The Third Empire

There have been only three major empires to dominate the world. Yes, there have been many more than three empires, and this is not to belittle them in any way. But only three have left their indelible mark on the society of today.

The first empire is really a combination of two, the Greco-roman. They ruled the known world with a stern hand for thousands of years. They conquered opposing armies with effective weapons and battle tactics. They raised the level of organization armies needed with effective logistics and the standardization of supplies. They invoked a benchmark for military and civilian life alike. Even with the harsh treatment, it gave us a baseline of laws, organized sporting events and the foundation for many of today’s languages. It’s hard to look at almost anything in today’s society without seeing the remains of their influence. All conquered lands were part of a whole, even though all but the Romans were second class citizens. To be called a “Citizen of Rome” was an honor most never saw. Even if they, themselves didn’t have a better life at the time, they could see the splendor of a higher standard of living. This helped to inspire many to better themselves, and in the end, Rome’s downfall.

The second empire was that of the British. They too won their empire through conflict and conquest. Even though they were more reasonable in their general treatment of the conquered lands and people, just as with the Romans, only the British were considered first class citizens. The British, like the Romans, set standards of law and language. In fact, for the majority of the world, the British standard of education is the format used. One thing which has outlasted the British Empire that didn’t with the Romans is language. The English language is a living, ever-changing standard of international speech. Latin, though a basis for most western languages, is dead. At one time, it was said “The sun never set on the British Empire.” This was true as they held a large portion of the known world. More lands than Rome, but not so if you look at the known world of both times. Granted, England had to combat other nations with military power close to their own. Rome conquered any and all who showed signs of the ability to thwart its desires. England made treatises. That is progress for you.

The last empire is the United States. Yes, the United States is an empire, by definition of the word itself. Webster’s defines empire as: a (1): a major political unit having a territory of great extent or a number of territories or peoples under a single sovereign authority; (2): the territory of such a political unit b: something resembling a political empire; especially: an extensive territory or enterprise under single domination or control. In fact, the United States may be the largest and greatest empire this world has ever seen. We are not an empire sovereign over many territories or nations, but one of political, cultural and economical. Yes, we had our hand in war, some for conquest, but most were allied with others for freedom. The policies this nation garners as dear; are the ones most people want and strive to achieve. Even though we are the most powerful nation on earth, our military might is second to its culture. The world, as a whole, tries to emulate the United States in its freedoms, music and standard of living. If this is not the case, why is it you can hear rap, jazz, or almost any other music we are known for, throughout the world. The English language of America, with its slang, is more widely used than the Queen’s English. The trials and scandals of this nation are aired for the entire world to see. They may laugh or scoff, but hidden deep is their desire to have that kind of freedom from the start.

One of the main problems with empires is losing touch with the people under its control. The Romans saw they were losing control and tightened an iron fist around the empire, losing even more than they kept, in the end, even losing itself. England also lost theirs by not maintaining a good relationship with the people. One by one, they simply left. We, the United States have not yet reached our zenith. Will we lose touch and fall by the wayside? Yes, if we do not heed the lessons of the past. If something others desire is held just out of reach, they will, in time, attack and take it. This is something we, as a nation can not afford. Because of our place in world society, we must not only be the beacon but the helping hand. We must show the way and give aid when and where it is needed. In most cases, help is asked for, but not always. Therein lays the rub, knowing when help is needed but not asked for, yet welcomed. Current events have shown we are ready and able to follow through with a helping hand when not asked for. In fact, the helping hand has been slapped away. Granted, in the Middle East, the helping hand was not just to aid them, but us as well. We help them by trying to protect ourselves. Some thought we were forcing our will on others just because we could, now the truth will be seen. They still have a choice of their own to make.

Taking actions and making policies can be a daunting task. This must be done with extreme care and forethought. If one goes too far, all can be lost. If one does not go far enough, then it was just a waste of time and effort. Finding the proper middle takes wisdom. In the past, wisdom has been in short supply, as history has shown. Aid does not have to be financial, but can be nothing more than moral support. It is impossible for one nation, no matter how great, to pour money into every needy or wanting country. Any parent knows this, why can’t the government see it? There comes a time when the money must stop and the recipients told to stand on their own financial feet. Money doesn’t make true friends for any country, only temporary allies. Only after a fledgling country is on its own, can they become a productive member of the world society.

Three world empires have accomplished great and terrible things. Have we, as a people of the earth, learned the lessons of the past? We can only hope, wait and see. The only way to ensure the future is by wisdom, both in our daily lives and in the selection of our leaders. Listen to all sides and glean the truth. A closed mind has nothing to learn, but also, nothing to teach.

There is a fourth empire, and it is you. Do not fail us or all is lost.



Ed Williams

Comments are welcome at,
Edcat01@tds.net

©

Thoughts of an American

We, Americans, are an erratic people. If you look at our history, we have been in one war or another for over a third of the time we have been a nation. If you ask most Americans, they will tell you that in the last fifty years or so, all the wars we have been in, were by choice. Before that, we had always been forced into war. They are right and wrong at the same time.

Let me explain the last statement by using a few examples. Our country was founded by war, a war of choice. We chose to be free from the tyrannical and oppressive rule of England. We fought for our freedom. The War of 1812 was, again by choice. We could have let British warships stop and board our ships, take the crews sailing them, or fight for our rights to world commerce and the security of our citizens. As you know, we decided to fight. The Civil War was a choice of dividing our nation into two countries or keeping one nation; we fought to keep it whole. The Spanish-American war was also a choice. We chose to liberate the people of Cuba from the oppressive rule of Spain and the enlargement of territory we controlled was an added bonus. That was known as imperialism, all the greater nations were doing it, such as England, France, Germany and Spain. We could have stood by and let the Spanish have their way with that small country just fifty miles from our shores, but as Americans, we felt everyone has the right to have free rule over their own government. So, did we have a choice? Yes, and I think we chose correctly. By the way, we gave almost every territory we gained from Spain their freedom. That is more than I can say for the other countries. Now, on to the larger wars; In World War I, we were pushed, in a way. But we had the choice to stand by and let our allies fall at the hands of our enemies. We wouldn’t have been a good ally in that case, now would we? In World War II, the Japanese pushed us, yes, but if they hadn’t, we still would have chosen to enter the war. Europe had fallen and England would have fallen soon had we not. Even before we officially entered the war, we were the suppliers of the material England needed to remain free and fight. We chose to help and stop the oppression. We assisted the world to see freedom, not oppression as a conscious choice.

That takes us the wars of the last half century. Why were we in Korea and Vietnam? That is an easier question to answer than you might think. We chose to help those countries remain free from the yoke of Communism. You see, by the mere definition of American people and our constitution, everyone has the right to be free. Was our involvement a choice or a mandate of American culture? Now for our last wars, in the Middle East, that requires a twofold answer. We are there to help free an oppressed and subjugated people, but also to stop any future terrorist attacks on our soil and to our citizens. Our soil is not only these United States, but also every embassy and military base we have throughout the world. There are American citizens everywhere and their safety is paramount. Some say this war is all about oil, I say not really. If there were no more oil tomorrow, the United States could and would survive. We have other resources that can be used. We really do not need the foreign oil in the long run of things and might be better off without it.

Looking back on all the wars in which we have taken part, you can get an idea of the way people felt about them by the music. In the earlier years, they were supportive of our country being right. Yankee Doodle Dandy was a way to thumb our noses at British rule. Our National Anthem came from the War of 1812, written by a prisoner of war, held on a ship controlled by the British, no less. The Battle Hymn of the Republic came from the Civil War. In the World Wars, the songs were more on the lines of the coming peace and everyone coming home such as the songs, ‘Over There’ or ‘I’ll be seeing you’. The Korean War was mostly forgotten in music. America was in an age of prosperity. During Vietnam things changed, the songs were of protest. Now, we are back to the patriotic songs of our early years as a new country, but added is our right in what is needed and the distain for those against us. History repeats itself. We are telling the world to stop messing with us and just have peace, or we WILL step in and solve the problem.

Looking back on our history, the only wars we did NOT win, were the ones we did NOT finish. Korea was not finished, only a temporary cease fire, not a peace. We still have problems there and maintain a fighting force of American men and women. Look at the news; we will more than likely have to finish it sometime. In Vietnam, we didn’t fight an all out war there either. Politics got in the way and the country fell. Will we have to go back? The Middle East, we didn’t finish it the first time around and look where we are today.

Many people ask the question, ‘Why us, why always us?’ The answer to that question is: we are the most powerful nation on earth at this time in history. Almost every nation in the world looks to us for leadership and money. They try to emulate a lifestyle similar to ours. If we isolate ourselves and say ‘it’s not our job’, or ‘it’s not our right to interfere’ then we really will have a problem. Any two bit thug can start something and get followers to join him… That’s what happened just before World War II. If we don’t stand up for what this nation is based upon, no one will. Yes, it costs American lives, but the cost is small compared to what it could, and will cost if we stop now. Half hearted measures don’t help; they only create more problems later.

