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MG Singh replied to the topic Unique court case against mythological figure .
rambabu wrote:
anil wrote:
Not only individuals but government is also doing it. I read today that in one city local administration sent notice to God Hanuman ji to remove his temple and idol from road.
Did it issue summons to Hanuman to appear in the Court ? Anil, is there any limit to this foolishness ?
The point which we are missing all along is that Hindus themselves undermine their own gods. Can you expect such a thing happening in Islam or Christianity? This is because Hinduism is a divided house. Even Dr Ambedkar wrote a against Hindu gods. How many know this ?
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar said thank you to MG Singh for his/her reply to the topic International Fleet Review, thrilling experience ..
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:
MG Singh wrote:
rambabu wrote:
The recent IFR is not just another Naval exercise. It has many unique features. The Indian Navy has achieved 90% indigenisation in its float component and of varying degrees in its other components In the new IFR, many of Indian navy's latest acquisitions like MIG 29 K , KM 31 AEW Helicopter were displayed. It has its own uniqueness
One must remember that all the items quoted above are "Imported" and any time the spares are stopped, the machines become redundant !!. I talk as a professional pilot. This is not the way to be a world power. It has happened earlier. More on that later
True..otherwise we would be facing another MIG 21 crisis with other planes and helicopters. What is needed is our own technology and everything that can manufactured, maintained and repaired in India, using Indian spare parts. What do you feel would happen if India were to acquire the Raphael fighter planes from France? Would the same thing be repeated?
Yes, it will be repeated. Whenever the French, Russians or any power sells weaponry to India a few critical parts constituting not more than 5-10% of the aircraft are NEVER disclosed. Thus even if you have 90% indigenous parts manufactured, in case those 5-10 % is not given, the plane is useless like any other weaponry as well.
Let me tell friends that similarly a case happened with the top most Indian fighter jet from Russia. I cannot disclose anything , but let readers not be naive and go ga ga on fleet review and 90 % indigenous parts. Its got no meaning in case those vital parts are not given.
When I was undergoing Staff College we visited the HAL factory for a study. We were told that 90% of the Jaguar parts are made in India. and only 10% are imported. The chief designer informed that in case those 10% don't come the Jaguar cannot fly. So please be realistic. India is miles away from being a great power, even a regional power. No wonder we cannot sort out even Pakistan.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Can we re-submit rejected article, after modification?.
Yes you can do that, but remember that since you are modifying the article that was subjected earlier, it will not appear in the queue awaiting editor approval and so might remain there unnoticed. If you resubmit such an article, notify either of the three editors who will then review and resubmit it.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Easy to prepare Breakfast Recipes.
usha manohar wrote:
Curry leaves are dry roasted with Bengalgramdhal and chillies and dry coconut and a few other ingredients powdered to make this Chutney powder as it is called here and it is mixed with either ghee or oil . It goes well with Idlis and dosas..
I totally love that chutney powder and have learned to prepare it but the taste is not the way you might prepare it. By the way, is there any particular brand of chutney powder that can be bought? My husband is currently visiting Sirsi and nearby places, he will be in Hubli tonight and will start for Pune tomorrow. I can ask him to buy it for me if you can tell me any specific brand or what it might be called.
9 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic International Fleet Review, thrilling experience ..
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:
MG Singh wrote:
rambabu wrote:
The recent IFR is not just another Naval exercise. It has many unique features. The Indian Navy has achieved 90% indigenisation in its float component and of varying degrees in its other components In the new IFR, many of Indian navy's latest acquisitions like MIG 29 K , KM 31 AEW Helicopter were displayed. It has its own uniqueness
One must remember that all the items quoted above are "Imported" and any time the spares are stopped, the machines become redundant !!. I talk as a professional pilot. This is not the way to be a world power. It has happened earlier. More on that later
True..otherwise we would be facing another MIG 21 crisis with other planes and helicopters. What is needed is our own technology and everything that can manufactured, maintained and repaired in India, using Indian spare parts. What do you feel would happen if India were to acquire the Raphael fighter planes from France? Would the same thing be repeated?
Yes, it will be repeated. Whenever the French, Russians or any power sells weaponry to India a few critical parts constituting not more than 5-10% of the aircraft are NEVER disclosed. Thus even if you have 90% indigenous parts manufactured, in case those 5-10 % is not given, the plane is useless like any other weaponry as well.
