Victor Davis Hanson: The Brink of Madness. A familiar place

NRO ^ | August 4, 2006 | Victor Davis Hanson

[Tolik]

When I used to read about the 1930s — the Italian invasion of Abyssinia, the rise of fascism in Italy, Spain, and Germany, the appeasement in France and Britain, the murderous duplicity of the Soviet Union, and the racist Japanese murdering in China — I never could quite figure out why, during those bleak years, Western Europeans and those in the United States did not speak out and condemn the growing madness, if only to defend the millennia-long promise of Western liberalism.

Of course, the trauma of the Great War was all too fresh, and the utopian hopes for the League of Nations were not yet dashed. The Great Depression made the thought of rearmament seem absurd. The connivances of Stalin with Hitler — both satanic, yet sometimes in alliance, sometimes not — could confuse political judgments.

But nevertheless it is still surreal to reread the fantasies of Chamberlain, Daladier, and Pope Pius, or the stump speeches by Charles Lindbergh (“Their [the Jews’] greatest danger to this country lies in their large ownership and influence in our motion pictures, our press, our radio, and our government”) or Father Coughlin (“Many people are beginning to wonder whom they should fear most — the Roosevelt-Churchill combination or the Hitler-Mussolini combination.”) — and baffling to consider that such men ever had any influence.

Not any longer.

Our present generation too is on the brink of moral insanity. That has never been more evident than in the last three weeks, as the West has proven utterly unable to distinguish between an attacked democracy that seeks to strike back at terrorist combatants, and terrorist aggressors who seek to kill civilians.

It is now nearly five years since jihadists from the Arab world left a crater in Manhattan and ignited the Pentagon. Apart from the frontline in Iraq, the United States and NATO have troops battling the Islamic fascists in Afghanistan. European police scramble daily to avoid another London or Madrid train bombing. The French, Dutch, and Danish governments are worried that a sizable number of Muslim immigrants inside their countries are not assimilating, and, more worrisome, are starting to demand that their hosts alter their liberal values to accommodate radical Islam. It is apparently not safe for Australians in Bali, and a Jew alone in any Arab nation would have to be discreet — and perhaps now in France or Sweden as well. Canadians’ past opposition to the Iraq war, and their empathy for the Palestinians, earned no reprieve, if we can believe that Islamists were caught plotting to behead their prime minister. Russians have been blown up by Muslim Chechnyans from Moscow to Beslan. India is routinely attacked by Islamic terrorists. An elected Lebanese minister must keep in mind that a Hezbollah or Syrian terrorist — not an Israeli bomb — might kill him if he utters a wrong word. The only mystery here in the United States is which target the jihadists want to destroy first: the Holland Tunnel in New York or the Sears Tower in Chicago.

In nearly all these cases there is a certain sameness: The Koran is quoted as the moral authority of the perpetrators; terrorism is the preferred method of violence; Jews are usually blamed; dozens of rambling complaints are aired, and killers are often considered stateless, at least in the sense that the countries in which they seek shelter or conduct business or find support do not accept culpability for their actions.

Yet the present Western apology to all this is often to deal piecemeal with these perceived Muslim grievances: India, after all, is in Kashmir; Russia is in Chechnya; America is in Iraq, Canada is in Afghanistan; Spain was in Iraq (or rather, still is in Al Andalus); or Israel was in Gaza and Lebanon. Therefore we are to believe that “freedom fighters” commit terror for political purposes of “liberation.” At the most extreme, some think there is absolutely no pattern to global terrorism, and the mere suggestion that there is constitutes “Islamaphobia.”

Here at home, yet another Islamic fanatic conducts an act of al Qaedism in Seattle, and the police worry immediately about the safety of the mosques from which such hatred has in the past often emanated — as if the problem of a Jew being murdered at the Los Angeles airport or a Seattle civic center arises from not protecting mosques, rather than protecting us from what sometimes goes on in mosques.

But then the world is awash with a vicious hatred that we have not seen in our generation: the most lavish film in Turkish history, “Valley of the Wolves,” depicts a Jewish-American harvesting organs at Abu Ghraib in order to sell them; the Palestinian state press regularly denigrates the race and appearance of the American Secretary of State; the U.N. secretary general calls a mistaken Israeli strike on a U.N. post “deliberate,” without a word that his own Blue Helmets have for years watched Hezbollah arm rockets in violation of U.N. resolutions, and Hezbollah’s terrorists routinely hide behind U.N. peacekeepers to ensure impunity while launching missiles.

