By Roger O'Daniel
Picture in your mind two people tossing identical coins. One side reads "War"; the other side reads "Peace." What are the odds that both coins will read "Peace" when they reach the floor? The answer is one chance in four. Add a third coin tosser. Now what are the odds that all three coins will read "Peace" when they come to rest? The answer is one in nine eight. Add more combatants and the odds for peace become geometrically worse.
In ancient history, warfare was a one-on-one situation because the weapons, while lethal, were not massively lethal. Today, a warrior can push a button, wipe out millions of people and poison the land to kill many more. An insane person could destroy the livability of our planet with today's weaponry.
How do we contain the urges of a powerful group of people to restrain them? If the urge for self-preservation trumps their hatred or lust, deterrence works. How do we contain the urges for a radical mindset that prefers "martyrdom" over self-preservation and believes that their hostile action is serving "God"? Deterrence doesn't work for these people. Pre-emption remains the only option (kill, isolate, cage and take away their toys).
So how does a "righteous" super-power pre-empt an aggressor without risking the onset of a planet-destructive cascading war that threatens all biological life?
Picture in your mind another scene. A puppy is confronted by a male alley cat. The puppy assumes the submission position. It rolls over on its back and bears its tummy. The alley cat scratches from throat to hind legs. The puppy learns a valuable lesson as it gets stitched up by a local veterinarian.
Consider one final scene, an animal disarmament conference. The dove says, “Sharp beaks and talons must go.” The lamb adds, “And claws, long sharp teeth and strong jaws must go too.” The bear rises and says, “Comrades, I have the solution. Let us outlaw everything except the great universal embrace.” The python and anaconda agree.
Vice-Admiral Robert M. Monroe penned an article for the New York Times titled, “Peace Through Nuclear Strength.” Here is the link:
He asserts that the US Senate should NOT ratify the comprehensive test ban treaty.
Pop Quiz: Plant names on the coin tossers, the “righteous” super-powers, the martyr warrior, the puppy, bear, lamb and the alley cat. Now analyze that combination and decide a way out of this mess. Any suggestions come to mind?