What would happen if the United States embraced nonviolence?

[SoundEscape]

What would happen if the United States embraced nonviolence and destroyed all of it's weapons?

In the words of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi,

"Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."

Yea sure, but that was before we got nukes! Without our nuclear weapons, we might be invaded by China or North Korea. Maybe Russia! We might have to get used to the idea of calling eachother comrade. I sure hope of that our new Chinese overlords are humane, that is, if Canada doesn't beat them to the punch - god forbid.

On the other hand, maybe we will be a shining beacon of hope in the world! All of the United Nations will follow suit, except for Norway and Sweden, who think that we are all crazy because they no longer have anybody to protect them.

Sure, this idea is a bit radical. But but what if we tell the world that we are no longer going to be their police. We are no longer going to impose our idea of morality on the world by means of intimidation and warfare, and we're not going to use our power to satisfy the interest of our country, or anybody elses. We are only going to use our weapons for self defense. It might be a good first step. As the years go by, maybe a few centuries, people in other countries will start to forget about the way we use to treat the world, and begin to admire the United States as a beacon of hope. Through the use of non-cooperation and nonviolent intervention we will eventually be able to convince the people of the few armed nations left in the world to put down their guns and have peace on earth. The problem is, we have to put down our guns first. If we do that, then we have a bunch of crazy loony toons in the world like Kim Jong-Il with nukes - and theres nobody that can stop them! That's the part where Batman comes in.

-SoundEscape

 

[Oftencold]

The world would quickly fall into darkness and anarchy.

 

[Busted]

And, you would have abdicated your responsibility to the citizens of the US by failing to advance their interests and to provide protection for them.

There would be chaos ...

 

[phattonez]

If we stopped attacking countries and meddling in their affairs that might be a good thing, but this country had better damn well protect us if we're being attacked. Once we attacked, this country pretty much has free reign to do whatever it needs to protect us citizens.*

*Within certain bounds of course. I don't want habeas corpus suspended.

 

[Councilman]

So you're some of the I hate America bunch that follow their Messiah in Chief Obama and worship at the feet of the triad of anti Americans Axis of Evil Obama Pelosi and Reid. Just wait, if Obama gets his wish to destroy the nation you'll get to se waht happens. this is with out any doubt the most asinine thing I have ever seen posted here. What are you 10 years old. Do you know nothing of History? If you and your Savior get you wish you an sit back and watch real American Patriots executed by what ever third word Islamic Country Obama lets in. This is so unrealistic it's crazy talk.

 

[Contradiction]

So you're some of the I hate America bunch that follow their Messiah in Chief Obama and worship at the feet of the triad of anti Americans Axis of Evil Obama Pelosi and Reid. Just wait, if Obama gets his wish to destroy the nation you'll get to se waht happens.

I just had to thank you for a good laugh on Friday, Your crazy, irrational rant was the giggle I needed to get me through the day

 

[Catz Part Deux]

What would happen if the United States embraced nonviolence and destroyed all of it's weapons?

We'd become Mexico's northernmost state, and our goverment would be administered by drug cartel leaders.

 

[tlmorg02]

I think your premise is utopian at best. If all would lay down their arms that would be most wonderful, but the reality is that this will never happen. Some argue we should not meddle in the affairs of this world. I am reminded of the Burke quote:

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

 

[Kal'Stang]

Your idea is nothing new or novel. It's been suggested countless times over the years..particularly by hippies that just want "Peace Man!"

Reality shows exactly why it would never work.

 

[jamesrage]

What would happen if the United States embraced nonviolence and destroyed all of it's weapons?

In the words of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi,

"Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."

Yea sure, but that was before we got nukes! Without our nuclear weapons, we might be invaded by China or North Korea. Maybe Russia! We might have to get used to the idea of calling eachother comrade. I sure hope of that our new Chinese overlords are humane, that is, if Canada doesn't beat them to the punch - god forbid.

On the other hand, maybe we will be a shining beacon of hope in the world! All of the United Nations will follow suit, except for Norway and Sweden, who think that we are all crazy because they no longer have anybody to protect them.

