Posts by kaik

18

The Military Failure of the United States of America. Why?

by fulltimestudent in

the usa is undoubtedly the strongest military power in the world, and has often been willing to use that power against other nations, some historians count 187 foreign wars in 200 years, and this youtube video lists the wars the us has fought in the twentieth century, most of which, (in the earliest part of the 20th c) it can be argued, were won by the usa.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q51nfakme-g. this is not an argument about the rightness or wrongness of any war.

the argument is why the mightiest ever military power, a political power that controls overwhelming destructive forces, a power that claims to stand on the side of its god, does not win wars?

have you thought about this question?

kaik

FTS

Alexander did not create new empire, he just conquer it from Persia. What he wanted was to unify both culture, Hellenistic and Persian. He did not consider Persians inferior, but showed a deep admiration for the civilization. He also implemented policy of mutual interbreeding, where he forced members of his staff and armed forces to marry local women and created a blend of new class from both. This worked in Afghanistan. It was much harder for next generation to oppose Greek ideals when daddy was Greek. Romans did similar tactics on conquered, but not hostile tribes.

Mongol empire was build on opposite principles than Hellenistic empire. It was based on mass slaughter and population extermination. Mongols did not care about wealth, art, culture, business, and had very little need for urban population among nomads. Grandson of Genghis said that his grandfather could conquer the world, but he did not know a single day how to rule it. Mongol conquests were pretty much erased after 100 years. Because most of the genes were destroyed, the surviving population did not had much chance to restore to their previous greatness. One of the major regression of Orthodox Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, and Far East after 1250 in comparison to Western Europe can be traced to Mongol Empire. Western Europe became the wealthiest and technologically the most advanced region in the world for next 500 years.

18

The Military Failure of the United States of America. Why?

by fulltimestudent in

the usa is undoubtedly the strongest military power in the world, and has often been willing to use that power against other nations, some historians count 187 foreign wars in 200 years, and this youtube video lists the wars the us has fought in the twentieth century, most of which, (in the earliest part of the 20th c) it can be argued, were won by the usa.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q51nfakme-g. this is not an argument about the rightness or wrongness of any war.

the argument is why the mightiest ever military power, a political power that controls overwhelming destructive forces, a power that claims to stand on the side of its god, does not win wars?

have you thought about this question?

kaik

United States never excelled on diplomatic front and this was already inherited in the foundation of the nation. The only alliance it had was France, from 1783 only to break it one-sided by Adams in December of 1800, because he hated French. Until 1940, USA enforced isolationist policy and was never part of any coalition or military alliances until WWII. The victory of WWII (which was a coalition victory), created an aura of invincibility and belief of supremacy of its values everywhere. Very a few in leadership and population alike are aware that winning a war and holding on conquered territory are two totally different issues. Romans learned it the hard way.

Roman army was the most superior fighting force unmatched by size until French Grande Armée in 1794. Romans also believed that they were invincible, superior, and advanced than any country they marched on. However, they failed with this strategy among Germanic barbarians and Persians. While both entities inflicted painful defeat to Roman army, Romans won most of the wars with them. The marched as far to Susa in Iran and sacked capitol of Persia several times. They crossed over Rhine and Danube, burned everything on sight, but never managed to create a stable Roman rule.

Romans did not understand why Germanic nations do not want to be liberated by them. They invited children and relatives of the ruling elite, dressed the warriors' wives in silk and jewelry, showed them wonders of the Roman civilizations, yet these Germans were stubborn, and were not impressed. Even in Tacitus misunderstood the opinion of the population north of Danube, that they just do not want to be liberated and wanted to live a life as they liked. USA after 1945 does exact the same mistake as Romans. People in very impoverished corners of the world just do not care much about the cultural and political system of USA. They can give a rat about it. In 2003-2005 newspapers were full of encouragement how Americans will build democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, and how everything will work from the point onward. None of the expectation have worked and will never work. It is difficult to force population to accept a cultural and political system they do not see it as their own.

Again, because West Germany became a democracy, many on the leadership from DEM and GOP things that this will be applicable everywhere. From the modern history of 1945, all the wars were won, but they were political failure. Because these wars did not create a collective scar (unlike Civil War or WWII), these failures are subsequently forgotten in following generations, and cycle is repeated elsewhere.

34

Do most ex JW's go politically left?

by Lightgrowsbrighter in

i've found it interesting that- imho- most of the politically vocal ex-jw's at this website seem to lean left.

i'm personally pretty centered- right on some issues, left on others, but overall have a pretty cynical view of all political/religious leaders.

i find it somewhat ironic that people who leave such a dogmatic group like the witnesses become so politically dogmatic.

kaik

to be fair, this also applies to some left-wing people.

Yes, it does. Some lefties are very defensive. Nonetheless, right-wing neoconservatives at least what I have seen on JWN are outweigh them in responses, verbal aggression, irrational constructs, and total disregards to well known, documented facts even from their own ranks.

15

You think the light may have come on in the mind of a few JW's?

by James Mixon in

isis or isil believe they are the key agent of the coming apocalypse.. jw's , we are warning folks of the coming day of jehovah.. isis, their purpose to spread a totalitarian caliphate throughout the world.. jw's "if you are not with us you are against us".. isis, polarize muslims against one another, to incite internal divisions.. jw's shunning..

kaik

My sister called me two months ago that I need to return to Jah, because I will parish in Armageddon that will arrive shortly. The ISIS, Russians in Syria, and American involvement were according to her a sign of the last days. So I believe JWs thinks that this is the end.

