War Yesterday Tomorrow And The Future-What You Can Do
Posted: Wednesday, February 08, 2012
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
I come from a somewhat military family. My father was a graduate of the Hungarian equivalent to West Point in 1943. He fought on the wrong side in the Second World War fighting as a second lieutenant in the Hungarian Army. He never fought against Americans but he fought against Romanians. He was shot numerous times and won Hungary’s equivalent to America’s Congressional Medal of Honor. By the way, he is still alive and is an active oldster. He came to this country in 1949 and made a working class life for his wife and young child, my brother Frank, in America’s Midwest. He left his military career in Europe and I have no doubt if his side would have won, he would have been a general. However, for me, he opened up a whole world of war and military thinking.
When I was a kid, I heard many stories of war, tactics, and educated analysis of war and world events. When I came of age, I wanted to join the military but never did. I often kick my self in the butt that I did not make that move, as the military can be an honorable life calling. Many people think all or most military men and women like war. This is not true. Many accomplished and in my view, most outstanding military leaders think of war as the opposite. Yes, they see the reality of war and the need to be strong, professional and ready to protect their countries, however, they do not relish war. Douglas MacArthur one of America’s most successful military leaders said on more than one occasion that war is terrible and should be avoided. Having said this, there have been many generals and world leaders who throughout history have thought differently and have plunged into war much too quickly and frivolously with the lives of millions of humans beings needlessly wasted.
Millions dead in World War One, tens of millions in World War Two, Vietnam, Korea, numerous wars in the Orient, Middle East and you name it, just about everywhere around the globe, millions dead. I would venture to say that most of the wars throughout history were avoidable. Barring true tyrants like Attila the Hun or Hitler and the others who throughout history simply had great power and wanted to abuse humans, many other conflicts could have been avoided. Some Roman generals were known to have started major battles to secure their place in Rome’s hierarchy. Tens of thousands of dead mainly for their personal power!
We will have more wars, and by we, I mean countries of the world. I do not see any major changes regarding fewer wars, however, this is not to say that we as people should not feel confident that positive changes may come about. People should voice their concerns, lead by peaceful yet strong example, and strive to convince others that getting along are the solutions for conflicts. We can start one person at a time. One does not have to be a politician, leader, or military general to convince others that getting along almost at all costs and negotiating is the best solution. Do not get me wrong, some people know nothing more than force and at times force must be used to survive and thrive. But it is my view that many if not most disputes, personal or large scale country disputes can be handled by utilizing respect, fairness, diplomacy and negotiation. I am often reminded that one person can make a huge difference. Mothers Against Drunk Driving was started by one mother. A mom who was personally touched by the tragedy a drunk driver caused in her life. MAD was started by one mom with a passion and now, who has not heard of that huge organization!
So, I say war sucks and if you want to make a difference to slow it down utilize any bully pulpit you may have and press for reasonableness. If you don’t have a bully pulpit like most people do not, do not despair; treat people in your life whether at work, school, or play, with respect and strive for give and take. You may be surprised in the change you can make and like MAD, it may spread faster than you might think.
Millions dead in World War One, tens of millions in World War Two, Vietnam, Korea, numerous wars in the Orient, Middle East and you name it, just about everywhere around the globe, millions dead. I would venture to say that most of the wars throughout history were avoidable. Barring true tyrants like Attila the Hun or Hitler and the others who throughout history simply had great power and wanted to abuse humans, many other conflicts could have been avoided. Some Roman generals were known to have started major battles to secure their place in Rome’s hierarchy. Tens of thousands of dead mainly for their personal power!
We will have more wars, and by we, I mean countries of the world. I do not see any major changes regarding fewer wars, however, this is not to say that we as people should not feel confident that positive changes may come about. People should voice their concerns, lead by peaceful yet strong example, and strive to convince others that getting along are the solutions for conflicts. We can start one person at a time. One does not have to be a politician, leader, or military general to convince others that getting along almost at all costs and negotiating is the best solution. Do not get me wrong, some people know nothing more than force and at times force must be used to survive and thrive. But it is my view that many if not most disputes, personal or large scale country disputes can be handled by utilizing respect, fairness, diplomacy and negotiation. I am often reminded that one person can make a huge difference. Mothers Against Drunk Driving was started by one mother. A mom who was personally touched by the tragedy a drunk driver caused in her life. MAD was started by one mom with a passion and now, who has not heard of that huge organization!
