America as Sparta [Barf alert]

The Boston Globe ^ | March 12, 2002 | James Carroll

[xsysmgr]

WHEN DID ATHENS become Sparta? When did America redefine itself so profoundly around war?

How did this happen? In half a year we have reinvented ourselves as the most belligerent people on Earth. Why?

The conventional answers are that the terror assaults of September required this response and that an evil axis poses a deadly threat. But a deeper answer, perhaps, is that the September blow to the American psyche set in motion a reaction of grief, anger, and fear [1] never before felt so powerfully. The ''war on terrorism'' can seem to purge such emotions. The savage face embodied in the new nuclear posture can seem a perfect expression of the wound we suffered, whether it makes future suffering less likely or more.

[xsysmgr]

Boy, this Nuclear Posture Review really got the folks at the Boston Globe's panties in a wad! [See also, A twisted posture] Maybe it is because of all the "grief, anger, and fear" they feel.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

The liberals are scared of a strong stance by the people. They love to talk about how we are all depressed and devastated by Sept. 11th. But when they see Americans taking a posture of strength, they get very scared. They are watching the pillars of liberalism crumble and they are scared to death of the ramifications.

[Jonathon Spectre]

I would respond except that I'm so aggrieved, angry, and afraid.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

Boy, this Nuclear Posture Review really got the folks at the Boston Globe's panties in a wad

what do you expect it is the boston globe. the funny thing is that I have not seen in any of the left wing rags the fact that THE NUCLEAR POSTURE REVIEW IS REQUIRED BY F@#@#NG LAW

[gov_bean_ counter]

When did America redefine itself so profoundly around war?

Sometime around 1776.

[M. T. Cicero II]

It's too bad that we can't separate into 2 countries: Left and Right. We would be rid of these liberal idiots very soon! (Not soon enuf for me!)

[Tacis]

These commie, pinko America-haters simply don't see what is front of them; WE HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE!!! There is nothing else we could have done after the New York Holocaust that would guarantee that we wouldn't have been hit again. If we had pulled our support from Israel, withdrawn or troops from Saudi, released the blind pig from prison, the bad guys would have found another list of items, and so on. There was/is no alternative. Willie would facilitated with them, bribed them (and taken a cut) but he couldn't have ended it. A strong response surprised them but it was the only thing that would have worked. They got our attention just as the Japs did at Pearl, now the should be prepared for our response, now and in the future.

[Hugin]

If Mr. Carroll can stop his trembling long enough he might reveiw the history of ancient Greece, where a few hundred Spartans once saved western civilization from the Persian hoardes. Fortunately they were not afraid to act UNILATERALY, otherwise Western Civilization would have died in the cradle.

[TexanToTheCore]

Grief, anger and fear? No.
An iron will to see that justice is done and the future made safe for our children? Yes.