Let me tell friends that similarly a case happened with the top most Indian fighter jet from Russia. I cannot disclose anything , but let readers not be naive and go ga ga on fleet review and 90 % indigenous parts. Its got no meaning in case those vital parts are not given.
When I was undergoing Staff College we visited the HAL factory for a study. We were told that 90% of the Jaguar parts are made in India. and only 10% are imported. The chief designer informed that in case those 10% don't come the Jaguar cannot fly. So please be realistic. India is miles away from being a great power, even a regional power. No wonder we cannot sort out even Pakistan.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Miracle in Siachen Glacier.
It is very very lucky and fortunate day for the brave soldier to be found alive after so many days. May he recover fast and regain health.
9 years ago
Jincy Aby replied to the topic Miracle in Siachen Glacier.
rambabu wrote:
" The phrase coined by the late PM Lal Bahadur Shastri " Jai Jawan Jai Kissan "is more relevant than any time. The way in which Terrorism is engulfing all over the world,it is a must to keep the country in a safe and secure condition. The Jawan Hanumanthappa who risked his life and family to save the Country, fought with the deadly Avalanche and made all the Indians proud. I pray for his early recovery.
The great Jawan Hanumanthappa is in critical stage. People in all over the country are praying for his recovery. The protection of Lord Hanuman is always with him and so the Lord can lead him in a real way of life. I am going to submit one rosary for him.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic How can I avoid repeat articles? Because I am unable to access archives properly..
The more number of articles on any subject, the better. So do not worry about it and go ahead and post. The only problem comes when it is very similar in content to orthers.
9 years ago
Jincy Aby replied to the topic How can I avoid repeat articles? Because I am unable to access archives properly..
When you create an article, it won't be like other members article. Here you are the creator. What will be the problem if the heading or subject of the article is somewhat alike others? You can write what you want to write. Do not worry about the writing stuff that has been written before.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar answered the question There are more fairness cosmetics targetting Indian men than women. Are they that gullible? Or is it Inferiority complex. I'm not interested in this topic vis-a-vis women..
Indian fixation for the fair skin is an old thing and no amount of education, awareness or any other thing can cure it. Just look at any of the matrimonial ads, everywhere the prospective bride has to be compulsorily fair skinned. Until the past decade or so, it did not matter much for men to be well groomed and polished looking. But ever since globalization has brought the world together and the open trade policy initiated in India by late Rajiv Gandhi, many foreign cosmetic companies entered the picture and they introduced this concept of the modern metrosexual man. So now there are so many different saloons and spas exclusively for men as well as exclusive cosmetic products for men. And seeing Indian fixation for fair skin, these products are now targeted more for men who fall for it big time.
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Miracle in Siachen Glacier.
" The phrase coined by the late PM Lal Bahadur Shastri " Jai Jawan Jai Kissan "is more relevant than any time. The way in which Terrorism is engulfing all over the world,it is a must to keep the country in a safe and secure condition. The Jawan Hanumanthappa who risked his life and family to save the Country, fought with the deadly Avalanche and made all the Indians proud. I pray for his early recovery.
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Is this women empowerment? .
Certainly, a change IS IMMINENT.. It's heartening to see this change in both sexes sooner or later.. Also, I witnessed this change is gradually surfacing up. In these discussion forums, not long ago we discussed how a girl from the state of Maharashtra ran from her village and sought the help of a Voluntary organization. After this both the girl and her parents were councilled and the Voluntary Organization took the girl to a charity School.
Hence I believe, a change is bound to come.
9 years ago
Jincy Aby replied to the topic Miracle in Siachen Glacier.
anil wrote:
Job of army is full of risks, location may be hills, deserts of sea. In desert are when temprature crossed 50 degree in summer soliders perform their duty without any if but. They have limited water and they have not shad for rest. But they do their work with honesty.
You are 100% right. The life of the employees of defense are full of risk. There is no guarantee for their life. They are the people who are ready to sacrifice their life for the country. Only few people have the courage to join in defense and serve the country. We need to respect them.
9 years ago
Jincy Aby replied to the topic Is this women empowerment? .
