Saturday, November 12th, 2011
BK3's essay series on Communism; Part 1.5
Post World War 2 and The "Domino Theory." What Consequences, If Any, Would The United States and The World Have Been Exposed to If Neutrality Dominated Foreign Policy In The Decades Following World War 2?
This Portion Has Been Added and Given Critical Thought to Thanks To BK3 and IC3's Only Documented Follower; Stacy.
Section #1- Motivating a Super Power; The United States Ideology Struggle with Communism and the Reason('s) For Involvement In Such a Non-Threatening and Unstable Country.
1945-1954 The Fight For Vietnamese Independence From French and Japanese Control, The Truman Doctrine and Containment layered with The Soviet Union's rising influence. For this portion, the French presence in Vietnam is most important and from 1880 until 1954, France had been convinced and strongly motivated on controlling the territory we call Vietnam.(The reasons aren't relevant for this point) From 1946 until 1954, The United States funded an attempt by France to re-establish dominance in the country. It was a common strategy used by The U.S. to use money as a way to help other countries fight wars that America found necessary, but did not feel that using American men to fight was justified. It is EXTREMELY important when we're trying to understand U.S. behavior and rationalize strategy during this time period by repeatedly referencing the GOAL of Communism and The U.S. strategy against it beginning in 1947. The ultimate goal of Communism is to overthrow the STATE and create a Global worker's paradise. The United States (traditionally Isolationist) obviously recognized an alarming threat that this posed to the basic reason of existence; The AMERICAN STATE. Everything this Country stood for was being challenged by a new system and the implementation of this system in a Country as large and relevant as the Soviet Union made sense to Policy makers to watch very carefully the behavior of the Soviet Union in the coming days, months, and years. After Independence was won by the Vietnamese from both France and Japan, President Truman made it very clear that alliances with countries rely solely on the controlling/developing Government in that country. Communism was becoming a very appealing and realistic next step for now Independent Vietnam. Not surprisingly; oppressed, suffering, starving and underdeveloped nations that have dealt with a negative experience with Imperialism were the very nations Communism seemed to attract. Just North of Vietnam was Mother Russia and a very popular system of Government that promised success and growth to nations where every citizen was part of the working class in some way.
It isn't very hard to predict the possibilities that seem inevitable for the future of Vietnam. Shortly after Truman denies support to Ho Chi Minh that would eliminate Frances' continued attempts at establishing dominance in the region, The Truman Doctrine is adopted by The United States. Scholars and Historians agree that ignoring cries for help from Minh and further funding French Imperialism, while assuming Vietnam's future as a Communist Country instead of preventing an outright invasion that was clearly poorly justified may have been 1 of few crucial mistakes in Foreign Policy that destroyed support from many nations and helped build tension among Super Powers. The Truman Doctrine stated that Democratic Nations like The U.S. would now stop at NOTHING to contain the spread of this "disease" called Communism by ANY MEANS NECESSARY. *Worth noting is the United States message that spreading Democracy was not the goal. One small, but crucial aspect of the Truman Doctrine must be understood; providing assistance to MINORITY countries was part of containment. However, what is accomplished and what can we derive from the following; If an Independent nation has been ignored and humiliated after attempts to become an ally with the U.S. are completely disregarded, what gives The United States the right to forcefully become a presence in the region with interests not intended to help the MINORITY country and its' people, (like the Truman Doctrine states)but with behavior that replicates the very nation and system of Government that it is trying to prevent in the first place?
