From Flanders fields, warnings about Europe’s crisis
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
These closing lines of John McCrae’s poem have haunted many a student of literature. History, too: Voices from the graves in Flanders fields, where “poppies blow/Between the crosses, row by row,” seem to admonish us about the human cost of war McCrae saw 97 years ago, in the tragically misnamed “war to end all wars.”
They are more haunting still for a visitor to the cemeteries in Flanders fields, in the Ardennes, at Normandy. And these are just the American memorials, just a few of them.
“Never again” is the feeling that overcomes a visitor to these gravesites. It is also the mantra that for 55 years has led the peoples of Belgium, France, Germany and beyond to band together and extricate themselves from millennia of war. World War I did not “end all wars” in Western Europe, but economic cooperation, beginning with the free trade of coal and steel in 1957, has. So far.
As another Memorial Day approaches, though, it is with haunting memories that a visitor to those gravesites might look back across the pond, and see creeping reasons for worry.
The first glance is to Greece, whose fiscal profligacy has brought it again to the brink of default and, perhaps, an exit from the euro currency. Bailouts from more sound nations, chiefly Germany, are all that have kept these developments at bay the past 27 months.
Now, there’s anger. The Greeks feel betrayed by their government for agreeing to the bailouts, and resentful of the austerity the Germans demanded in exchange. This month they voted in large numbers against the two centrist parties, and for a collection of radicals, Communists and neo-Nazis who speak with a nationalist tone — anathema to the European Union.
The Germans also feel betrayed: It’s well-documented that Athens lied about its finances when applying to join the euro. And they are resentful of being handed the check after spending a decade getting their own finances in order.
Just as there is the threat of financial contagion spreading from Greece to more consequential economies — Italy, Spain, even France — there is the risk these nations will also point the finger at Berlin. Voters in these countries have already lashed out at their political establishments and are not unfamiliar with nationalism.
History suggests the prospect of an isolated, indignant Germany is not to be relished.
There may also be some inauspicious timing on America’s part. Seventy years of guarding against remilitarization in Europe may wind down as Washington grapples with the realities of its own profligacy and, perhaps, looks to withdraw finally from the theater. A subsequent rearmament in Europe, even if in the name of defense, would seem only natural.
For now, there is reason to believe the worst scenarios can still be avoided. It is a long march from a Greek exit from the euro to a divided, rearmed Europe. And for all the dark clouds on the horizon, many here and there still hear those voices in Flanders fields.
But do not forget that the admonition preceding the warning not to “break faith with us who die” reflects a different sentiment, one that exists yet in human nature:
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you with failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
Even in Flanders fields.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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223 comments Add your comment
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
May 27th, 2012
11:47 am
I Report, your 9:44 was sad and humorous at the same time, and unfortunately all too real.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
May 27th, 2012
11:48 am
Seeing as how this is a three day weekend centered around remembering and thanking those who died defending our country and democracy worldwide, this might be a good time for Democrats to study up on what it means to be an American.
It’s clear they’ve forgotten.
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
May 27th, 2012
11:58 am
I love it when I see libs like david green quoting the Bible to tell others that their belief in a particular faith makes them lousy people from a political standpoint, as if faith and politics are seriously intertwined, which they are not.
Broad, accusatory brushstrokes are all people like him have to argue with.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
May 27th, 2012
11:59 am
LBB
Dems have been too busy picking nits, parsing words, redefining definitions, and standing by their man to have time to study.
The Fresh Prince of Bill Ayers
May 27th, 2012
12:07 pm
David Green
In other words the willfully blind GOP leadership continues to lead their willfully blind supporters such as yourself into the very same ditch without leaning anything in the process.
Go ahead and drink the Dem coolaid. Pretend that its austerity that is screwing up Europe, not the largesse of government to the non working. How does most of Europe compete with the “Global Economy” when countries like France give workers 2 plus months off a year to force companies to hire more people to cover the paid time off? They’ve lost their edge in the global economy and are running out of other peoples money to prop up the largess.
Margeret Thatcher: The problem with Socialism is eventually that you run out of other peoples money.
Yet this is what you dumb-a## libs long for.
Dusty
May 27th, 2012
12:42 pm
Well, good afternoon in this merry month of May….
This is a fine day. Enjoying worship at church is always refresing and the good news is always there. I urge all of your to go and enjoy the shared love of that occasion, as many of you already know.
Ah but, questions, questions! Many learned folks here with questions. (MarkV, I suggest you read my posts again. ) As to history, I don’t claim to be a “historian” so I defer such question to those who enjoy it. But some histories are fascinating.
Right now, I am truly enjoying an old book I recently purchased at a book sale. It was published in1957. The title: “Three hundred Years of American Painting” written by Alexander Eliot. I thought I would enjoy the beautiful pictures in the big book and I do.. But the writing is so well done that it is a real treat every time I pick it up. That’s my present claim to the study of HISTORY. Art, honey, art!