Sure, this idea is a bit radical. But but what if we tell the world that we are no longer going to be their police. We are no longer going to impose our idea of morality on the world by means of intimidation and warfare, and we're not going to use our power to satisfy the interest of our country, or anybody elses. We are only going to use our weapons for self defense. It might be a good first step. As the years go by, maybe a few centuries, people in other countries will start to forget about the way we use to treat the world, and begin to admire the United States as a beacon of hope. Through the use of non-cooperation and nonviolent intervention we will eventually be able to convince the people of the few armed nations left in the world to put down their guns and have peace on earth. The problem is, we have to put down our guns first. If we do that, then we have a bunch of crazy loony toons in the world like Kim Jong-Il with nukes - and theres nobody that can stop them! That's the part where Batman comes in.

-SoundEscape

What would happen if the US became *****fist nation? Other nations would attack us trying to take our nation over seeing how we became *****fist. Its like the kid in school who doesn't stick up for himself or defend himself,he becomes a target for all the bullies. Neutrality is only guaranteed by a nation's strength(which we would have not if we got rid of our weapons and became *****fist) and the strength of the nations around you who will respect your neutrality.

 

[celticlord]

What would happen if the United States embraced nonviolence and destroyed all of it's weapons?

Canada would reveal its hidden imperialist ambitions and immediately strike out to conquer North, then South America, then move on to the entire world.

 

[kaya'08]

Canada would reveal its hidden imperialist ambitions and immediately strike out to conquer North, then South America, then move on to the entire world.

Canada has hidden imperialist ambitions? How?

Well, let me tell you one thing about what would happen if America layed down all their arms. Here in Europe, we'd all be Slavs talking Russian! Part of the DFSR (Democratic Federalist States of Russia), worshipping Putin like a God.

 

[apdst]

What would happen if the United States embraced nonviolence and destroyed all of it's weapons?

The president that wuthorized would be impeached for a major violation of the Constitution.

 

[kaya'08]

Canada would reveal its hidden imperialist ambitions and immediately strike out to conquer North, then South America, then move on to the entire world.

Hypothetically, right? :2razz:

 

[Goshin]

Embracing total nonviolence is one thing. Professing "Self-defense only" as a principle is an entirely different thing.

We invaded Afganistan in self-defense. They were Al-Q's safe haven and primary base, and refused to cooperate against those who killed 3000 Americans.

Total nonviolence, in the world as it exists and probably always will, is simply an invitation to be destroyed, conquered and enslaved, not necessarily in that order.

Here's an experiment for you: Move to a bad neighborhood. Put a sign up in your yard that says
We Are Total-Nonviolence Pacifists. We Have No Weapons And Will Not Resist Any Attempt To Rob, Abuse or Harm Us.

Wait six months and let me know how that works out for ya. :mrgreen:

 

[Oftencold]

Why in Earth, the World Above or the Realms Below should we wait to be attacked, for our people to be killed to protect ourselves?

I have never understood this reasoning and reject it utterly.

Once someone has sworn to do me violence, they are fair game.

 

[celticlord]

Hypothetically, right? :2razz:

Sure.....isn't the default position always "blame Canada"?

 

[Oftencold]

I just had to thank you for a good laugh on Friday, Your crazy, irrational rant was the giggle I needed to get me through the day

Well, yes laughter at hard facts is trait of certain disorders. Fortunately, there are kind people about to care for such folks.


Research into treatment continues.

 

[SoundEscape]

Woah! Hold on guys. I'm not suggesting that we actually destroy our weapons and adopt nonviolence. I think that that would be a very stupid thing to do. We would easily be taken advantage of and the world WOULD fall into chaos. I'm just saying "what if?".

I think that if we don't destroy ourselves with nuclear weapons, the world is on it's way to a better place. Think of it. The rest of the world is no longer "over there". Now we have the airplanes, phones, and the internet. You can istantly speak to anybody, anywhere on the planet. We are acheaving a deeper understanding of other peoples cultures. I can read newpaper articles from almost any country in the world within just a few seconds. Check this site out:

World Newspapers online - Actualidad - Periodicos del Mundo

Even North Korea has it's own official website, albeit full of lies and propiganda. They even have a forum! Check it out:

The Official Webpage of The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)

I don't intend to make an arguement. Just some thoughtful discussion

 

[Goshin]

. I'm just saying "what if?".