Superiority complex is always with men. They know very well that women are physically very weak. This is the main reason why women are considered as inferior human being. Even if women are physically weak, number of smart and powerful women are around us. They are capable to reach in higher authority. Some of them are arsing their hands against all kinds of exploitation. We can expect a better tomorrow.
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic International Fleet Review, thrilling experience ..
Jincy Aby wrote:
rambabu wrote:
As I said earlier, I witnessed the mind boggling spectacle. Everything related with India and it's culture was displayed in a heart rending way. It's not all, the delegates, who represented other countries like Thailand, too displayed, their Cultural activities. On the whole, I enjoyed every bit of the event.
You are really lucky! Being in Vishakapattanam, you became one of the witnesses of this great event.
True. I had to wait for several hours only to savor the taste of IFR. I was very particular not to lose this opportunity. My hardships paid me. I had forgotten all my hardships after witnessing this magnificent Spectacle.
9 years ago
SHANA MARIA VERGHIS replied to the topic International Fleet Review, thrilling experience ..
usha manohar wrote:
SHANA MARIA VERGHIS wrote:
rambabu wrote:
As I said earlier, I witnessed the mind boggling spectacle. Everything related with India and it's culture was displayed in a heart rending way. It's not all, the delegates, who represented other countries like Thailand, too displayed, their Cultural activities. On the whole, I enjoyed every bit of the event.
While the display is pretty cool, I have to say I'm very relieved that there is going to be a scaling down in the forces to make it more compact. All that show of military might seems like ancient tribes posturing (like the Maori warcry they use during rugby games), while inside they're each scared of the other side.
With drones etc, hopefully the human loss will be diminished (although its so detached you can't see when innocents are getting killed) and eventually got rid off, except by the pugilistic ones among us. Who don't know how else to channel their energy. It's easy to get all nationalistic about guarding borders when its someone else's brother or father who is getting killed. I've briefly edited a journal for the Black Cat Commandos and learnt there is a high rate of suicide in the army from depression.
On the other hand, like with space technology being used in everyday life, there is probablly a lot of fantastic technology being developed for military purposes that might have uses for the good of society.
The wars in the Middle East ought to tell us the hard reality is that battles are grim, sordid creatures. Syria has lots so much of its valuable history in the last year. Its quite heartbreaking.Now they'll have to rebuild again. Think of the energy wasted.
The flip side is that war is also very dynamic and sets processes in motion. With all the migrants moving to Europe and other places, the world will be forced to be more multicultural whether one likes it or not. Unless you want to waste each day fighting with your ethnically different neighbours.
And I suppose one has to reluctantly concede that given the current reality we ought to thankful the systems are in place like the existing Forces, so we're not occupied like Crimea, because some kooky general in a nearby country got up on the wrong side of the bed!
A couple of relevant points that I liked - War in its own way changes the face and structure of society because of the shifting of population and inter mingling. But is it all that simple ?
We see how the ISIS menace is destabilising the European countries and their economies by sending out large numbers of refugees also sending a few of their terrorists posing as refugees and one ca imagine how dangerous that would be !
Shana replies:
I guess I should give this more time before I give a better response. But for now, first of all I see your last point. However this is just a perspective that I might rethink later, because one is always changing ones mind when new info comes in.
I also think its easy to fall into the paranoia trap. If you imagine there are terrorists infesting every corner of the earth, and when I say, you, I don't mean YOU in particular, then I wish you all the best with your reality. The truth is in all last year, I believe the stats for terrorist attacks worldwide or something was 6000+. when the experts studied (this was on a CNN show so I don't have figures on me) the calamities and bad stuff that faced humans in 2015. Actual terrorist attacks could probably be counted on both your fingers and toes in terms of percentage. And for those who have fantasies of evil Muslim terrorists, the truth is that most of those attacks were by Muslims (or Islamic sympathisers, if that is a term) against Muslims. Not that is reassuring or anything. No one should have to die.
Its the paranoia that's spread by the threat of terrorism, that is the most effective weapon. It creates panic and kickstarts the fight or flight mechanism. Or so I've understood it, probably simplistically. But that's how I absorb information. There have been reports of terrorists disguised as refugees. But its a huge mass migration. YOu'll probably have lots of other types like smugglers, drugbarons, escaped convicts....
