They’re beating those drums again
“I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high-class muscleman for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.”
— Gen. Smedley D. Butler,
from “War is a Racket”
By Stephan Drew
ads@newsandpress.net
Beginning late last Wednesday night, Russia launched a full-scale attack on the independent republic of Ukraine.
By 2:30 Thursday afternoon, Russian forces had captured Chernobyl and appeared to be well on the way to securing major sections of the country. Of course, we will react militarily and economically.
We have already moved thousands of forces into Poland and other areas of Eastern Europe and have begun sanctions against Russia. Yes, they’re now beating those war drums again and, we are expected to dance to that tune.
Perhaps the most important question we need to ask ourselves is, “Why is Ukraine so important?” Some say it’s simply territorial. It’s believed that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to use the country as a “buffer” so that he will not be surprised with a sudden invasion from NATO and the European countries.
But there is another reason, and one which is probably more likely. I must confess, before this latest conflict began, I was somewhat ignorant of the Ukrainian people and their land. After a little research, I discovered some very interesting things.
The nation of Ukraine ranks first in Europe in proven recoverable reserves of uranium ore, second in Europe and 10th in the world in titanium ore reserves, second in the world in manganese ores and has the second largest iron ore reserves in the world.
They are also second in Europe in mercury ore reserves, third in Europe in shale gas reserves, and fourth in the world by TOTAL VALUE of natural resources. As far as agriculture goes, they rank first in Europe in arable land area, third in the world by area of rich black soil (25 percent of the world’s entire volume), and first in the world’s
exports of sunflowers and sunflower oil.
They are second place in world barley production, fourth place in barley exports, third largest producer and fourth largest exporter of corn. They are also the fourth largest producer of potatoes, fifth largest rye producer, fifth in bee production, eighth in wheat exports, ninth in egg production, and can meet the total food needs of over 600 million people around the world.
In addition, the Ukraine is first in ammonia production and has the fourth largest natural gas pipeline system in the world. Add to this the fact that they have a huge nuclear power plant capacity (8th largest in the world), rank as third largest iron exporter and third place in production of locators and locating equipment. They are a huge exporter of defense industry products, steel production and turbines for nuclear power plants.
It is quite evident, as far as natural resources go, that the Ukraine has a lot going for it. Probably more than any other country at this time. And nations all around the world want access to them.
Unfortunately, Vladimir Putin wants ALL of those resources for Russia. That is where the problem lies.
The U.S., NATO and the rest of the world are, understandably, upset because of it. Steps are now being taken to end the invasion but we are unsure of the result at this time.
We will impose severe sanctions and, hopefully, they will help to quell the situation. The outcome of military conflict is always unpredictable. We have fought and been a part of many wars during the lifetime of our nation. No matter how much planning, training or skill was involved, none of the exact conclusions has ever been predicted completely or precisely. There are always circumstances that no one could foresee.
And there are always underlying reasons why nations go to war. Many are never expressed or explained to the people who have to actually do the fighting. And some are so horrible that, if explained, would precipitate an uprising against the “powers that be.”
In the 1930s, Gen. Smedley Darlington Butler explained his feelings toward ALL wars. He certainly had the experience and knowledge to back up his assessment.
Serving in the U.S. military from 1898 to 1931, he fought in the Spanish-American War, the Phillippine-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, all of the “Banana Wars” of South America, World War I, and was considered a hero by those who fought in World War II.
He received 16 military medals, including five for valor and two Medals of Honor. Until World War II, he was probably the one serviceman most knowledgeable in the manner, tactics and reasons for war.
His assessment of large-scale conflict was astounding for a military man. He said, “WAR is a racket. It always has been. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.”
I believe he was right. We say we are fighting for world peace, humanity and the rights of the Ukrainian people. I hope that is true. I would hate to think we only want their resources for ourselves, just like Putin.
