What is my solution? you ask, David.

Looking back over 6,000 years of endless conflict can only confirm that we humans are a despicable, stupid lot. Perhaps, during the Golden Age of Greece, when nobility was valued and money-grubbing was despised, we crawled a little way out of the swamp. Ever since it's been all down hill.

The dark, destructive forces inside us, most probably, can only be softened by powerful drugs or changed by genetic engineering. Perhaps, one day, following a nuclear war, a new, non-sectarian, humanist philosophy might emerge, one that values selflessness, humility, caring and sharing.

Force cannot create world stability. The belief that force and peace are somehow allied, a view promoted by America, is a ridiculous proposition. Force caters to our instinct to kill, to dominate. It breeds a huge arms industry which makes money from continuing wars. If the arms industry was closed down tomorrow the world economy would collapse (and those who control the world economy will not allow that to happen).

As well, training large numbers of killers (soldiers) in every country disposes nations towards war when they can't achieve their acquisitive objectives by other means.

What chance then for peace in a greedy, militaristic capitalist world?

None.

Kind regards,

Sinni
well, I'm refreshingly happy with your honesty, I really wasn't sure at first if u were going to advocate some socialist utopian dream :) but in reality, u and I are in total agreement by and large in our assessment of both human nature and the world.
That brings us to the solution.
I really hope u can take a deep breath, and bear with me thru a few steps of reasoning and exploration here. Pls refer to Peter Sellicks article about God and Politics, and in particular to his reference to the power struggle between the Emporer/King and the Prophet. The classic example is of king Saul, and the prophet Samuel. There is always a tendency for 'kings' (i.e. anyone or any group who/which is politically powerful and ambitious) to go their own way, to believe in their own manifest destiny etc. This is where the only voice of reason to hold them back is that of the prophet. Nathan confronted King David about his murder and adultery. The "State" always needs this voice, calling it back.

In the context of the USA and its current sense of manifest destiny to bring democracy, along side the other interests which u underlined (of the arms industry) the voice of the prophet should be calling them always to account for their social and economic murder and adultery. This is not to say that there is no legitimate role for arms industries and powerful nation states. (due to the flaws of human nature u observed) That role however must always be clothed in the garments of compassion and justice.

I firmly believe in 'New People' make good government, not 'New Systems'. For this reason, Paul in Romans chapter 12 states.

"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect."

If you examine fairly the life and teaching of Jesus, you will find all that you crave for social renewal in Him.

Dear David,
6,000 years of history have given rise to all manner of religions, each one with their god or gods, each one with their wildly differing claims of 'truth'. So many attrocities, so much cruelty has been carried out by men claiming that 'God is on their side'.

George W., while his military forces drop cluster bombs on, and use depleted uranium explosives against, innocent civilians is, each Sunday, in a Christian Church enthusiastically singing about love for his neighbour (as are John Howard and Tony Blair). Some Muslims, rightfully fearing domination by the West, after prayers, go out and explode themselves in crowded markets believing that their death and the death of others will bring them martyrdom. Zionists leave the synagogue then, without qualm, go out in American tanks and Apache helicopters to kill largely defenceless Palestinians and take more of their lands. In Northern Ireland people belonging to the same Christian religion continue to fight and murder each other. Too often, religion divides people and ferments hatred.

David, there is not one shred of empirical evidence to support the existence of any god or of any afterlife. The only religion I have any time for are the Buddhists - at least they are a peaceable lot.

As an atheist, I respect your belief, David, but, as 6,000 years have clearly shown, religion is more part of the problem than the solution.

Kind Regards

Sinni
I take your points on board, but must enthusiastically disagree on some levels. The general principle I want to point out is illustrated very well in fact by one of your own examples. Northern Ireland. There are groups of sincere Catholics, and protestants, who actually get along splendidly, have love for each other etc... and that is what I'm referring to. The northern Ireland political history goes back to Cromwell and others,in that case, there is a close relationship between the political and religious history, but may I also point out, that among Jesus disciples were Simon the 'zealot' (aka anti Rome terrorist) and Matthew the (Pro Rome) Tax Collector and the target of the likes of Simon the Zealot.
Christ DOES change people, transform them, renew them. You say there is no shred of evidence for God ? wow :) different debate, but why not see just how it all panned out in the gospels. Have a read for yourself, discover the real kingdom of God.
Sinni, you are surrounded with an ocean of despair, and God slings you a lifebuoy but u swim the other way mate. U rascal!
Have a critical look at the life of Jesus, forget the church for a while.

"If anyone thirsts, let come to me and drink". John 7.37

Sinni, Jesus transformed the world. Within 300 yrs of his short 3 yr ministry, the Roman Empire declared itself 'Christian' ..yet not by sword, not by oppression, not by war, not by deceit nor by money, but by the power of the simple gospel to save and renew sinners humble enuf to admit their condition. Why not have a peek at that very gospel :)
cheers

Been there, done that, David. End of subject.

The issue I'm trying to bring attention to is that a delusional and intellectually challenged President, manipulated and controlled by a cabal of Christian Fundamentalists, Zionists, Right-wing extremists, large Corporations and Billionaires, is, surreptitiously and methodically, attempting to change the world order using military force.

Rome is burning! Where are the guardians of our democracy?

Sinni
something tells me there is more to your situation than u are letting on about, though u seem to be alluding to it . "been there, done that" ? hmm.. sounds like there is a bad 'church' experience lurking in that background of yours. I really don't think you have actually been there, because I don't see why anyone would leave such a relationship once they have known it apart from running away from what they know is right. Even if I was abused, short changed, ripped off, treated awfully etc by some 'church person' in who'm I'd hoped, I would not lose faith in Christ. When I went out as a missionary to Borneo, the senior Elder who had smilingly congratulated me on my step of faith, dumped his wife and took up with another woman, and there I was, alone and vulnerable in a strange land etc with 'them' as my support team. But I see things for what they are, he was always a curious character to me, and in the end it didn't surprise me.
I never managed to be with my dad when he died because a co-worker asked me to go a bit further with some stuff for a youth camp, while he was fading. But in all this, I knew Christ is alive and with me.

You are worried about the 'guardians' but without that which the prophets point to, 'why worry' ? what is there to worry about ? Nothing means anything in the long run anyway, so ? bring out the beer, lets party while there's life and time. Now u see my own cynicism, but its directed at a godless world.
Hope you drink from the endless fountain :)
You will probably rip into me about this, but I hope not.