That's why the guys with the figures have said, "Keep a cool head." When everyone is running ahead there is usually someone who suddenly stops to asks, "Hang on, Now why am I actually running?" Yes, war is going on, yes its infiltrated our backyard, which was inevitable in an increasingly interconnected world. But organisations like the CIA etc and all the way back to Chanakya's time and probably earlier, there have been spynetworks functioning right under our noses. But its not part of our reality, so we don't register them. And we probably don't need to unless that's our livelihood.
The point I'm making is that there will terrorists, there will be counter-terrorists. Its not a new thing. There's usually a weird, balance, if you like. Good guys, bad guys. Although good guy and bad guy is purely a matter of which side you are on.
Its just that there's more information out there so we are more aware. Of course its not a good thing, but if what you fear at the bottom of it is your own death. Then you're not going to escape that anyway. But you've as much chance of slipping in your bathroom and dying as being caught in terrorist attack. When you have gotta go, you've gotta go.
If you notice, ISIS usually operates with single people, or small groups. I don't know their inside workings because I have not followed it closely, but I think they are effective like Al Quaeda because of their sleeper cells and wealthy sponsors. But during war, manpower and infrastructure is often exaggerated to cow down the opposition. ISIS is not God. Neither was Al-Qaeda. And the world moved on quite smoothly after Osama bin Laden. With the power vacuum, a new entity emerged.
We already know that ISIS effectively use technology for propoganda and recruitment of gullible, disenfranchised young men and women. I think the last report was of one demonseed who beheaded his mother for being a nonbeliever. Several recruited their younger brothers and made them become suicide bombers. While there are other youngsters who have joined either as mercenaries, with no specific agenda of their own, against ISIS. And yet others who have gone specifically to destroy ISIS or ISIL or Daesh (they hate being called ISIS we are told).
I guess there are lots of different coming of age stories in all that confusion. And different people's passage into adulthood.
I also think its like Be a Thief to Catch a Thief or whatever. They use technology and spynetworks. And its technology and spy networks (the human network) that are abeing used to track them down. So the avenues are the same, but the objective is different in each case. Anyway, I am not a final authority on the subject. I'm sure someone with even far better insider information would be a better source and more interesting dope. This is only a personal analysis. And I could be quite off the mark.
9 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic Unique court case against mythological figure .
rambabu wrote:
anil wrote:
Not only individuals but government is also doing it. I read today that in one city local administration sent notice to God Hanuman ji to remove his temple and idol from road.
Did it issue summons to Hanuman to appear in the Court ? Anil, is there any limit to this foolishness ?
The point which we are missing all along is that Hindus themselves undermine their own gods. Can you expect such a thing happening in Islam or Christianity? This is because Hinduism is a divided house. Even Dr Ambedkar wrote a against Hindu gods. How many know this ?
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar said thank you to MG Singh for his/her reply to the topic International Fleet Review, thrilling experience ..
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:
MG Singh wrote:
rambabu wrote:
The recent IFR is not just another Naval exercise. It has many unique features. The Indian Navy has achieved 90% indigenisation in its float component and of varying degrees in its other components In the new IFR, many of Indian navy's latest acquisitions like MIG 29 K , KM 31 AEW Helicopter were displayed. It has its own uniqueness
One must remember that all the items quoted above are "Imported" and any time the spares are stopped, the machines become redundant !!. I talk as a professional pilot. This is not the way to be a world power. It has happened earlier. More on that later
True..otherwise we would be facing another MIG 21 crisis with other planes and helicopters. What is needed is our own technology and everything that can manufactured, maintained and repaired in India, using Indian spare parts. What do you feel would happen if India were to acquire the Raphael fighter planes from France? Would the same thing be repeated?
Yes, it will be repeated. Whenever the French, Russians or any power sells weaponry to India a few critical parts constituting not more than 5-10% of the aircraft are NEVER disclosed. Thus even if you have 90% indigenous parts manufactured, in case those 5-10 % is not given, the plane is useless like any other weaponry as well.
Let me tell friends that similarly a case happened with the top most Indian fighter jet from Russia. I cannot disclose anything , but let readers not be naive and go ga ga on fleet review and 90 % indigenous parts. Its got no meaning in case those vital parts are not given.