We were answering the "what if?" with a resounding "HELL no!" :mrgreen:

 

[Oftencold]

. . . I'm just saying "what if?". . ..

Technically, you are asking "what if.

I think that if we don't destroy ourselves with nuclear weapons, the world is on it's way to a better place. Think of it. The rest of the world is no longer "over there". Now we have the airplanes, phones, and the internet. You can istantly speak to anybody, anywhere on the planet. We are acheaving a deeper understanding of other peoples cultures. . ..

I could weep for this belief -- not out of anger or disdain, but compassionate grief.

The world is as dark a place as ever. The "understanding" you speak of is largely a fantasy. If more people understood Traditional Islam for instance, and its plan for a peaceful future (for the survivors) they'd be unable to sleep at night.

Homicidal Despots grow in the dark like mushrooms, determined to have aperfect understanding of their people, by remaking them in a preferred image.

Drug cartels dismember men, women and children to protect their turf. They indeed thrive on a deep understanding of other peoples and cultures, especially their weaknesses.

You can instantly speak to anyone free enough to listen-- and in many place either of you can be executed for the words you exchange.

The natural tendency of the world is towards savagery. Any improvement to the contrary if the result of Herculean effort, sacrifice and willingness to fight in many ways.

As has always been and probably Alwyn will be the case, only an heroic few have any real interest in paying the price for progress. The greater mass of Humanity is willing to adapt to the state of affairs at hand.

 

[celticlord]

We were answering the "what if?" with a resounding "HELL no!" :mrgreen:

Speak for yourself....I was just blaming Canada.:mrgreen::mrgreen:

 

[Contradiction]

Well, yes laughter at hard facts is trait of certain disorders. Fortunately, there are kind people about to care for such folks.


Research into treatment continues.

That could come in handy if I ever laugh at hard facts. Although since you havent presented anything other than the usual "Bam Bam wants to destroy America...now where is my tin hat" stuff that is usually spared for the conspiracy theory forums I don't really know what you are talking about.

 

[Councilman]

I just had to thank you for a good laugh on Friday, Your crazy, irrational rant was the giggle I needed to get me through the day

It is always sad to see when the intellectually challenged unintelligent among us resort to name calling in a failed attempt to make for lack of ability to produce a cogent rebuttal. It's analogous to a child being caught doing something wrong and running to hide behind mommy crying.
The views expressed in the initial thread, post of unilateral disarmament are pollyannaish at best.

I'm including a link so you can learn the meaning of the big boy words I used that might otherwise overwhelm your under developed ability to comprehend.
Dictionary.com

 

[Realist1]

What would happen if the United States embraced nonviolence and destroyed all of it's weapons?

In the words of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi,

"Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."

Yea sure, but that was before we got nukes! Without our nuclear weapons, we might be invaded by China or North Korea. Maybe Russia! We might have to get used to the idea of calling eachother comrade. I sure hope of that our new Chinese overlords are humane, that is, if Canada doesn't beat them to the punch - god forbid.

On the other hand, maybe we will be a shining beacon of hope in the world! All of the United Nations will follow suit, except for Norway and Sweden, who think that we are all crazy because they no longer have anybody to protect them.

Sure, this idea is a bit radical. But but what if we tell the world that we are no longer going to be their police. We are no longer going to impose our idea of morality on the world by means of intimidation and warfare, and we're not going to use our power to satisfy the interest of our country, or anybody elses. We are only going to use our weapons for self defense. It might be a good first step. As the years go by, maybe a few centuries, people in other countries will start to forget about the way we use to treat the world, and begin to admire the United States as a beacon of hope. Through the use of non-cooperation and nonviolent intervention we will eventually be able to convince the people of the few armed nations left in the world to put down their guns and have peace on earth. The problem is, we have to put down our guns first. If we do that, then we have a bunch of crazy loony toons in the world like Kim Jong-Il with nukes - and theres nobody that can stop them! That's the part where Batman comes in.

-SoundEscape

Bend over, and grab your ankles S/E. :lol: