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Keep it Filed Away?
Both Mr. Spencer and Ms. Armstrong make interesting points. The prevailing perception of the efficacy of either point of view seems subject to what is politically pragmatic for the time.
In Flags of Our Fathers, James Bradley talks about visiting Japan after college. As a young man he couldn't understand why his father, a gentle and intelligent man couldn't forgive the Japanese or wouldn't set foot in Japan. In time as he learned what his father endured on Iwo Jima he understood how Pacific war veterans could feel this way.
It makes me wonder if in 2050 if the US is in global conflict with China, and our NATO allies, particularly Turkey are fighting at our side, if people will perceive Ms. Armstrong's take on the characteristics of Islam to be more sensible than Mr. Spencer's?
To quote George Friedman: " There are no friends in geopolitics just shared interests, passion is overrated."
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"Men Wanted: for Hazardous Journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.” -Sir Ernest Shackleton
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” –Greek proverb
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