When I was undergoing Staff College we visited the HAL factory for a study. We were told that 90% of the Jaguar parts are made in India. and only 10% are imported. The chief designer informed that in case those 10% don't come the Jaguar cannot fly. So please be realistic. India is miles away from being a great power, even a regional power. No wonder we cannot sort out even Pakistan.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Can we re-submit rejected article, after modification?.
Yes you can do that, but remember that since you are modifying the article that was subjected earlier, it will not appear in the queue awaiting editor approval and so might remain there unnoticed. If you resubmit such an article, notify either of the three editors who will then review and resubmit it.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Easy to prepare Breakfast Recipes.
usha manohar wrote:
Curry leaves are dry roasted with Bengalgramdhal and chillies and dry coconut and a few other ingredients powdered to make this Chutney powder as it is called here and it is mixed with either ghee or oil . It goes well with Idlis and dosas..
I totally love that chutney powder and have learned to prepare it but the taste is not the way you might prepare it. By the way, is there any particular brand of chutney powder that can be bought? My husband is currently visiting Sirsi and nearby places, he will be in Hubli tonight and will start for Pune tomorrow. I can ask him to buy it for me if you can tell me any specific brand or what it might be called.
9 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic International Fleet Review, thrilling experience ..
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:
MG Singh wrote:
rambabu wrote:
The recent IFR is not just another Naval exercise. It has many unique features. The Indian Navy has achieved 90% indigenisation in its float component and of varying degrees in its other components In the new IFR, many of Indian navy's latest acquisitions like MIG 29 K , KM 31 AEW Helicopter were displayed. It has its own uniqueness
One must remember that all the items quoted above are "Imported" and any time the spares are stopped, the machines become redundant !!. I talk as a professional pilot. This is not the way to be a world power. It has happened earlier. More on that later
True..otherwise we would be facing another MIG 21 crisis with other planes and helicopters. What is needed is our own technology and everything that can manufactured, maintained and repaired in India, using Indian spare parts. What do you feel would happen if India were to acquire the Raphael fighter planes from France? Would the same thing be repeated?
Yes, it will be repeated. Whenever the French, Russians or any power sells weaponry to India a few critical parts constituting not more than 5-10% of the aircraft are NEVER disclosed. Thus even if you have 90% indigenous parts manufactured, in case those 5-10 % is not given, the plane is useless like any other weaponry as well.
Let me tell friends that similarly a case happened with the top most Indian fighter jet from Russia. I cannot disclose anything , but let readers not be naive and go ga ga on fleet review and 90 % indigenous parts. Its got no meaning in case those vital parts are not given.
When I was undergoing Staff College we visited the HAL factory for a study. We were told that 90% of the Jaguar parts are made in India. and only 10% are imported. The chief designer informed that in case those 10% don't come the Jaguar cannot fly. So please be realistic. India is miles away from being a great power, even a regional power. No wonder we cannot sort out even Pakistan.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Miracle in Siachen Glacier.
It is very very lucky and fortunate day for the brave soldier to be found alive after so many days. May he recover fast and regain health.
9 years ago
Jincy Aby replied to the topic Miracle in Siachen Glacier.
rambabu wrote:
" The phrase coined by the late PM Lal Bahadur Shastri " Jai Jawan Jai Kissan "is more relevant than any time. The way in which Terrorism is engulfing all over the world,it is a must to keep the country in a safe and secure condition. The Jawan Hanumanthappa who risked his life and family to save the Country, fought with the deadly Avalanche and made all the Indians proud. I pray for his early recovery.
The great Jawan Hanumanthappa is in critical stage. People in all over the country are praying for his recovery. The protection of Lord Hanuman is always with him and so the Lord can lead him in a real way of life. I am going to submit one rosary for him.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic How can I avoid repeat articles? Because I am unable to access archives properly..
The more number of articles on any subject, the better. So do not worry about it and go ahead and post. The only problem comes when it is very similar in content to orthers.
9 years ago
Jincy Aby replied to the topic How can I avoid repeat articles? Because I am unable to access archives properly..
When you create an article, it won't be like other members article. Here you are the creator. What will be the problem if the heading or subject of the article is somewhat alike others? You can write what you want to write. Do not worry about the writing stuff that has been written before.
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar answered the question There are more fairness cosmetics targetting Indian men than women. Are they that gullible? Or is it Inferiority complex. I'm not interested in this topic vis-a-vis women..
Indian fixation for the fair skin is an old thing and no amount of education, awareness or any other thing can cure it. Just look at any of the matrimonial ads, everywhere the prospective bride has to be compulsorily fair skinned. Until the past decade or so, it did not matter much for men to be well groomed and polished looking. But ever since globalization has brought the world together and the open trade policy initiated in India by late Rajiv Gandhi, many foreign cosmetic companies entered the picture and they introduced this concept of the modern metrosexual man. So now there are so many different saloons and spas exclusively for men as well as exclusive cosmetic products for men. And seeing Indian fixation for fair skin, these products are now targeted more for men who fall for it big time.
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Miracle in Siachen Glacier.
" The phrase coined by the late PM Lal Bahadur Shastri " Jai Jawan Jai Kissan "is more relevant than any time. The way in which Terrorism is engulfing all over the world,it is a must to keep the country in a safe and secure condition. The Jawan Hanumanthappa who risked his life and family to save the Country, fought with the deadly Avalanche and made all the Indians proud. I pray for his early recovery.
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Is this women empowerment? .
Certainly, a change IS IMMINENT.. It's heartening to see this change in both sexes sooner or later.. Also, I witnessed this change is gradually surfacing up. In these discussion forums, not long ago we discussed how a girl from the state of Maharashtra ran from her village and sought the help of a Voluntary organization. After this both the girl and her parents were councilled and the Voluntary Organization took the girl to a charity School.
Hence I believe, a change is bound to come.
9 years ago
Jincy Aby replied to the topic Miracle in Siachen Glacier.
anil wrote:
Job of army is full of risks, location may be hills, deserts of sea. In desert are when temprature crossed 50 degree in summer soliders perform their duty without any if but. They have limited water and they have not shad for rest. But they do their work with honesty.
You are 100% right. The life of the employees of defense are full of risk. There is no guarantee for their life. They are the people who are ready to sacrifice their life for the country. Only few people have the courage to join in defense and serve the country. We need to respect them.
9 years ago
Jincy Aby replied to the topic Is this women empowerment? .
Superiority complex is always with men. They know very well that women are physically very weak. This is the main reason why women are considered as inferior human being. Even if women are physically weak, number of smart and powerful women are around us. They are capable to reach in higher authority. Some of them are arsing their hands against all kinds of exploitation. We can expect a better tomorrow.
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic International Fleet Review, thrilling experience ..
Jincy Aby wrote:
rambabu wrote:
As I said earlier, I witnessed the mind boggling spectacle. Everything related with India and it's culture was displayed in a heart rending way. It's not all, the delegates, who represented other countries like Thailand, too displayed, their Cultural activities. On the whole, I enjoyed every bit of the event.
You are really lucky! Being in Vishakapattanam, you became one of the witnesses of this great event.
True. I had to wait for several hours only to savor the taste of IFR. I was very particular not to lose this opportunity. My hardships paid me. I had forgotten all my hardships after witnessing this magnificent Spectacle.
9 years ago
SHANA MARIA VERGHIS replied to the topic International Fleet Review, thrilling experience ..
usha manohar wrote:
SHANA MARIA VERGHIS wrote:
rambabu wrote:
As I said earlier, I witnessed the mind boggling spectacle. Everything related with India and it's culture was displayed in a heart rending way. It's not all, the delegates, who represented other countries like Thailand, too displayed, their Cultural activities. On the whole, I enjoyed every bit of the event.
While the display is pretty cool, I have to say I'm very relieved that there is going to be a scaling down in the forces to make it more compact. All that show of military might seems like ancient tribes posturing (like the Maori warcry they use during rugby games), while inside they're each scared of the other side.
With drones etc, hopefully the human loss will be diminished (although its so detached you can't see when innocents are getting killed) and eventually got rid off, except by the pugilistic ones among us. Who don't know how else to channel their energy. It's easy to get all nationalistic about guarding borders when its someone else's brother or father who is getting killed. I've briefly edited a journal for the Black Cat Commandos and learnt there is a high rate of suicide in the army from depression.
On the other hand, like with space technology being used in everyday life, there is probablly a lot of fantastic technology being developed for military purposes that might have uses for the good of society.
The wars in the Middle East ought to tell us the hard reality is that battles are grim, sordid creatures. Syria has lots so much of its valuable history in the last year. Its quite heartbreaking.Now they'll have to rebuild again. Think of the energy wasted.