So, I say war sucks and if you want to make a difference to slow it down utilize any bully pulpit you may have and press for reasonableness. If you don’t have a bully pulpit like most people do not, do not despair; treat people in your life whether at work, school, or play, with respect and strive for give and take. You may be surprised in the change you can make and like MAD, it may spread faster than you might think.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Let's hope for our children's sake. Greed and the need for power for those too simple to realize that they are already a part of the greatest evolution in the universe already, humanity, without this drive for power for self satisfactions sake though has yet to be suppressed by mankind and inevitably has come to rule the day. You would like to think that the peaceful teachings of those in our history like Ghandi and Buddha for example would take fruit and grow but the former is much more prevalent and more than likely not going to end..certainly not in your or my time anyway. Your article is a good start though. Keep up the good work.Yeah, it is hard to disagree with you about it not ending anytime soon. Also, I think you are dead on about greed and power...gets out of some people's hands sometimes and mushrooms until they do crazy stuff--like war too. Thanks for your words.
Such a wonderful grasp on reality. I really enjoyed reading your take on War and the Military. I'm ex USNR (part time reservist) and I agree totally with your assessment of most military do not want war, only to be ready in time of attack.
People forget without organization there would be chaos, and if you look at the civilians attacked on 9/11....I am amazed at how well they did, and the heros are those first responders, who like the military are trained for emergencies.
We cannot appease the leaders like those of Iran, and Syria...for they would kill us in a heartbeat, and will if given the chance. Great insight. Would you like to run for President? lolNow, that was probably the best thing anyone ever said about me---that I have a wonderful grasp on reality---I'm going to print your quote and carry it in my pocket!!! I actually knew of a guy who his employer thought was wacky so they sent him to a psychiatrist for an assessment. The doctor found him sane and the guy would carry the docs letter with him all the time and when co workers said he was nuts he'd tell em, No I'm not and I have the paperwork to prove it." Anyway, thank you.
I agree with you on the present leader or leaders in Iran and probably Syria too. We need to be strong and ready when needed. I'm also glad you mentioned that your personal observation of the military is in agreement with what I wrote. You saw it with your own eyes. Thanks for your service to me and everyone else in the country.
Steve
Your president comment just hit me. President Kovacs--ha-ha even sounds funny..............
Hi Steve,
Great article, I couldn't agree with you more regarding the military. I am always surprised by the people who think that because I disagree with any particular war that I am not for our military. What??? Our military is priceless; I would support any parade anywhere, anytime to welcome them home. We need our military because, as you pointed out, we will always have warmongers among us.
My personal "pulpit" is educating people about our inner barbarians. If one doesn't have to work so hard to defend their soft underbellies, they are less likely to project fear, jealousies, etc. unto others. Like that song says, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."
Thanks for writing this Steve, Dawn
Hi Steve,
Great article, I couldn't agree with you more regarding the military. I am always surprised by the people who think that because I disagree with any particular war that I am not for our military. What??? Our military is priceless; I would support any parade anywhere, anytime to welcome them home. We need our military because, as you pointed out, we will always have warmongers among us.
My personal pulpit is educating people about our inner barbarians. If one doesn't have to work so hard to defend their soft underbellies, they are less likely to project fear, jealousies, etc. unto others. Like that song says, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."
Thanks for writing this Steve, Dawn
Disagreeing is needed--dissent is needed. No one agrees with others all of the time. Reasonableness is the key, I think. Your pulpit is where it all comes from--me, you, the next guy--one person at a time. I think that's the best way to change things...one by one. Of course great motivators can change thousands and millions--for the good or bad. People like you, the "goods" have to be better than the "bads". Keep on being being better.
Thanks...Steve
Oops.
Sorry this got posted twice. The first time I forgot to give you stars so I re-posted. dawnThanks........
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