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Even plants will kill to survive. Some more viscously than others.

srothstein wrote: ↑Sun May 29, 2022 11:34 pm While not in our individual DNA (I think), it is definitely in whatever makes up our culture's DNA.

I would say that is not in our culture, but rather in every humans DNA and most if not all animals. It would be the instinct to survive. Even the smallest creature, in order to survive, will fight as best it can.

Suppressing that instinct is what some people aspire to achieve their entire lives. Some people thrive on it and some are able to manage or control it in measured responses. We, humans, don't have the ability yet to stop violence without using violence. That really bothers some folks. The people of the US may seem to have a propensity for violence, but when we emerged as the most powerful nation in the world after WWII a big chunk of the world looked toward us to keep the order. Once you're on top there's only one direction to go and others will keep trying to help push you in that direction one way or another (directly or indirectly).

Before WWI we were still shell shocked from the Civil War and still just wanted to be left alone and let the Europeans fight amongst themselves. Then after WWI and into the depression our isolationism grew. If the Pearl Harbor attack hadn't occurred I don't know if or how we would have gotten into WWII. Anyway, ever since we've been the big dog. Some see us a bullies, while most see us as saviors. Can't please everyone.

The problem, as I see it, is that you can't rest on your laurels or you won't be the big dog very long. Si vis pacem, para bellum! Such a true statement that so many overlook. Even the neutral Swiss prepare for war. Although, I understand that recently they have begun to question whether or not to request membership in NATO. We cannot have a military of pacifists. There must be people willing to get violent when required. It's just that when you have a population of 330+M there is going to be a bunch that are either unwilling or cannot control that violence.