The flip side is that war is also very dynamic and sets processes in motion. With all the migrants moving to Europe and other places, the world will be forced to be more multicultural whether one likes it or not. Unless you want to waste each day fighting with your ethnically different neighbours.
And I suppose one has to reluctantly concede that given the current reality we ought to thankful the systems are in place like the existing Forces, so we're not occupied like Crimea, because some kooky general in a nearby country got up on the wrong side of the bed!
A couple of relevant points that I liked - War in its own way changes the face and structure of society because of the shifting of population and inter mingling. But is it all that simple ?
We see how the ISIS menace is destabilising the European countries and their economies by sending out large numbers of refugees also sending a few of their terrorists posing as refugees and one ca imagine how dangerous that would be !
Shana replies:
I guess I should give this more time before I give a better response. But for now, first of all I see your last point. However this is just a perspective that I might rethink later, because one is always changing ones mind when new info comes in.
I also think its easy to fall into the paranoia trap. If you imagine there are terrorists infesting every corner of the earth, and when I say, you, I don't mean YOU in particular, then I wish you all the best with your reality. The truth is in all last year, I believe the stats for terrorist attacks worldwide or something was 6000+. when the experts studied (this was on a CNN show so I don't have figures on me) the calamities and bad stuff that faced humans in 2015. Actual terrorist attacks could probably be counted on both your fingers and toes in terms of percentage. And for those who have fantasies of evil Muslim terrorists, the truth is that most of those attacks were by Muslims (or Islamic sympathisers, if that is a term) against Muslims. Not that is reassuring or anything. No one should have to die.
Its the paranoia that's spread by the threat of terrorism, that is the most effective weapon. It creates panic and kickstarts the fight or flight mechanism. Or so I've understood it, probably simplistically. But that's how I absorb information. There have been reports of terrorists disguised as refugees. But its a huge mass migration. YOu'll probably have lots of other types like smugglers, drugbarons, escaped convicts....
That's why the guys with the figures have said, "Keep a cool head." When everyone is running ahead there is usually someone who suddenly stops to asks, "Hang on, Now why am I actually running?" Yes, war is going on, yes its infiltrated our backyard, which was inevitable in an increasingly interconnected world. But organisations like the CIA etc and all the way back to Chanakya's time and probably earlier, there have been spynetworks functioning right under our noses. But its not part of our reality, so we don't register them. And we probably don't need to unless that's our livelihood.
The point I'm making is that there will terrorists, there will be counter-terrorists. Its not a new thing. There's usually a weird, balance, if you like. Good guys, bad guys. Although good guy and bad guy is purely a matter of which side you are on.
Its just that there's more information out there so we are more aware. Of course its not a good thing, but if what you fear at the bottom of it is your own death. Then you're not going to escape that anyway. But you've as much chance of slipping in your bathroom and dying as being caught in terrorist attack. When you have gotta go, you've gotta go.
If you notice, ISIS usually operates with single people, or small groups. I don't know their inside workings because I have not followed it closely, but I think they are effective like Al Quaeda because of their sleeper cells and wealthy sponsors. But during war, manpower and infrastructure is often exaggerated to cow down the opposition. ISIS is not God. Neither was Al-Qaeda. And the world moved on quite smoothly after Osama bin Laden. With the power vacuum, a new entity emerged.
We already know that ISIS effectively use technology for propoganda and recruitment of gullible, disenfranchised young men and women. I think the last report was of one demonseed who beheaded his mother for being a nonbeliever. Several recruited their younger brothers and made them become suicide bombers. While there are other youngsters who have joined either as mercenaries, with no specific agenda of their own, against ISIS. And yet others who have gone specifically to destroy ISIS or ISIL or Daesh (they hate being called ISIS we are told).
I guess there are lots of different coming of age stories in all that confusion. And different people's passage into adulthood.
I also think its like Be a Thief to Catch a Thief or whatever. They use technology and spynetworks. And its technology and spy networks (the human network) that are abeing used to track them down. So the avenues are the same, but the objective is different in each case. Anyway, I am not a final authority on the subject. I'm sure someone with even far better insider information would be a better source and more interesting dope. This is only a personal analysis. And I could be quite off the mark.
9 years ago