[Grovenet] Avoiding WAR (WAS: draft vs. volunteer)

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Steven wrote:


Al wasn't much different than Genghis. Gained empire by war. Spent most 
of his time doing battle. Maybe that is the answer. Keep those who wish 
to 'do government' busy while the rest of us enjoy life.
How about religion? The pope is kind of a world leader. Is there much 
difference between religion and politics? Kings were chosen by God 
through the pope for many centuries. In essence a world governmental 
organization.
Now if the world gov were democratic, the Chinese would get all the 
seats. Maybe it'd be the Muslims. We'd circle back to a religion based 
government.

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Were you asleep in History class Steven <G>??

Alexander was responsible for giving women a place in government and
protecting their rights as humans. They even had the "vote" where democratic
processes were in place. Those were ideas almost "beyond radical" in the
period when most cultures considered females mere chattel. 

He did such a great job reforming Egypt the leading citizens and priests
made him Pharaoh and declared he was a God. 

He built Alexandria along with the world's greatest library and center of
learning and endowed thousands of people to spend their lives in the pursuit
of knowledge.

He was the first "conqueror" who believed in the idea of assimilation and
education. He liked to leave key commanders behind in each country to manage
affairs, marry locals and learn local culture. His policy was to embrace
each culture and its customs, not replace them with his own.

He is the creator of what Historians call the "Hellenistic" period; one of
the most productive periods in terms of human relations and learning in
Human history.

One would think his empire would last indefinitely based on what he
accomplished, but it had a flaw. It was built on armed conquest and, in
time, someone else decided they could build a bigger army. Those were the
Romans. 

That's why I don't support empire by armed conquest today.  

Ron D'Eau Claire