Originally posted by John Berger
MAX 340 - my question to you - you state that we are in a simular situation as i Germany in the 1930's but I do not recall Germany being struck by terrorist. I do not recall any city in Germany being attacked the way that New York City was. Can you refresh my memory on that? I consider myself a fair historian and do not quite remember any time in history when such devastation occured in a single day in a peace-time country. The United States was not at war with any one on Sept. 11, 2001, were we?
Ok, since you state that you did not read any other posts, I'll try to summarize the similarities of the present situation to that of Germany in the 1930's.
Both countries were/are suffering a huge down turn in the economy.
Both countries suffered an unprecedented attack; Germany a world war followed by total occupation and humiliation, The U. S. had its first attack on the mainland since the War of 1812.
Both countries are looking at the possibility of removing rights to improve internal security.
Both countries were/are led by strong leaders who promise deliverance from the evil in the nation.
Both countries were/are planning attacks on other countries for the betterment of the homeland. In Germany, it was called "Leibensraum", or "living space".
As to Germany being attacked like NYC, recall that gas attacks were the method du jour of WWI, and that the country was left in ruins after WWI, and on top of that, they were expected to repay war expenses incurred by their enemies. Certainly when put in perspective, 9/11/01 NYC pales in comparison to post WWI Germany.
As you stated, such devestation to a peace time country is hard to find in history, but it does exist throughout history. You should also note that I did not mention that as one of the similarities. Nor did I specify terrorism as one of the similarities.
Now, I also noted that our government is different than that of Germany. However, the comments of a vast number of people lead me to question if they have observed what curtailing our rights, acting on what boils down to racism in cases of reporting odd activity. Seriously, how many do you think would report an average white boy buying diesel fuel then picking up a load of fertilizer as unusual? They should have done it at least once, as we found out.
As you say, being vigilant is a good thing. However, being vigilant is what should be done under normal circumstances to protect oneself from common criminals. As Mr. Sheets so eloquently noted, these guys are different, and use much more complicated methods with intent to kill. Problem is, once you see these behaviors, it is too late to stop them. It has been noted time and again that the attackers of 9/11/01 were living among us, quietly and without being seen. Being vigilant will not pick out a neighbor who is a "dormant" terrorist, since they purposely do not do anything odd or unusual.
As such, I suggested that more than simply being vigilant, as one should normally be, one should get to know the neighbors on each adjacent property. Making oneself a "nosy neighbor" to a point can do wonders for knowing exactly who the guy next door is. Being "vigilant" through the kitchen window does nothing to find out the affairs of the guy next door if he is living quietly and normally.
According to some, we should be checking each and every doorknob looking for oily substances and carrying gas masks. I submit that once either of these are found, it is rather too late to take action. Also, please note that I counted myself as among the guilty in not knowing exactly who lives next door on all the adjacent properties.
My point was, and remains, paranoia is not the way to go about things. Take a preventive measure; don't look for trouble or the odd event. Do something BEFORE trouble occurs and make it harder for them to live among us.
My apologies for repeating myself, but it seems that some do not read what I have said. Mrs. Berger, I hope this clears up some of your questions.