Christian - it's hard to over estimate the impact the first world war had on
subsequent history - surely Hitler came to power as a result of both the
devastation of Germany and the hesitation of both Britain and France - who
lost so much in 1914-1918 - to become militarily involved in stopping him
through 1934.

Most historians would say that the second world war - at least the European
part - was simply a continuation of the first.

As to man's wish that war will cease - I believe it is simply wishful
thinking.

I was astounded with the Genghis Khan quote Wirt ;-) Like WW1 it is hard to
underestimate his influence on European history and migration.

The Finnish language is not Scandinavian, but related to Hungarian. I wonder
if the people who became the Finns migrated (fled) from Central Europe
during this time.

I'm trying to picture a reflective Genghis, feet up on the table with a
scotch and fire in the fire place, after a tough day of rape and pillage,
saying to a lieutenant,

"you know, violence doesn't really solve anything" ;-) He was known to sweep
into villages and kill every living thing - men, women, children, animals.

Christian as to large scale carnage in the future I am sadly sure that it
will happen - although against civilians and not soldiers. When you look at
who has the bomb, bio agents, chemicals and who wants to do mass injury to
others (al Queda against the west, Palestinians against Jews, pick your
parties) it most certainly will happen sooner or later.

Me I have my dogs and my HP3000 - to the end ;-)

Bill

* To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
* etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *