Cartoon 859: Clash

It is instructive to try to see things from the other side.

Suppose someone invaded. They disdain you and your traditions that have existed for centuries. They do away with your leaders and administrators. They tell you there is going to be change. You have to stop giving religion its preferential place in society. No more religious tax deductions or special considerations. Next they enticed your young girls and women to always publicly walk around in what amounts to string bikinis and mesmerize males. Finally the young people are encouraged not to follow tradition and contradict parents.

What would be your reaction? Outrage! If your culture is striped away, you would fight to bring it back. More than likely you would end up fighting for a purer more idealized society.

Make no mistake, the war is ultimately about money and the need for new Capitalist markets. There is a reason why capitalism is always framed in terms of “growth”. Traditional societies are poor markets. Worst, their people tend not to align with the West.

Know why you war; the crusades by any other name.