If you think I exaggerate the bankruptcy of the West or only refer to the serial ravings on the Middle East of Pat Buchanan or Jimmy Carter, consider some of the most recent comments from Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah about Israel: “When the people of this temporary country lose their confidence in their legendary army, the end of this entity will begin [emphasis added].” Then compare Nasrallah’s remarks about the U.S: “To President Bush, Prime Minister Olmert and every other tyrannical aggressor. I want to invite you to do what you want, practice your hostilities. By God, you will not succeed in erasing our memory, our presence or eradicating our strong belief. Your masses will soon waste away, and your days are numbered [emphasis added].”

And finally examine here at home reaction to Hezbollah — which has butchered Americans in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia — from a prominent Democratic Congressman, John Dingell: “I don’t take sides for or against Hezbollah.” And isn’t that the point, after all: the amoral Westerner cannot exercise moral judgment because he no longer has any?

An Arab rights group, between denunciations of Israel and America, is suing its alma mater the United States for not evacuating Arab-Americans quickly enough from Lebanon, despite government warnings of the dangers of going there, and the explicit tactics of Hezbollah, in the manner of Saddam Hussein, of using civilians as human shields in the war it started against Israel.

Demonstrators on behalf of Hezbollah inside the United States — does anyone remember our 241 Marines slaughtered by these cowardly terrorists? — routinely carry placards with the Star of David juxtaposed with Swastikas, as voices praise terrorist killers. Few Arab-American groups these past few days have publicly explained that the sort of violence, tyranny, and lawlessness of the Middle East that drove them to the shores of a compassionate and successful America is best epitomized by the primordial creed of Hezbollah.

There is no need to mention Europe, an entire continent now returning to the cowardice of the 1930s. Its cartoonists are terrified of offending Muslim sensibilities, so they now portray the Jews as Nazis, secure that no offended Israeli terrorist might chop off their heads. The French foreign minister meets with the Iranians to show solidarity with the terrorists who promise to wipe Israel off the map (“In the region there is of course a country such as Iran — a great country, a great people and a great civilization which is respected and which plays a stabilizing role in the region”) — and manages to outdo Chamberlain at Munich. One wonders only whether the prime catalyst for such French debasement is worry over oil, terrorists, nukes, unassimilated Arab minorities at home, or the old Gallic Jew-hatred.

It is now a cliché to rant about the spread of postmodernism, cultural relativism, utopian pacifism, and moral equivalence among the affluent and leisured societies of the West. But we are seeing the insidious wages of such pernicious theories as they filter down from our media, universities, and government — and never more so than in the general public’s nonchalance since Hezbollah attacked Israel.

These past few days the inability of millions of Westerners, both here and in Europe, to condemn fascist terrorists who start wars, spread racial hatred, and despise Western democracies is the real story, not the “quarter-ton” Israeli bombs that inadvertently hit civilians in Lebanon who live among rocket launchers that send missiles into Israeli cities and suburbs.

Yes, perhaps Israel should have hit more quickly, harder, and on the ground; yes, it has run an inept public relations campaign; yes, to these criticisms and more. But what is lost sight of is the central moral issue of our times: a humane democracy mired in an asymmetrical war is trying to protect itself against terrorists from the 7^th century, while under the scrutiny of a corrupt world that needs oil, is largely anti-Semitic and deathly afraid of Islamic terrorists, and finds psychic enjoyment in seeing successful Western societies under duress.

In short, if we wish to learn what was going on in Europe in 1938, just look around.

— Victor Davis Hanson is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. He is the author, most recently, of A War Like No Other. How the Athenians and Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War.
 

[Rytwyng]

Utopian: A person who wants a perfect world so badly that he's willing to kill you to create it.

[Hartmann]

He might have mentioned that in the 1930's, many in the European elite were scared to death of Communism, as exemplified in the USSR. There were pitched battles in the streets of Germany between the Communists and the far right wingers. For many Europeans, there was a hope that Hitler would control the Communists at home and go to war against the Soviet Union (and thus relieve Europe of this threat).

