The tragic irony and betrayal of our efforts in World War II.

[Pacifist Patriot]

Ostensibly, our just cause in World War II was to not only check the invasions wrought by dictators, but to eliminate fascist governments as the antithesis of our democratic ideals. In reality, we stopped short of that when our government made the policy decision to leave Spain to Franco despite clear signals from the Spanish that they would have appreciated being liberated much like their German and Italian counterparts. But I suppose that is a question for more accomplished historians to debate.

Fortunately for us, World War II gave way to the Cold War with a new crop of anti-democratic enemies on whom to focus. Of course I refer to the commies whom St. Ronnie whipped single handledly in 1989.

But nationalism doesn't work all that well unless the nation has an enemy upon whom to focus. Conveniently, our foreign policy flip flopping and waffling managed to gain us a whole new breed of enemy. The Islamic radical terrorist.

The tragic irony is that in order to wage war upon such an enemy, those in power believe we must become the enemy we fought in World War II. Fascism is a system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.

From my point of view it certainly seems as if the United States if moving steadily closer to firmly fulfilling every letter of this definition.

I will not stand for it.

[The2ndWheel]

1. That's what that war was about?

I thought it was more about multiple centers of expanding power all up to bat at the same time in their quests for total uniformity.

Nah, democratic ideals sounds better.

Anytime you have a policy of elimination, how many outcomes can there be? You can't democratically annihilate something.

We're still involved in a quest for total uniformity. Our side won, so it's our uniformity that has the shot. Too much real diversity, and not a thing would get done in this world. There wouldn't be a road built, any economies of scale, no bombs with which to win wars for democratic ideals.

[Pacifist Patriot]

2. Pssst....

the word "ostensibly" is a clue to the meaning of the sentence. ;)

[The2ndWheel]

4. That's what that word means?

I thought pacifist was more along the lines of non-violent. Becaue you just opened up Pandora's Box my friend :silly:

[Pacifist Patriot]

5. You are leaving me utterly baffled.

Ostensibly our just cause....Focus on the words 'ostensibly' and 'just.' I would never ever suggest there was only one cause for World War II or even speculate on what it might be. I don't know about you, but as a school child I had the whole "saving the world for democracy" meme heaped upon me every time I turned around which is what makes the irony of our current situation so thick.

Pacifism: The belief that disputes between nations should and can be settled peacefully. Opposition to war as a means of resolving disputes.

I realize you have zeroed in on my screen name, but I'm not sure what that has to do with my assertion that fascism is alive and well in our government these days. Is it because I said "I won't stand for it?" I take my inspiration from the likes of Gandhi and King. I'm prepared to oppose fascist actions on the part of my government in a variety of creative ways. It doesn't mean I have to resort to armed conflict. If I'm missing your point, I truly apologize.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. There were wealthy influential influences within business and the government

during WWII which were sympathetic with fascist Italy and Spain, and Nazi Germany. It's been inherent within the body of our nation long before we fought for others' freedoms.