Section #2- Remaining Neutral. Would the years from 1961-175 that saw 58,000 American soldiers dead, millions of Vietnamese wiped out, and a world that saw The United States completely contradict itself been averted had President Truman relied on morals and judgment that favored Humanity over ideology that assumed evil intentions and world domination misinterpreted as "Hitler" mentality? Ho Chi Minh may have explained it best; "It was Patriotism, not Communism that inspires me." As Scholars try to expose the hypocrisy of American actions overseas, the words of the Vietnamese leader must be taken seriously and met with if nothing else, skepticism. To explore the very different world this would be if America had responded to Ho Chi Minh's letter for support against Imperialist France by convincing France that by using Diplomacy and showing the advantages of Democracy to build a strong relationship with the new Country, the strategy might have been even more effective for containing the spread of Communism than history shows. Neutrality has been the popular strategy in American history when it comes to being met with entering into both WW1 and WW2. It was not until a direct attack on The U.S. was carried out or the grim reality that diplomacy was failing to prove effective in preventing American involvement in conflicts that we've seen our Military used to such a degree seen in Vietnam. To this student of History, the option of neutrality should have been given an extensive amount of thought or at least far more than it was. If involvement in affairs with Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam was absolutely crucial for protecting Democracy abroad, Harry Truman and his large group of diplomats and fellow leaders of The United States of America should have displayed a level of logical and intelligent behavior that eliminates selfish interests and protects the defenseless,(Truman Doctrine/HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY) but extremely patriotic nation of Vietnam from ANY nation trying to exploit resources, people, land, or weakness. It seems as if the term "DUH" is relevant when choosing to aid a MINORITY country that would instantly become allies with America after negotiations end in success(eliminating ALL worries and scenarios that suggest Vietnam falling to Communism!) or allowing both FEAR, paranoia, and eventual unforgivable actions that show the true interests of the U.S. which clearly don't include the protection and support of nations who would embrace American help with immense gratitude.
Good points are brought to attention in this section, but there is definite possibility that important things worth mentioning may have been left out. What happens if neutrality becomes the strategy and Communism spreads like wild fire? I personally don't believe Communism would have survived long if its' policies that saw famine, death, and crimes against humanity were kept in tact during each of it's moments of growth around the globe. Like all governments that begin with very optimistic and attractive promises, there is one common theme. The weak, vulnerable and lost countries that it swallows have no real option and while it may only be short term "protection" or growth, the people soon realize the injustices and crimes against itself and R3volution finds itself lingering in the future waiting for Independence and the leadership of a truly great and just Country to help the people develop their own growing and successful nation. If anything should be deemed as a success during this sad time in American History, Communism was eventually overcome and contained to only those nations that somehow allow it to remain the governing system.
Part 2 topics include modern warfare, and possibly a look back in time to WW2.
-BK3-
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Communism; To Fear? or Not To Fear? Do you really know it's past?
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
BK3's essay series on Communism; Part 1
Post World War 2 and United States Foreign Policy: Stopping Communism "By Any Means Necessary" and "The Ends Justify The Means" Mentality
Immediately following the end of World War 2, The United States returned to the "Normalcy" policy that Warren G. Harding called life before 1918 and WW1. I would like to visit three specific points in History where the Government's actions towards stopping the spread of Communism are very questionable. As examples; intervention in Vietnam throughout the 1960's into the early 1970's, along with events in Iran, Guatemala, and Chile in the late 1940's and early 1950's may help shed some insight on not only the very unfortunate implementation of Democratic foreign policy demonstrated by our great nation during this time period, but also a new understanding and sympathy for these so called "Communist" countries people. Hopefully, exposing the real interests that led to these Imperialistic and profit minded invasions around the world will not only give you a reason to learn a little bit more about Communism on your own, but also help eliminate what I like to call; "The Ignorant American Arrogance" about notions that our Country's History and actions have ALWAYS been executed with the interests of both its' citizens and global citizens in mind.
Incidents in Iran, Guatemala, and Vietnam are not only important for understanding the present, but provide information that can help decrease the widely held view that Communism was and still remains the #1 evil in the minds of Americans. If the ultimate goal of R3volution and success after this R3volution is both possible and achieved, this information MUST NOT be taken lightly. The FEAR of Communism has been drilled into the minds of United States citizens since the first decade of the 20th century and the Government has used this FEAR to gain support for its greedy interests and Imperialistic invasions on foreign soil while manipulating every aspect of media and information that the public was exposed to in order to keep Us in the dark, overwhelmed with FEAR. Not until just recently has the threat of Communism drastically reduced in the hearts and minds of American citizens and while remaining confident that we know what Communism is and was, we expose ourselves to turning into mindless robots living in a world of ignorance and total confidence that we "know" our past. My hope is to increase knowledge and curiosity so that you can find out for yourself even ore about United States History that is accepted, but false.
Possibly the most confusing and misunderstood War that The United States has ever been apart of takes place from the years of 1961-1974 (Actual length varies among Historians) and may be the longest War this nation has ever been apart of. Questions regarding the reasons for intervention are now clear and you as a citizen have the right to know.
