maintaining military might. It would be nice if the country was united in establishing a set percentage of the budget for defense. New social programs and give aways sound nice at times but one needs to question the wisdom of doing so at the expense of national security. As is so often the case it is a matter of priorities. It is mindless in Papa’s view that there are folks who not only ignore the existence of evil in the world but who at times give national security a low priority.
When I was a student, “entangling alliances” was the history class answer as a cause of World War One. The Triple Entente against the Triple Alliance. What was not mentioned in those days was that the US had avoided permanent alliances pretty much until after my arrival into the world. 165 years or so except for a time with France during our Revolutionary War.
“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the Foreign World.” George Washington
“Peace, commerce and honest friedship with all nations//Entangling alliances with none.” Thomas Jefferson
At the end of World War II three dictators had been vanquished. (Hitler, Tojo and Mussolini) A fourth, Stalin survived as an ally. He however, soon went the way of most thugs and absorbed Eastern Europe and as Churchill said put authoritarian stooges in control behind an Iron Curtain. He was also trying to do mischief in Greece, Turkey and Iran. Communists just don’t stop; the infectious philosophy was also supported in China, Korea, Vietnam. (Some of those 1950-60’s leaders received training in Russia in the 20’s/30’s.) And, the Baruch Plan of 1946 to eliminate/control atomic weapons was rejected by the Soviets. (More is better!)
So, the North Atlantic Treary Organization was created to counter the Soviet appetite. It was an era of turmoil and after nuclear secrets were stolen and more A-bombs were produced a very dangerous time existed right up to Putin’s current saber rattling. NATO has also expanded since its inception. Whenever I see the main man jog his three or four photo op steps before sternly announcing/whispering we might have World War Three if one inch of NATO territory is invaded, for whatever reason I think of an old movie, “The Mouse That Roared'”. What if one of our allies does something stupid or has its own Putin moment? Whatif indeed. Entangled?
On a more positive note, Putin may have lit a fire under Europe. After all they are closest. Not that he was a favorite or always right but perhaps Trump’s quetioning why Europe doesn’t do more for its own defense is clearer today. Peace and harmony towards all sounds good but but evil can smile with malice in its heart. Let us hope that more realistic leadership steps forward to recognize the evils and make strategic decisions in the nation’s best interests. European leaders now seem more responsive to the bear at the doorstep. (Three EU leaders had the strength of character to enter Ukraine.) As tragic as Ukraine is the US best not sleep too soundly with the peril of China. Those birds opened up to business after Nixon’s approach but have not been very accepting to the concept of liberty.