14

suggestions for a bird lover

by sowhatnow in

i want to know id anyone has an inexpensive easy way for me to install some sort of sound system so i can hear the outside birds in my house in winter.

i have to doors closed its like 30 degrees outside, i stepped out to toss some bread crumbs and heard so many birds outside, and i would love to hear those birds in my kitchen while i eat.

would a cheap baby monitor work ?

kaik

Also another option is to bring birdfeeder closer to the house. I regularly feed birds and I have one of the largest trees on my property in the community, so my tree is packed with various birds. I had owls, eagle, hawks hanging on my property. I have several robin nests in my trellis and on top of the shed. Generally closer to the house, you can hear them better. Couple years ago we had ravens nesting outside the window on the branch from my huge tree, and the family was very, very noisy. I was happy that they moved away following year.

34

Do most ex JW's go politically left?

by Lightgrowsbrighter in

i've found it interesting that- imho- most of the politically vocal ex-jw's at this website seem to lean left.

i'm personally pretty centered- right on some issues, left on others, but overall have a pretty cynical view of all political/religious leaders.

i find it somewhat ironic that people who leave such a dogmatic group like the witnesses become so politically dogmatic.

kaik

I lived under totalitarian and I have aversion of social engineering experiment. I do not like pack mentality and nor that I have to have stance on every issue that does not pertain me. I do not like when there is a government telling me how I should live my private life. I do not have specific attachment to any party or any movement.

Last year the argument and storm that followed incited by two ogres Junction and AlphaMale was issue of media. My point was that all media lies and are biased. Some media lies more than others. These two jerks were insisting that Fox and right-view media do not lie because they are not under control of Jews. Suddenly, couple other anti-semites joined chorus, and well all over me accusing me of beliefs and positions that I never said. Especially AlphaMale was vulgar. Vivian joined the discussion and these people continued with attacks and verbal harassment against her and several others. The thread was eventually locked for posting. And I can tell you it was not Vivian who was cyberbully, but AlphaMale and Junction, hiding behind the anonymity of internet.

So, my experience on JWN is that people have not only right-wing view, but they are extremely defensive when they get challenged or even when you slightly disagreed with them. To them, everyone else is wrong and only their political stance was right.

55

"High" education

by Esmeralda001 in

did any of you guys disregard the wt recommendations and pursue a career.

if you answer "yes": was your journey easy?

are you happy with the end result?

kaik

Education is not just for the young.

Excellent point. In this economy and structure of the labor force, it is also necessary. People are forced to work later. Some countries the full-time retirement will not start until 68. Science and technology constantly arrive with new discoveries and methods, and it is crucial to stay on top of it.

55

"High" education

by Esmeralda001 in

did any of you guys disregard the wt recommendations and pursue a career.

if you answer "yes": was your journey easy?

are you happy with the end result?

kaik

Yes, Yes.

I studied in Europe and later in USA. I earned B.S. and I got corporate career in field I love. I earned two graduate certifications to be more proficient in the area from the state university, and I got promoted. I am in process to complete my master's degree, and I am waiting for my thesis to be accepted by faculty. I am set to graduate in six months. I wish I had more strength to pursue PhD. However, school and job totally whipped me out in past two years. And it is expensive.

When I went to university 25 years ago, I got visit from two elders. They were not very happy and tried to persuade me to quit. My JW aunt constantly told to everyone that I will never make it through, because I suppose to be stupid as my dad. My dad studied with her, but refused to get baptized. My father never went to school, he was born during Great Depression and lived through WWII where my grandparents lost everything due air raids. He had to work to survive, and never had the chance to pursue education. Under Stalin he was drafted into army until he was purged in 1968/69. Nonetheless, my father spoke several languages, and had amassed a library of 2000 books.

My mom is supportive. My grandfather was scientist, university professor, and member of national academia with both PhD and doctorate. If I would change a bit, I would pick different school for my graduate certification and my undergraduate major to be more aligned with current job market. I recommend everyone to go to school, it is a great experience. After my master's, I will take a break. I may go for second master's to be more specialized.

13

Somebody forgot where they parked

by JeffT in

how does this happen?http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/08/aviation/malaysia-aviation-airport-abandoned-aircraft/

kaik

If you look into the plane registration, you will see that these planes are 35 years old and not really usable for commercial flight even after retrofitting. Abandoning planes like that is rather common. Government is just issuing regular public notice prior scrapping.

34

Do most ex JW's go politically left?

by Lightgrowsbrighter in

i've found it interesting that- imho- most of the politically vocal ex-jw's at this website seem to lean left.

i'm personally pretty centered- right on some issues, left on others, but overall have a pretty cynical view of all political/religious leaders.

i find it somewhat ironic that people who leave such a dogmatic group like the witnesses become so politically dogmatic.

kaik

My experience is exactly opposite. I have encountered far more extreme right-wing extremists on JWN than lefties. I am centrist. I support conservative and right leaning issues, but also I have some left-leaning opinions like healthcare and gay rights. And I do not have opinion for many issues that defines left/right boundary, because I do not care about it at all. My experience with political leaning of ex-JW crowd that once you disagree on some issue with them you became leftist. Exactly year ago there were nasty debates after mid-term election when some ogre with screenname "Junction" was verbally attacking me; and suddenly half dozen people I never exchanged any post, were all over against me for things I never mentioned, do not believe, nor I have cared. This thread eventually passed to Viv, and had to be locked down, not because of Viv, but because of GOP supporters. While I did not agree with some of the political opinions of Viv, she was civil, while Junction, and rest of the pack where vulgar, hostile, and outright nasty.