I didn't realize the direct losses were that small. My hat is off to them. I am awed and indebted to them. They crafted a radical form of government, self government. It was good while it lasted, and I feel very fortunate to have been born at a time and in place where I could learn about this recent history.
Our politicians and our body politic have thrown it away. All that's left is lip service and illusion.
6,824 killed in battle equates to 987,000 today in our population of 320 million. We lost half of that in WWII.
It was good while it lasted, and I feel very fortunate to have been born at a time and in place where I could learn about this recent history.
Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? Your songs? Your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar? (Hamlet, V.i)
Our politicians and our body politic have thrown it away. All that's left is lip service and illusion.
Is that the way we accept tyranny and despotism now? No resistance, just resignation? Patriotism is indeed dead. You get the government you deserve.