Beware warmongers waging fear, anger

Love of country, one’s identity, patriotism, become dangerous when replaced by excessive arrogance. The Greeks called it “hubris” when considered great enough to offend the gods, believing it would lead to downfall. Hence, “Those whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.”

It’s madness in a nuclear world when our government expresses hostility against nations we’ve designated as evil, using threatening foreign policy options (pre-emption?) that lead to war rather than using diplomacy.

There is no wisdom in demonizing other leaders, constantly brainwashing the public.

Here’s Germany’s Hermann Goering at the Nuremberg Trials: “Naturally the common people don’t want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England. It is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and ...a simple matter to drag the people along….. the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked. Denounce peacemakers for lack of patriotism... exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.”

It’s worked here, successfully, with Vietnam and Iraq et al, frequently using manufactured intelligence. It appears Russia, Iran or North Korea may be next. All governments lie. Question before jumping on the war bandwagon.

This story was originally published August 5, 2017 at 1:49 PM with the headline "Beware warmongers waging fear, anger."