Now, let us depart in peace (as I go to eat lunch and that always helps!). Today is good!!
Halftrack
May 27th, 2012
4:28 pm
Take up the “Quarrel” – - – and the “Torch”. The quarrel is evil. The torch is freedom. Evil still exists in the world. Memorial day tells us that “freedom” is what our generation still has to hold onto. The cost of freedom is high as the field of Flanders attest to us by history and those who gave it all of their devotion. The torch has been passed to us and how shall we confront the current evils? Do we have any devotion and to what ideals and morals?
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
May 27th, 2012
5:12 pm
Half the country’s ideals are only related to keeping the government handouts coming.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
May 27th, 2012
5:17 pm
Panetta: U.S. is Ready to Stop Iran from Creating Nuclear Weapons
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Sunday indirectly confirmed recent remarks by the Ambassador to Israel that the U.S. is “ready from a military perspective’’ to stop Iran from making a nuclear weapon if international pressure fails.
————————–
The bombing commences when Obozo falls behind Romney by 5%.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
May 27th, 2012
6:03 pm
NASCAR on Fox; Does it get anymore cheesy than this?
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
May 27th, 2012
6:05 pm
Has our attention span fallen or was it destroyed?
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
May 27th, 2012
6:09 pm
Yep, that last round of commercials answered my question.
I wonder when the last time it was Fox broadcast anything cerebral?
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
May 27th, 2012
6:13 pm
Your average stock car has over 4000 parts intrinsically working together as one but your average Fox viewer only knows dat Danica Patrick is a duhriver, drool, drool.
MarkV
May 27th, 2012
6:17 pm
The Kyle’s thoughtful article could have been an impetus for an equally thoughtful, civil discussion on this Memorial weekend. That does not mean that one had to agree with everything that Kyle wrote. His message was clear. “A visitor to those gravesites [WWI battlefield] might look back across the pond, and see creeping reasons for worry.” “The prospect of an isolated, indignant Germany is not to be relished.”” A subsequent rearmament in Europe, even if in the name of defense, would seem only natural.” “For now, there is reason to believe the worst scenarios CAN still be avoided.” (My emphasis) Only a blind and deaf person would see in those words “simply a reminder of history and nothing else.” Kyle clearly wrote a warning about an avoidable, but possible armed conflict as a result of the economic turmoil in Europe, with Germany again in the center of it.
It was not surprising when the usual polluters of this blog – most of them easily recognizable by their ridiculous monikers – used my comment that there was no evidence or logical reason for such an alarmist notion, and david green’s brief summary of the events between the wars, with insults, digressions and attacks rather than arguments. It was more disappointing, however, when it was used by someone like Dusty for personal attacks, unfounded accusations and ridiculous insinuations.
david green
May 27th, 2012
6:24 pm
MarkV
The justified police action Germany took against Serbia for protecting the terrorist who murdered two members of the Austrian royal family. Didn’t become a world war until France and Britain declared war on Germany so the harsh reparations forced upon the German people after their government surrendered were not in the least justified. Indeed the actions America took with the help of Britain against the Taliban after 9/11 for harboring Osama fully justify the German governments police action against Serbia for harboring a terrorist. Consequently President Wilson and the leaders of Britain and France all stand condemned by history for creating the social conditions in Germany that led directly to the rise of Hitler, the murder of six million Jews and World War II.
david green
May 27th, 2012
6:32 pm
Lil Barry Bailout and Tiberius what Kyle won’t tell you is that the ultimate goal of the conservative movement is to recreate the very same economic conditions the Allies forced upon Germany after World War I ended. Right here in the USA in the midst of which the leaders of the conservative movement will then convince Congress to nullify the Constitution and the Bill of Rights while imposing religious totalitarianism upon the nation at large.
MarkV
May 27th, 2012
7:17 pm
david green @6:24 pm
I part with you in this matter. I do not think those events (assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, and 9/11) are comparable, and I do not think a discussion of the events that led to WWI is either fruitful or relevant. Mainly, I have already explained my views regarding the “blame” for the rise of the Nazis in my post @ 9:35 am.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
May 27th, 2012
7:25 pm
Get a grip, david green. It is the conservative movement that is working to “conserve” what’s left of our constitution and republic. It is Obozo, the Democrat party, and the moocher class that is attempting to subvert the Constitution (Obozocare…GM/Chrysler thievery…cronyism…”environmentalism” as the latest vehicle for communism…ad nauseum).
Americans (and some patriotic Democrats) will deal with Obozo’s subversion of everything good and decent about this country.
