Brian D Williams wrote:
>
> >From: "Smigrodzki, Rafal" <SmigrodzkiR@MSX.UPMC.EDU>
>
> >If anything, let me just mention that I asked a random sample of
> >my English-speaking acquaintances about calling the 911 bombing
> >"cowardly", and I they replied that this usage would be just an
> >empty figure of speech, distinct from the primary meaning.
>
> We agree to disagree, besides we ( U.S.) are engaged in memetic
> warfare as well.
Its rather indicative of how much the Laws of War have fallen into
disuse. I would bet that at least 90% of the general population would
claim that they don't exist. I'm not surprised that those in the
intelligentsia are completely ignorant of them, it tends to be a badge
of honor to be ignorant of military manners in much of the educational
world (much like some people are proud of their ignorance of
computers).
Of course, I imagine that since few educators have any expectation of
ever engaging in combat, the Laws of War are a rather academic subject
for them. Those of us who are military experienced are far more versed
in them because they impact our daily behavior. We can and are held
responsible for our acts on the battlefield as much as your daily
commuter is held responsible for their acts on the freeway.
Academics discussing the Laws of War is much like Mongolian nomads
discussing drunk driving laws.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Sat May 11 2002 - 17:44:12 MDT