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To: Lazamataz

Interesting article. Unlikely, however, in my opinion to be prophetic in re the USA.

(Relatively) free democratic societies are strange, in many ways the exact inverse of totalitarian societies. Totalitarian societies are on the surface very efficient and organized, all elements working towards a common goal. Below the surface, however, they are fragmented and self-destructive.

I think free societies are much the reverse. The conflicts and problems are on the surface and therefore easy to see. The strengths are below the surface and easy to miss.

Or perhaps I’m overly sanguine.


51 posted on 05/16/2009 6:48:01 PM PDT by Sherman Logan (Everyone has a right to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.)
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To: Sherman Logan
I think free societies are much the reverse. The conflicts and problems are on the surface and therefore easy to see. The strengths are below the surface and easy to miss.

My high-school German teacher was former Luftwaffe aircrew whose Heinkel bomber was shot down during the Battle of Britain (he was a top gunner and lost part of a hand to the Spitfire that claimed his bomber). He was grateful to be alive, and living in the States moreover, and the thing about American life he commented on as having always amazed him was the spontaneity and thoroughness with which Americans organize themselves for a desired activity -- as exemplified by high-school bands. He told us our 80- or 90-musician band, and all the high-school marching bands he'd seen in Louisiana, were far better than even traditional European bands, and were in fact objectively ratable as crack outfits thanks to their gung-ho attitude and frequent practices. He said he saw the same thing over and over in social groups formed for all purposes -- Hi-Y and 4-H, FFA, the Chamber and Jaycees, Key Clubs and Rotarians, you name it.

The German guy got it. The Russian one, doesn't yet. But that's okay.

69 posted on 05/16/2009 7:46:25 PM PDT by lentulusgracchus
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