Communism and its' goals are appealing to those people that are or have been oppressed, suffering, or starving in underdeveloped nations that have had a negative experience with Imperialism. The country of Vietnam has been a victim of all of this since the 1880's when it was under French rule. This happens in 1941 as well when Japan adds it to its empire, and in 1945 it gains Independence during The August Revolution. However once again the people are attacked by the French and once again trying to be colonized. It is an underestimated Vietnamese nation that embarrasses an over confident and arrogant French army in 1954 when the brutal effects of underestimating an opponents ability to defend their HOMELAND (see Revolutionary War) after a French attack on the city of Dien Bien Phu which left the French completely exposed at the bottom of an area of land surrounded by high rising hill/mountains. (see George Washington) As a leader of a now Independent nation, Ho Chi Minh sought out the help of the American Government in a letter to President Truman.
Unfortunately, the President was more afraid of supporting a Nationalist, non-materialistic, agricultural society because of how similar it seemed to a Communist society.
1. What threat to America is a nation with a history and recent past EXACTLY like the colonists who became Independent in 1776, especially since it was obviously not powerful, nor historically insubordinate? THE OUTRAGEOUS FEAR THAT OVERWHELMED AMERICA ABOUT COMMUNISM WAS THE ONLY REASON NEEDED FOR INTERVENTION. Ultimately the French, although pain-stakingly aggressive and inhumane were backed by Truman with a very short reason; COMMUNISM WAS EVIL.
I hope this War is already questioned by you, the reader and if you're not convinced yet, I'd like to suggest to you that the United States followed these actions (funding French invasion and later defeat in Vietnam) by creating a country out of thin air, forcing elections to later re-unite 2 country's (1 invented) by pushing a new leader onto the people of South Vietnam with Billions of dollars in funding, and eventually found it necessary to use Military Force to try and rid this nation of a system of Government that is both not in place, assumed by America, and invented by United States propaganda directors with public support in mind.
The Geneva Accords of 1954 help define the first American implementation of anti-Communism efforts in Vietnam. In 1956, the United States planned on having elections in South Vietnam(created by America)that would have their new puppet for Democracy win and lead the nation, eliminating the threat of Communism. The anti-Communist leader known as Ngo Dinh Diem(spelling?) that America forced on the people did NOT work out and worsened the hopes for stopping Communism in Vietnam. The Billions of dollars in funding was selfishly spent on the "leaders" rich lifestyle and proved ineffective for industry making because 90% of Vietnam was rural or agriculturally dependent and was not going to change. After polls suggest 80% of the vote would go in favor of this "Communism" Lyndon Johnson increased funding for Democracy in the nation and the Catholic puppet Diem (Vietnam was Buddhist and he tried abolishing the practice which failed) was assassinated in a covert mission by the United States Government themselves!!! After trying to indirectly support Democracy and eliminate Communist sentiment, the United States saw Military action as the only option and in 1961, committed 2,000 troops that eventually climbed to over 500,000 in Vietnam. Agent Orange, a chemical sprayed on the foliage to expose enemies was used until 1971 when its effects turned on soldiers surrounded by devastated areas of forest. Soon bombing became the solution and with Operation Rolling Thunder in 1965, more bombs were dropped over the open fields of Vietnam than were used in ALL of WW2 combined. This tactic surprisingly had little effect due to a complex underground system and hidden enemy.
It was not until 7 grueling years had passed that American public support had dwindled to none. Only 3 years prior to 1968, over 70% of Americans supported this War because of their incredibly over exaggerated FEAR drilled into their minds by the Government. It was not until 1974-75 that American troops and foreign policy had been taken out of Vietnam and the War in Vietnam for the United States, after some 14 years, was over. No other War in American History has been more widely misunderstood and met with such confusion. All this Historian wants to state as an opinion is; AMERICAN BUSINESS SUCCESS, ITS PROFIT, AND ITS DOMINATION IN THE MARKET, IF CHALLENGED BY A FOREIGN LEADER WILL RESULT IN A MESSY AND COMPLETELY MADE UP SYSTEM OF SEEING THAT THEIR MONEY IS NOT THREATENED. COMMUNISM? WHAT SAY YOU ABOUT TERRORISM?
IS IT TREASON TO SUGGEST THAT IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN AND THE WAR ON TERROR IS THE 21ST CENTURY VERSION OF VIETNAM? LOOK IT UP!