Rafe Hollister- trying to save the Choom Gang
May 27th, 2012
7:32 pm
david greene
Right here in the USA in the midst of which the leaders of the conservative movement will then convince Congress to nullify the Constitution and the Bill of Rights while imposing religious totalitarianism upon the nation at large.
————————————————————–
I don’t think even your bud MarkV believes this bilge. You are one disturbed individual. BTW, you can believe whatever you want; it is America after all, but you can’t rewrite history.
Germany after their “police action” in Serbia, caused Russia to declare war on Germany. Germany then declared war on France. Britain did not enter the war until Germany invaded France. It took Britain a long time to get there and come to the aid of France. France was overrun with the German Army. The USA entered much later.
The version you presented was neo nazi like, terribly slanted.
@@
May 27th, 2012
7:55 pm
Right here in the USA in the midst of which the leaders of the conservative movement will then convince Congress to nullify the Constitution and the Bill of Rights while imposing religious totalitarianism upon the nation at large.
Impossible since the U.S. embraces a wide assortment of religions.
Dusty
May 27th, 2012
8:01 pm
Well, as I wait for the Braves to start their WINNING game against the Nationals , I see some nice comments. As surely as one can tell, we have a lot of patriots here but with different views.
Different views are fine but when one wanders from a reasonable path into the brambles of a confused mind, it does no good to say it is good thinking. I can’t be diplomatic when it is a detriment to our country. So my definition of such thinking is to name it “trash” for trash is something you throw away.
The weekend with all its patriotic decorations and declarations is a fine time to remember how we treasure our country as did the people who died fighting for it. Those old patriotic songs are still tear jerkers and we remember once again we really love this place.
So how many of you are going to BAR BE Q tomorrow? Will the smoke of your grill make you dream of spareribs? A beautifully browned perfect poulet!! Lotsa potato salad off side? Gonna be good! (Just in case……Keep the Pepto-Bismol handy!)
@@
May 27th, 2012
8:14 pm
When it comes to the war, is david green a Buchannanite?
Dusty
May 27th, 2012
8:21 pm
@@ 8:14
A Buchannanite? Huh? (is that termite, midnite, Israelite,cephlapodite, inconsequetial-like?) ???
AmVet
May 27th, 2012
8:22 pm
Half the country’s ideals are only related to keeping the government handouts coming.
It really its a travesty.
But corporations are people, my friend…
@@
May 27th, 2012
8:34 pm
Dusty:
Pat Buchanan.
Is Pat Buchanan a Crank?
Going after Churchill on British soil — and apologizing for Hitler.
Dusty
May 27th, 2012
8:45 pm
AmVet,
We are celebrating Memorial Day over here, ny friend.
No need for you to start another battle in your usual pugnacious proclamations..
Let the BRAVES fight tonight. I predict a winning game for them (and Republicans. Yes!).
Dusty
May 27th, 2012
8:50 pm
@@
“Going after Churchill on British soil! Apologizing for Hitler!”
That’s beyond cranky! That’s suicidal!
AmVet
May 27th, 2012
9:09 pm
Good old Dusty,
As always, she learned nothing remotely Christian from her church service this morning.
She gives a free pass to the insult laden posts at 5:57, 7:35, 9:22, 9:44, 10:34 and 7:25 and what does the woman do?
Insult me.
Too funny…
@@
May 27th, 2012
9:23 pm
AmVet:
You call this: No need for you to start another battle in your usual pugnacious proclamations.. an insult!!??!!
Are you looking for one? I’ll be happy to oblige.
schnirt
AmVet
May 27th, 2012
9:28 pm
My obsessed one, I figured you would make some Pavlovian reply before Dusty.
But with you two women, it’s always a toss up as to who will strike out in selectively misplaced anger first!
I think both of you should take up Islam. Christianity, even on your Sabbath, is not working well for you!
Enjoy your enmity towards me though…
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
May 27th, 2012
9:42 pm
But corporations are people, my friend…
——————–
Corporations produce things that people want or need. Well, except for GM and the Volt.
The Democrat moocher class produces nothing but sloth, crime, and more mouths to feed.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
May 27th, 2012
9:43 pm
And you are correct, corporations are people, in the same way that unions are people.
@@
May 27th, 2012
9:44 pm
Anger? Hardly.
Irritated? Not even.
Someone referred to you as a one-note wonder the other day. An apt description of you.
david green
May 27th, 2012
10:05 pm
MarkV wrote: I do not think those events (assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, and 9/11) are comparable, and I do not think a discussion of the events that led to WWI is either fruitful or relevant.
______________________
It is this failure to learn from the events of the past upon the part of the American people that allows our political leaders to make the exact same mistakes with disastrous results in each succeeding generation without being held accountable.
