Book for Art,

Aging_Recycled_Scientist

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Jun 12, 2006, 7:58:06 AM6/12/06

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Cspan had an author spot by a guy who authored the books "Blowback" ,
and "The Sorrows of Empire". Basically analysis and criticism of the
rise of militarism, the military industrial complex and the Imperial
Presidency.

Straydog

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Jun 12, 2006, 8:37:12 AM6/12/06

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Yes, I'm interested in stuff like that.

Message has been deleted

Russell...@wdn.com

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Jun 12, 2006, 9:51:26 AM6/12/06

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Aging_Recycled_Scientist wrote:
> Ya,, I think I should read those books and the others you are
> discussing about Empire.
> Basically the premise presented by the author (retired, prof of U. of
> Ca system , in his 80s) was that the founding fathers of the US would
> be dismayed to see the breakdown of the separation of powers, the
> capitulation of the Houses of Congress, the rise of the Imperial
> presidency, and the abdication to the Military Industrial Complex.
> Reminds me of Star Wars. Where are the Jedi when we need them.

They've been seduced by the Dark Side.

Cheers,
Russell

Straydog

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Jun 12, 2006, 10:13:01 AM6/12/06

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OK, who guarantees that we get life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness? Or, is that a loaded statement (meaning we're free to _pursue_
happiness, but maybe never get it?).

> Cheers,
> Russell
>
>

Russell...@wdn.com

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Jun 12, 2006, 10:16:54 AM6/12/06

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<Darth Vader voice mode>
Happiness is an illusion. Power is the only reality.
Give in to the Dark Side.
</Darth Vader voice mode>

Cheers,
Russell

Message has been deleted

Straydog

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Jun 12, 2006, 1:32:39 PM6/12/06

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<mechanical robot voice on>
Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated.
<mechanical robot voice off>

> Cheers,
> Russell
>
>

Straydog

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Jun 12, 2006, 1:38:20 PM6/12/06

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On Mon, 12 Jun 2006, Aging_Recycled_Scientist wrote:

> Ya,, I think I should read those books and the others you are
> discussing about Empire.
> Basically the premise presented by the author (retired, prof of U. of
> Ca system , in his 80s) was that the founding fathers of the US would
> be dismayed to see the breakdown of the separation of powers, the
> capitulation of the Houses of Congress, the rise of the Imperial
> presidency, and the abdication to the Military Industrial Complex.

I've been noticing what I think are trends, too. Not all good. But, the
value to history is that even with all this sci/tech stuff, basic human
emotions have not changed all that much. It was fascinating to read about
the Peloponesian was 2500 years ago. Same old weasseling around,
backbiting, backstabbing politics, and empires grow out of nothing, last a
while, then fade back out. There are differences from one to another. I
may post some excerpts.

> Reminds me of Star Wars. Where are the Jedi when we need them.

Hah! Superman (and all the other folk heros, including James Bond) only
exist in the movies. In real life there are just two things: i) money, and
ii) guns (or, in some cases, both).

Options: CYA. learn to jump before the lightning bolt strikes.