Europe's Lost Vision

[Mediocrates]

http://www.yaleisraeljournal.com/summ2004/europe.php

From the Yale Israel Journal. A brilliant dissection of the divergence of America [& Israel] from Europe described as the failure of European nationalism & religion as Old World unifying structures and how this translates to antiamericanism and antisemitism.

<excerpt>

Europe's Lost Vision

By Ted R. Bromund

The author is Associate Director of International Security Studies at Yale University.

A visitor doubts whether the United States are, so far as the things of the mind are concerned, “a new country.” The people have the hopefulness of youth. But their institutions are old, though many have been remodelled or new faced; their religion is old; their views of morality and conduct are old; their sentiments . . . have not greatly diverged from those of the parent stock. . . . A transplanted tree may bear fruit of a slightly different flavor, but the apple remains an apple and the pear a pear.
--James Bryce, The American Commonwealth, Vol. II (1888)

Viscount Bryce ended his study of America with the observation that the United States was still recognizably European. Though proud of their republican institutions, and enjoying a fuller measure of prosperity and social equality than any other nation, Americans had not yet developed a civilization separate from that of Europe. It would, he believed, be another generation before the American fruit so acclimated to its new environment that it became a separate species.

To Bryce, the United States was young in spirit but old in mind. The Enlightenment beliefs on which the United States was founded gave it the optimism of youth that, paradoxically, had preserved institutions and convictions that were older than many that survived in Europe. Having escaped the tumult of the French Revolution, which tested the faith of Europeans in the “ascent of man,” Americans retained their measured optimism. They looked forward to continuing to strive towards their ideals, and to the creation of a civilization that was better not for the favored few, as in Europe, but for “the whole body of the people.”

Many today accept that Bryce’s prediction of an American divergence from Europe has been born out by events. The US and Western European governments disagreed regularly during the Cold War: the fact that they have continued to do so during the past decade is not, in itself, significant. But since the early 1990s, observers have described a divorce between American and European civilizations. The phrase that has gained the most currency is “American unilateralism.” It echoes and endorses Bryce’s forecast: it is the United States that has diverged from Europe.

Yet in reality it is Europe, not the United States, that has changed. Bryce believed that as America evolved, it would naturally become less like Europe. His error was to suppose that after 1789, Europe had outgrown the revolution. But for Europe, the twentieth century was an age of revolutions. Instead of American progress taking the New World gradually further afield from the Old, it was the Old World that was wrenched violently away from the New. In the process, America and Europe lost their previously shared vision of how the world should be ordered. America retained what Europe rejected.

This European divergence from the principles it used to share with America is not at the root of every disagreement between the United States and the European Union; differences between democracies are inevitable. Nor is either union monolithic. But the divergence is real and dangerous: it causes some trans-Atlantic differences, and it aligns them all. It makes every incident part of the story of the American falling-away from European civilization and gives renewed strength to anti-Semitism, anti-Americanism’s historical twin. Every aspect of this divide is thus of great consequence for Israel. By staking its place as the modern, liberal opponent of the United States, Europe is rejecting not only the premises of the modern world order, but also the means by which the liberal values of that order must be defended.

[RichardP]

Now that was a stimulating read, my brain has been reactivated.

[Macc]

EU and USA cooperation is closer then it has ever been, you people need to realize that even though europeans hate americans and vice versa they are still friendly with each other.

Remember EU and USA are at the forefront of promoting the NWO i.e globalist agenda, sure they're are bitch fights once in a while but overall it's all peachy.

[RichardP]

Macc, I’m not in agreement that the USA and EU co-operation is closer than it has ever been. Admittedly, I would like to believe it is so; but where are the prime-indicators? Attempting to co-exist, perhaps, but even that is saved for photo-ops.
Although, Israel and the US are at times in disagreement, their relationship with all its set-backs is based on a co-operative foundation, more so than with the EU.
True some of the smaller members of the EU (Eastern States) are seeing their fellow members, such as France, stuck in a quagmire of self-importance, arrogance and condescension, with this attitude aimed at the Eastern European members. Betraying their true agenda, parity with the superpower, the US; hence at the moment their bullying, which may or may not have impact, is directed at the ’lesser’ members of their so-called Union. They have forever been, even to this day, in desperate need, of cleaning-up their own backyards; however, being much too smug and narcissistic; they will never come to terms with this major flaw.
When realization finally dawns on them, it will, however, be too late. Moreover, they as before, will need allies to bail them out from their self-styled faux pas.
Unlike their archenemies, whom they mistakenly believe are the true bullies; fence; she, France and others will be building walls to keep the Islamo-Fascist out. Not a security fence as Israel has erected for her sovereign security, but that of her courageous citizens.
Nonetheless, there is rudimentary co-operation, however, to me; it is for the sole benefit of the Leftist Western Media and photo-ops. One more thing, I’m sure the many Euros are praying, whilst the French pray to their Sun King, for Kerry to win the Presidency.