-BK3-
BK3's essay series on Communism; Part 1
Post World War 2 and United States Foreign Policy: Stopping Communism "By Any Means Necessary" and "The Ends Justify The Means" Mentality
Immediately following the end of World War 2, The United States returned to the "Normalcy" policy that Warren G. Harding called life before 1918 and WW1. I would like to visit three specific points in History where the Government's actions towards stopping the spread of Communism are very questionable. As examples; intervention in Vietnam throughout the 1960's into the early 1970's, along with events in Iran, Guatemala, and Chile in the late 1940's and early 1950's may help shed some insight on not only the very unfortunate implementation of Democratic foreign policy demonstrated by our great nation during this time period, but also a new understanding and sympathy for these so called "Communist" countries people. Hopefully, exposing the real interests that led to these Imperialistic and profit minded invasions around the world will not only give you a reason to learn a little bit more about Communism on your own, but also help eliminate what I like to call; "The Ignorant American Arrogance" about notions that our Country's History and actions have ALWAYS been executed with the interests of both its' citizens and global citizens in mind.
Incidents in Iran, Guatemala, and Vietnam are not only important for understanding the present, but provide information that can help decrease the widely held view that Communism was and still remains the #1 evil in the minds of Americans. If the ultimate goal of R3volution and success after this R3volution is both possible and achieved, this information MUST NOT be taken lightly. The FEAR of Communism has been drilled into the minds of United States citizens since the first decade of the 20th century and the Government has used this FEAR to gain support for its greedy interests and Imperialistic invasions on foreign soil while manipulating every aspect of media and information that the public was exposed to in order to keep Us in the dark, overwhelmed with FEAR. Not until just recently has the threat of Communism drastically reduced in the hearts and minds of American citizens and while remaining confident that we know what Communism is and was, we expose ourselves to turning into mindless robots living in a world of ignorance and total confidence that we "know" our past. My hope is to increase knowledge and curiosity so that you can find out for yourself even ore about United States History that is accepted, but false.
Possibly the most confusing and misunderstood War that The United States has ever been apart of takes place from the years of 1961-1974 (Actual length varies among Historians) and may be the longest War this nation has ever been apart of. Questions regarding the reasons for intervention are now clear and you as a citizen have the right to know.
Communism and its' goals are appealing to those people that are or have been oppressed, suffering, or starving in underdeveloped nations that have had a negative experience with Imperialism. The country of Vietnam has been a victim of all of this since the 1880's when it was under French rule. This happens in 1941 as well when Japan adds it to its empire, and in 1945 it gains Independence during The August Revolution. However once again the people are attacked by the French and once again trying to be colonized. It is an underestimated Vietnamese nation that embarrasses an over confident and arrogant French army in 1954 when the brutal effects of underestimating an opponents ability to defend their HOMELAND (see Revolutionary War) after a French attack on the city of Dien Bien Phu which left the French completely exposed at the bottom of an area of land surrounded by high rising hill/mountains. (see George Washington) As a leader of a now Independent nation, Ho Chi Minh sought out the help of the American Government in a letter to President Truman.
Unfortunately, the President was more afraid of supporting a Nationalist, non-materialistic, agricultural society because of how similar it seemed to a Communist society.
1. What threat to America is a nation with a history and recent past EXACTLY like the colonists who became Independent in 1776, especially since it was obviously not powerful, nor historically insubordinate? THE OUTRAGEOUS FEAR THAT OVERWHELMED AMERICA ABOUT COMMUNISM WAS THE ONLY REASON NEEDED FOR INTERVENTION. Ultimately the French, although pain-stakingly aggressive and inhumane were backed by Truman with a very short reason; COMMUNISM WAS EVIL.
I hope this War is already questioned by you, the reader and if you're not convinced yet, I'd like to suggest to you that the United States followed these actions (funding French invasion and later defeat in Vietnam) by creating a country out of thin air, forcing elections to later re-unite 2 country's (1 invented) by pushing a new leader onto the people of South Vietnam with Billions of dollars in funding, and eventually found it necessary to use Military Force to try and rid this nation of a system of Government that is both not in place, assumed by America, and invented by United States propaganda directors with public support in mind.