Support for fascism was very fashionable among some circles in Europe, as they thought it would bring about a sense of law and order. They questioned their democracy and wondered whether fascism was not the right way to go.

[hosepipe]

I see Germany(in America) in the 20's/30's in the same situation.. Some knew what to do but were afraid, then.. Waiting for the Croc to eat them last.. Waiting, waiting, waiting.. for somebody to do something.. Instead of rise up and take these maniac's(liberals) out..

Clear out the liberals in the U.S. and the entire world will take a sit down, to think.. it appears there is zero right wing in the U.S... The liberals should be afraid to brain wash us.. they are not.. that should change..

[SE Mom]

Great piece..thanks for the ping:)

[Zack Nguyen]

And finally examine here at home reaction to Hezbollah — which has butchered Americans in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia — from a prominent Democratic Congressman, John Dingell: “I don’t take sides for or against Hezbollah.” And isn’t that the point, after all: the amoral Westerner cannot exercise moral judgment because he no longer has any?

Indeed. We have lost the ability to tell right from wrong.

[A.Hun]

Thanks for the ping D. Parrots my feelings exactly.

[steel_resolve]

There is no need to mention Europe, an entire continent now returning to the cowardice of the 1930s.

Ouch. And completely true.

[PogySailor]

Bump! Another hammer meets nail VDH piece.

[John Lenin]

the serial ravings on the Middle East of Stormfront Pat Buchanan or Jimmy Carter

[maica]

Copied from Jed Babbin this morning when discussing Europe ----

E-U-nuchs

[Bahbah]

Excellent read, indeed.

if we wish to learn what was going on in Europe in 1938, just look around.

I never thought I would see this in my lifetime, but here it is.

[Ancesthntr]

In short, if we wish to learn what was going on in Europe in 1938, just look around.

I never thought that I'd see days like those, not after growing up in a world where the WW2 generation taught and led us, when we seemed to have learned the lessons about appeasement because we were holding off the Soviets, and where not giving in to aggression - either personally or nationally - was a given, a way of life.

Sadly, the children of the WW2 vets, spoiled by their good-willed and generous parents, totally screwed up this country and its values, and they continue to do so. We are decadent, apathetic and unappreciative of the values which created our prosperity and security, as Rome was before it fell, and if we don't wake up SOON, we'll follow the same path (just more quickly).

[redgolum]

For later review.

[unionblue83]

Unfortunately, they won't do a damned thing for us until the American stand up and say, "No more!" This multicultural, PC, feminization of our society will continue until we take back our society. I am not calling for armed revolution, I am calling for those of us who want this to happen to start inundating our congressional offices, our county commissioners' offices, and any other elected officials that we can reach out to with e-mails, letters, phone calls, etc. until they are forced to listen. These officials must also realize that they are elected and not appointed. I truly believe that there is a growing groundswell but it hasn't gained enough strength to break the surface. I hope that this wave crests before its too late.

[TheDon]

At some point govts will realize that we up against an implaccable foe, a genocidal group absolutely committed to our destruction. A group that cannot be appeased, reasoned with, or disuaded by anything but pure, brutal, relentless, overwhelming, force.

What is required by the West to survive the war against the Izzis, Islamo-Fascists, is at this time, for many, inconceivable. As inconceivable as WWII to the US prior to Pearl Harbor. I fear we are on the brink of a world war in which millions will die before the Izzi threat is conquered.

[redgolum]

Be also wary. These will be the first ones to attack you - to arrest you - should they ever get in power again and implement the iron rule they want.

So true. Listening to some today, it chills me. Was talking about this with a friend last night. Even here on FR, there are some who (for instance over using dead babies for study) will scream that I am a backward religious nut and need to be removed from any type of politics because those like me are slowing "progress".

I sometimes wonder if what I post on FR will someday lead to what kills me.

[TexanToTheCore]

recent comments from Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah about Israel: “When the people of this temporary country lose their confidence in their legendary army, the end of this entity will begin [emphasis added].” Then compare Nasrallah’s remarks about the U.S: “To President Bush, Prime Minister Olmert and every other tyrannical aggressor. I want to invite you to do what you want, practice your hostilities. By God, you will not succeed in erasing our memory, our presence or eradicating our strong belief. Your masses will soon waste away, and your days are numbered [emphasis added].”


