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Re: Personal comportment is different from national
Stray, why do you think that the pacifists that you scorn are not worthy of being called peacemakers? Are peacemakers only peacemakers under certain circumstances? We should always strive for nothing less than unconditional love, and a desire to resist evil with good. This is clear. If we followed these principles to their utmost, of course we would all be pacifists. We would always find the peaceful solution to any problem, and I assure you that there always is one. I do not blame you for your rejection of pacifism, it seems difficult in a world that seems consumed with finding an easy solution, or a solution that best fits that particular nation's interests, rather than the one that is best for the world as a whole and perhaps more difficult. Don't worry, things may seem bleak at the moment, but one day you will become one with God's perfection and realize the beauty of concepts such as pacifism.
As for your WWII paragraph:
Versailles was too harsh? The "screw you" attitude of deflating the Mark to pay off the reparations created more problems than the indemnity itself. Depression caused by the hyperinflation? Didn't start until 1919 and ended by 1921. It was no worse than the American depression, and we didn't descend into barbarism.
During the 20s the German economy (in constant currency) grew from end-war levels by more than the punative payments, despite the manetary hyperinflation disaster. That doesn't count outside assistance. It came about equally from German families in America sending money to relatives and from various governments. The total assistance throughout the 20s was also greater in inflation-adjusted value than the Versailles reparations.
Nazism was an internal movement. The German loss was history; it wouldn't have changed if France had decided to be "friendly." The loss was blamed rhetorically on Jews, which wouldn't have changed seeing as France was equally antisemitic. Britain and USA were not far behind, as both nations refused to accept Jewish refugees after the first trickle presaged an unacceptible flood.
The analogy to Iraq is excellent. Basically, the Germans surrendered rather than see American, French and British forces crossing the Rhine. The allies accepted a negotiated surrender rather than pursue the aggressor with prejudice. To many Germans defeat was seen as political rather than military, and some nursed the feeling that they could do better next time. Iraq is indeed WWI and WWII played out on petite mal scale.
Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge of early Nazism with us. However, these details are for the most part superflous to the larger scheme of things. Versailles intended to punish the Germans, if the allies had instead tried to help the Germans rebuild, and treated them as friends, it is unlikely there would have been a Hitler. There are infinite things the Allies could have done to avert a Hitler from rising to power.
It is true that the Germans were a people who prided themselves on their military victories. In fact, since the Franco-Prussian war, they were convinced that good things happen as a result of war. But regardless of how proud a people can be, there is nothing that the power of love can't reach. If the allies pursued a policy of peace and brotherhood toward the Germans, there need not have been a Hitler, and then, a second world war.
God bless.
Originally posted by Straybow
monkspider, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers," which is quite different from either appeasers or pacifists.
monkspider, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers," which is quite different from either appeasers or pacifists.
As for your WWII paragraph:
Versailles was too harsh? The "screw you" attitude of deflating the Mark to pay off the reparations created more problems than the indemnity itself. Depression caused by the hyperinflation? Didn't start until 1919 and ended by 1921. It was no worse than the American depression, and we didn't descend into barbarism.
During the 20s the German economy (in constant currency) grew from end-war levels by more than the punative payments, despite the manetary hyperinflation disaster. That doesn't count outside assistance. It came about equally from German families in America sending money to relatives and from various governments. The total assistance throughout the 20s was also greater in inflation-adjusted value than the Versailles reparations.
Nazism was an internal movement. The German loss was history; it wouldn't have changed if France had decided to be "friendly." The loss was blamed rhetorically on Jews, which wouldn't have changed seeing as France was equally antisemitic. Britain and USA were not far behind, as both nations refused to accept Jewish refugees after the first trickle presaged an unacceptible flood.
The analogy to Iraq is excellent. Basically, the Germans surrendered rather than see American, French and British forces crossing the Rhine. The allies accepted a negotiated surrender rather than pursue the aggressor with prejudice. To many Germans defeat was seen as political rather than military, and some nursed the feeling that they could do better next time. Iraq is indeed WWI and WWII played out on petite mal scale.
It is true that the Germans were a people who prided themselves on their military victories. In fact, since the Franco-Prussian war, they were convinced that good things happen as a result of war. But regardless of how proud a people can be, there is nothing that the power of love can't reach. If the allies pursued a policy of peace and brotherhood toward the Germans, there need not have been a Hitler, and then, a second world war.
God bless.
you Lincoln. I just think your making a mistake. 
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