The Geneva Accords of 1954 help define the first American implementation of anti-Communism efforts in Vietnam. In 1956, the United States planned on having elections in South Vietnam(created by America)that would have their new puppet for Democracy win and lead the nation, eliminating the threat of Communism. The anti-Communist leader known as Ngo Dinh Diem(spelling?) that America forced on the people did NOT work out and worsened the hopes for stopping Communism in Vietnam. The Billions of dollars in funding was selfishly spent on the "leaders" rich lifestyle and proved ineffective for industry making because 90% of Vietnam was rural or agriculturally dependent and was not going to change. After polls suggest 80% of the vote would go in favor of this "Communism" Lyndon Johnson increased funding for Democracy in the nation and the Catholic puppet Diem (Vietnam was Buddhist and he tried abolishing the practice which failed) was assassinated in a covert mission by the United States Government themselves!!! After trying to indirectly support Democracy and eliminate Communist sentiment, the United States saw Military action as the only option and in 1961, committed 2,000 troops that eventually climbed to over 500,000 in Vietnam. Agent Orange, a chemical sprayed on the foliage to expose enemies was used until 1971 when its effects turned on soldiers surrounded by devastated areas of forest. Soon bombing became the solution and with Operation Rolling Thunder in 1965, more bombs were dropped over the open fields of Vietnam than were used in ALL of WW2 combined. This tactic surprisingly had little effect due to a complex underground system and hidden enemy.
It was not until 7 grueling years had passed that American public support had dwindled to none. Only 3 years prior to 1968, over 70% of Americans supported this War because of their incredibly over exaggerated FEAR drilled into their minds by the Government. It was not until 1974-75 that American troops and foreign policy had been taken out of Vietnam and the War in Vietnam for the United States, after some 14 years, was over. No other War in American History has been more widely misunderstood and met with such confusion. All this Historian wants to state as an opinion is; AMERICAN BUSINESS SUCCESS, ITS PROFIT, AND ITS DOMINATION IN THE MARKET, IF CHALLENGED BY A FOREIGN LEADER WILL RESULT IN A MESSY AND COMPLETELY MADE UP SYSTEM OF SEEING THAT THEIR MONEY IS NOT THREATENED. COMMUNISM? WHAT SAY YOU ABOUT TERRORISM?
IS IT TREASON TO SUGGEST THAT IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN AND THE WAR ON TERROR IS THE 21ST CENTURY VERSION OF VIETNAM? LOOK IT UP!
-BK3-
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Fingalightas in the Sky (NLCS Game 6)
As you no doubt have figured out by reading this blog, BK3 and IC3 are accomplished writers who are very passionate about sports. But did you also know that we are musicians as well? At Afterglow we came up with a song called "Fingalightas in the Sky" that proved to be a rousing success. My sister Jenny provided us all with small lights that you wear on your fingers and when you wave your hands around in the dark it's a pretty trippy experience. If they were to be in the sky then it would probably just blow our minds. That's a different topic for a different day. On October 15 (the night before the NLCS Game 6 of the Milwaukee Brewers vs the St. Louis Cardinals) Brian and I got together to drink, rant and ultimately record this song.
I'm sorry for the delay on getting it out to you for now the NLCS is no longer topical because the Brewers lost and their season is over. But that is also the reason for the delay because I've been in a little funk since the end of the season. It always hits me pretty hard when it's over because every year I go all in and live and die with every game. It's an emotional up and down rollercoaster and every year the Brewers break my heart. By I will gladly submit myself for all the pain and suffering if that also includes all the joy and excitement that I experienced in 2011. But I've already gone on too long about things that don't pertain to this video, which acts as kind of a precursor to the NLCS Game 6 where Shaun Marcum was asked to be the savoir to prevent the Brewers from elimination. Of course now you know the outcome, but at the time we were full of optimism and song.
Brian was on a roll once again and our story had passed the 10 minute mark when my roommate came outside and told us to shut up. Normally I would tell my roommate to go to hell but my current roommate is my Mother and that just wouldn't be right. Besides, she did have a valid reason - it was after midnight and everyone in the neighborhood was probably sleeping. Not the best time to rock out and be too loud. So we wrapped it up and the next day we watched our Brewers lose in embarrassing fashion to the Cardinals by a score of 12-6. And Shaun Marcum was terrible, giving up 4 runs in the 1st inning and hitting the showers after that. The Brewers never recovered from a early 4 run deficit and the rest is history. But the night before we had liquid courage within us and we had all the confidence in the world. I wish I could always feel like that but what goes up must come down. I just never expected it to come crashing down so hard.
- IC3 -
www.pookon.com
pookondotcom@gmail.com
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