It’s sad to say, but too often, the only road to peace is the road of war. It’s a toll road and the price is human lives. Peace and freedom are not things given, but fought for and won. It is only by our freedoms that the Anti-War groups have the right to say what they do. I don’t like what they say, but I applaud their rights to say them. They too should applaud our country plus the men and women of the military for those same rights, as they pay the price of that freedom every day. The United States of America is the standard bearer of freedom. If there are any here that don’t like this standard, let them go someplace where there are no freedoms. I bet they would soon be crying and screaming bloody murder for our help.

Remember, there are wanna-be despots just waiting for us to stop helping so they can crawl out into the light, like roaches, to take our freedoms away. Do we have a choice?

These are just the thoughts of a proud American.

Ed Williams
Edcat01@tds.net
©

American symbols

Have you ever wondered why the traits of people are often equated with those of animals?

The hawk and dove are symbols of war and peace. Why? If you look at the traits of the two birds, it will answer the question, but it raises even more questions than are answered.

The dove, a symbol of peace, is a bird which has no one territory. Nests where if can and is a fairly good parent to its young. If danger arrives in its area, more times than not, the birds fly away and hide. This is even true if its young are also in that same danger. The dove’s instinct of survival lies in it living. Loss of its young is not that important, as it can always have more.

The hawk, a symbol of war, is a bird which claims and guards its territory. If an invader enters that area to hunt or presents a danger to them or their young, they attack. The hawk’s instinct of self preservation is tempered by its need to protect their young. The only time they go looking for a fight is when they have lost their territory to another, and need to find another area to claim as home.

It seems to me the dove is a coward and should not, I repeat, NOT be given the high position it has. The hawk is not the warmonger it is made out to be. The views held of both birds need to be modified to show their true nature.

The American Bald Eagle is a symbol of the United States. A proud bird which tends to it’s young with great care and is even gentle to them. Enter into the area an eagle has claimed its home and you will see an attack to repel the invasion. The eagle neither seeks confrontation nor will it flee, but will defend, even unto death. The eagle will do what is needed, then move on to other activities necessary to bettering its life.

It is easy to see a correlation between the hawk and the eagle, not the eagle and the dove. A closer correlation to the dove might be that of the ostrich. Though it has the means to protect itself with powerful legs, it uses them to flee, not to defend, unless cornered. It is not true the ostrich puts its head in the sand to hide from danger, but it is a good analogy.

If you were to choose a bird as a symbol to represent the nature of your country, which would it be, the hawk, dove, ostrich or the eagle. Our forefathers made the choice for you, they chose the eagle. This country is touted as being the home of the proud and the brave, not of the coward and self centered. The American people are so proud of what we have, that it has become part of the American way to help others achieve the same dream.

The United States has always made its best effort to avoid a fight, but has never run from one. The eagle seems the proper symbol for this nation, but not all its people. Even after an attack on our land, there are still individuals who feel fighting for what is ours, is wrong. That is the coward’s way, to protest against something when you are safe, while others stand in harms way to protect your right to protest. I must say, these are the true doves of the world, to run and hide from danger. If all people were true doves, there would be no danger to flee. Until that time, the eagle must soar and protect. On the other hand, I may be wrong about the protesters, and they are ostriches, only willing to fight for themselves until the danger has passed, not caring who else dies. That is not the way to insure human rights for all.

This nation and its people as a whole are the American Eagle. We must continue to soar high. The different peoples of this earth depend on and look up to us to see what they; themselves can do if they have the will to try.

Granted, the eagle is a symbol of America, but all know us by the flag, the bold colors, red, white and blue, with the stars and stripes. I could go on about the flag, but this proud symbol of freedom deserves an essay all to itself.

Soar high, the world is watching.



Ed Williams
Edcat01@tds.net

Look at the numbers

This is for all of you with kids. I know at times it seems kids make you age faster than you normally would. Using mathematics, I can show you your kids are in fact aging faster than you are. Take a look and see what you think.

Say you are 20 years old when your child is born (this makes the math easier to work with but it works with other numbers).

Childs’ age - Parents’ age - Percentage
0 ..............................20................
10 .............................30................ 1/3 (.333)
20 ............................ 40................ ½ (.50)
30 ............................ 50................ 2/3 (.666)
40 ............................ 60................ 2/3 (.666)
50 ............................ 70................ 5/7 (.714)
60 ............................ 80................ ¾ (.75)
70 ............................ 90................ 7/9 (.777)

As you can see, the percentage of the child’s age to the parent’s goes up with age.


This is just another strange thought from the mind of Ed Williams.