My present analysis shows a better than even probability of Arab civilization disappearing within the next 15 years.

[Matchett-PI]

"This article ought to be required reading for all Democrats. And for the Jews who vote for them." ~ Sam Cree

And if they read it here, below are a few links that they also might want to read:

First a couple of comments from the first link:

"France is already a Muslim country, they just won't admit it yet, because they haven't accepted it themselves. They outlawed topless bathing in Paris just this week." 11 [ Rush mentioned that fact yesterday: http://www.rushlimbaugh.com ]

"Unfortunately, all they need do is look down and identify the hand that grips them. That shouldn't take much figuring out after the street riots there. It is 1939 all over again, just a different bunch of fascists and appeasers." 10

"To enhance their foreign policy in the nineteen seventies the French jettisoned the Maronite Christians -- their patron for centuries -- in favor of Sunni Arabs. Now the French, to curry favor with Iran, will jettison the Sunni Arabs to favor the Shiites and Hizbollah. The French have no shame, and readily admit it." 16


[1] Iran Is Racing To Resupply Hezbollah (... The French want to help..IRAN)
NYSun ^ | August 4, 2006 | ELI LAKE
Posted on 08/04/2006 9:38:46 AM EDT by IrishMike
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1677664/posts

*

[2] From Dearborn, Michigan yesterday (n/k/a "Dearbornistan")

Hezbos in America Who Hate America
http://www.debbieschlussel.com/ ^ | Debbie Schlussel
Posted on 08/04/2006 11:00:49 AM EDT by dcnd9
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1677719/posts

Another Sign That Tells It All

This is a sign from Tuesday's pro-Hezbollah rally in Dearbornistan (they have rallies practically daily, with thousands of Hezbollah terrorism supporters on our soil): [click above link to see the sign]

[snip]

Comments:

"Just wait until Muslims get elected to Michigan government positions and start demanding Muslim Law. It will happen soon and people will be "shocked." "

Nope. It will be embraced as an example of how multicultural, progressive, and diverse we are. The feminization of America is proceeding nicely, (as far as the left is concerned). 10

Check out this interview with 3 former islamic terrorists. One of them was born and raised in Dearborn. It's also where he learned radical islam.
Former terrorists speak 14

FBI monitors Detroit area for activity related to Hezbollah August 3, 2006
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060803/NEWS12/608030447/-1/BUSINESS07 19

[3] "There is an age-old philosophy in warfare and marriage: 'Grab the enemy by the gonads and the heart will soon follow.' Ours is a world governed by the aggressive use of force -- and we're not going to sit here and win wars or win our own peace by getting into little Oprah encounter groups and asking, "What must we do to win their minds and hearts?" The question ought to be asked by them: "What the hell do we do to keep them from coming after us?" They are the ones that keep hitting us: 9/11, first World Trade Center 1993. I want to turn this around. The question ought to be not: "Why do they hate us and what are we doing?" The question ought to be: "What are we going to do about this if it keeps up?" It doesn't matter why they hate us. The fact is they do and it's an intolerable circumstance if they start getting nukes, portable and otherwise. Reality, folks! Reality! It is the only way to solve problems." ~ Rush Limbaugh 8/3/06
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_080306/content/truth_detector.member.html

[absalom01]

The math is depressing, innit?

[woollyone]

The do-rags and the baggie-pants-boxers-hanging-out look comes directly from our prisons and is considered hip in the hip-hop culture. I can easily see the moose hate sweeping the US in the same manner. Except with much violence. It's just a matter of time.

Just this afternoon, grabbing lunch, saw a guy with the do-rag, boxer-hangout-baggies with a t-shirt stating "ISLAM...USA" with an image of some sort that I couldn't quite make out.

Our urban poor will be ther first to blindly follow the cult of hate.

Look around. We've been calling the MSM the 5th column, but they are barking hamsters compared to the real 5th column on the way.

JMO though.

Islam (Arabic)= "personal stuggle" = MEIN KAMPF (German)