MarkV
May 27th, 2012
10:52 pm
david green @10:05 pm
You simplistic view of history is demonstrated by your use of words: “It is this failure to learn from the events of the past upon the part of the American people that allows our political leaders to make THE EXACT SAME MISTAKES with disastrous results in each succeeding generation without being held accountable.” (My emphasis).
There are no EXACT SAME events in history.
@@
May 28th, 2012
8:09 am
There are no EXACT SAME events in history.
So true!
A change in weather can alter historical outcomes.
Rightwing Troll
May 28th, 2012
8:19 am
I see the wingnut hatred takes no holidays…sad and pathetic.. This is a day to honor those who died for your right to anonymously spout your racism and hatred for 364 other days of the year… Please put on your flag lapel pins and do so.
AmVet
May 28th, 2012
8:25 am
Someone referred to you as a one-note wonder the other day. An apt description of you.
“Great people talk about ideas. Average people talk about things. Small people talk about other people.”
We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldiers lay.
And listened to the bugle
As taps began to play.
The Chaplin led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.
They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here ‘neath the sand.
I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.
Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,
Thanks for what you’ve given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38wx8C7VmB4
Lil' Barry Bailout (Unexpectedly Revised Downward--Again)
May 28th, 2012
9:30 am
Rightwing Troll: I can’t think, so I just yell “RACISM!”
—————
Fixed.
Rankin Fyle
May 28th, 2012
9:48 am
European history is bathed in blood.
Two world wars in the 20th century is the icing on the European cake.
Could it hasppen again?
Absolutely.
Will it?
Not likely but nothing is impossible given the underlyoing animosities of that continent.
You are correct for pointing out the tragedy that is Europe.
The EU is the path to European stability and it is time for Germany to attone for those two world wars it started by subsidizing its “profligate” neighbors.
Lets move forward.
PS the Nazi’s were a right wing fascist party. stop re-wriing history.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
May 28th, 2012
10:00 am
Oh yeah, I’ll bet our soldiers are fighting each and every day for the rights of left wing lunatics to dictate how every body else should live their lives.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
May 28th, 2012
10:01 am
Veterans Give Romney Big Lead Over Obama
Veterans responsible for Romney’s advantage among men overall
by Frank Newport
PRINCETON, NJ — U.S. veterans, about 13% of the adult population and consisting mostly of older men, support Mitt Romney over Barack Obama for president by 58% to 34%, while nonveterans give Obama a four-percentage-point edge.
———-
It’s no surprise that those who are more patriotic and selfless support Romney.
GT
May 28th, 2012
10:14 am
Nothing socialistic about killing six million Jews. It is the bigotry of the Nazi and the rigntwing nuts that remind us of each other. The superiority and the manifest destiny, the lack of humility and grace.
In truth this country can never be a socialistic country as long as there is a democracy and voting. It may wind a little left or right but the misuse of the kind of government we serve under is more to the use of political misdirection and a lack of understanding purposefully or blindly believed by our population. All men being created equal does not mean God was a communist, no more that blue skies make Him a Tar Heel.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
May 28th, 2012
10:37 am
Nothing socialistic about killing six million Jews.
——–
It is the Democrat left and global Eurotrash that represent the biggest threat to Israel today. Conservatives are Israel’s best friend.
Stalin and Mao killed tens or hundreds of millions, and they’re heroes to the party of Obozo.
GT
May 28th, 2012
10:45 am
You see a picture forming here? I hope all have a happy MD and that our loose interpretations of reality never put us in harms way again. God bless the right and left that defended this country and made it great.
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
May 28th, 2012
11:12 am
Only insensitive jerks wish anyone a “happy MD”.
This isn’t the 4th of July, GT, where we celebrate our independence; Memorial Day is a time to honor our fallen heroes – NOT wish people a happy day.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
May 28th, 2012
11:16 am
Chris Hayes, PMSNBC: I’m ‘Uncomfortable’ Calling Fallen Military ‘Heroes’
And I’m completely comfortable calling you libs whackjobs.
Tiberius - Banned from Bookman's and proud of it!
May 28th, 2012
11:20 am
Shows just how far MSNBC has degenerated, IRYW.
Dusty
May 28th, 2012
11:33 am
Well, a good day to all of you in this time of remembrance. Memorial Day is both sad and sweet, is it not? We look upon the fields of crosses and wonder with sadness how so many died for our country. How proud we are and yet so many to die, most in the early ages of life.
Shakespeare had nice lines about those who lie “sleeping” below the crosses and monuments of remembrance. In his writing of “Titus Andronicus” he wrote:
Secure from wordly chances and mishaps;
Here lurks no treason, here no envy swells,
Here grow no damned grudges; here are no storms,
No noise, but silence and eternal sleep,
In peace and honor rest you here.
Peace and honor. May we always have them.
Toms Aardvark
May 28th, 2012
1:10 pm
I hope Obama has a terrible day.