Nations beaten by underestimated foes

Aberdeen American News ^ | April 18, 2004 | Art Marmorstein

[jwalburg]

In AD 627, the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius won a great victory over the Persians at Nineveh, and the long, bitter struggle between the Byzantines and the Persians came to an end. The Persian army was destroyed, and the Byzantines gained control of virtually all the territory the two empires had fought over for so long.

Victory at last! Peace at last! Time to enjoy a peace dividend! And, even better, time to turn on the real enemy: themselves.

Bitter political and ideological struggles had divided the Byzantines from the beginnings of their history, but now these struggles turned particularly vicious. Ten years after his great victory over the Persians, Heraclius discovered members of his own family plotting against him. The conspirators had their noses and hands cut off. One of them had a leg amputated as well.

After Heraclius' death, his wife Martina became the de facto ruler. But opposition to her high-handed ways provoked riots in the streets and revolts among the troops. In the end, Martina was forced from power. Her tongue was cut out, and she was sent into exile. Two of her sons had their noses cut off. A third was castrated.

[Cronos]

Well, the argument is pointless. Both Greeks and Russians are christians as are the Latin Christians (Roman Catholics) and Protestants and Evangelists and Baptists. We have a common enemy and we have allies in other religions threatened by the cult -- Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and yes, even Zoroastrianism (not much use numerically NOW, but Persia returning to Zoroastrianism is good!)

[MarMema]

Russia actually went on to develop their own Orthodox spirituality, which is decidely different from the Greek version in many ways.
Same liturgy, same church, lots of differences.

In particular, the Russians created the 8 tones, and Znamenny chant.

[Smokin' Joe]

Restraint, indeed. On 9/12 a nuclear response would have been a winner in the polls.

[MarMema]

I am very fond of Buddhists. So many of them here in the Pacific NW. They are so gentle and self-sacrificing, and so ascetic. When I work with them I have to constantly fight to do my share of the work.

[Smokin' Joe]

How does that go? "Go back, Abdul, go back! It's a trick! There's TWO of them!"

[MarMema]

It is really too bad we didn't respond much more quickly and harshly. I think it has been most effective for Israel to be offensive against Hamas.

Did you see Farah's writing on appeasement not working?

[Smokin' Joe]

Any child who has been the victim of a schoolyard bully knows appeasement doesn't work--on any scale.

If you can't take them alone, gang up. You'll probably get a bloody nose, but you'll win if you don't give up, and not live in shame and fear.

The attack response has to be immediate, as vicious as possible, relentless, intimidating in its ferocity. Only by this does one earn respect.

Israel has a sense of purpose derived from being the war zone. America has luxuriously avoided this, with rare exception (thankfully). I hope people here do not lose sight of what is at stake.

[Cronos]

I am very fond of Buddhists. So many of them here in the Pacific NW. They are so gentle and self-sacrificing, and so ascetic. When I work with them I have to constantly fight to do my share of the work.

Are these asian buddhists or recent converts?

[MarMema]

All the same things they teach you in dog training, parenting, and social psych in college. :-)

The quick response makes a stronger association. And a stronger response is a greater deterrent.

One has only to see Hamas running with their tails between their legs to see how effective we could be. But then we've got Patty Murray talking about setting up daycares like Osama did. We should put all the mooshy liberals temporarily underground in a safe but contained place, as you would children, while we go take care of business. They can come out after we finish.

[MarMema]

Mostly Thai.

[Cronos]

No, just brought that up because many (not all) of the American converts that I've met are well, hippies, aimlessly "searching for themselves" and taking Buddhism "lite". B is actually quite a difficult religion, not the namby pamby, gayloving version put forth by the hippie types. I have nothing but respect for serious practisioners of Buddhism

[Cacique]

b

[metesky]

#144688!

Welcome to Free Republic.

[reluctantwarrior]

Roger that, me and my fine jewish friend can take 'em.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Works for me.

[Destro]

There was no invasion is all I was saying.