[Semsem]

Let us not fool ourselves. Yes the US Government is pro Israel but I have come across many Americans who are anti Israel.

[RichardP]

No doubt, they are here in Canuckistan, too. And with the upcoming election, G-d knows what will be, if there is a change in the Oval Office. Seeing that Kerry's wife is, "so European", Americans may soon be taking etiquette classes, to be, "Sooo European". Now, there's a scary thought. :p

[Macc]

Germany and France got into trouble with EU by not supporting the USA in disarming Iraq, you might do a little reading before you start puking stuff up at random; and don't confuse EU agenda with France or Germany's agenda because they're clearly not the same.

When France and Germany went against supporting USA, EU straight out told France and Germany to STFU and support the cause; EU even went as far as to threaten both countries with fines and sanctions.

[RichardP]

and so what... did it happen? You can believe we have close ties with the EU, in my opinion, we don't. Who are the power-brokers, or some say wannabe power-brokers of the EU?

[Macc]

The power brokers are the elite on both sides of the Atlantic, ever hear of the Bilderbergs? An actual article poped up in the New York times recently, it paints a pretty scary picture on what's going on behind the scenes with these Globalists.

New York Times stated that Bush as well as John Edwards and a few other major players attended the meeting in Italy. Edwards got the ok from the Elite to be the VP for John Kerry. Keep in mind that both Bush and Kerry are both Skull and Bones, so pretty much it does not matter who gets elected; the globalists are still going to be in Power after the November election.

There is a chance Bush might get tossed out, the Elite on both sides of the atlantic are furious with Bush and how he handled the Iraq War and 911.

[RichardP]

I don't disagree that there's a tit-for-tat elitism on both sides of the Atlantic, though, admittedly, The NYT is not, as I'm sure with you, my sole source for news.
Skull and Bones, yes, have seen and read some things about it. Admittedly, I'm not totally sceptical; however, I'll wait till Mikey Moore makes a documentary on it, before passing judgement. LoL!
As said, Globalists will be in power no matter what, whether that is good, bad or indifferent; from what is said, there isn’t much ‘we’ can do about it, but rant, scream or throw coffee beans at the Starbucks folks!
Cheers!!

[Macc]

"As said, Globalists will be in power no matter what, whether that is good, bad or indifferent; from what is said, there isn’t much ‘we’ can do about it, but rant, scream or throw coffee beans at the Starbucks folks! "

Well we can't sit idly by while the Globalists destroy our constitution and the bill of rights. I am getting sick and tiered of hearing that "If you're not for Micro chips and for loosing your liberty you're with the terrorists". More and more people are waking up from the slumber but we need houndreds of millions to know about this and not only a few lucky thinkers.

Remember Republicans and Democrats are all the same, 2 sides of the same coin; they're with the Globalists and they're ruled and funded behind the scenes. We elect them and all they do is work against us, they pass new taxes, they terrorize our people and they're slowly but surely destroying the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Patriot act I states that EVERYONE IS A TERRORIST, they can stop you, interrogate you and beat the hell out of you and then tell you to STFU or you will go to jail; What kind of freedom is this? Dogs in 3rd world countries have more freedom then we do here in the west and it's continually getting worse.

They're goal is a 1 world government, they will achieve that peacefully or through war, this was stated by them time and time again. I know most of the people are going to act like lemmings and will do and say everyhting their Masters tell them but that won't be me.

[RichardP]

Actually, I'm hardly in total disagreement with you, but it (Globalization) is not a new concept, ambition or goal; however, as you say, we are moving closer to it.
There are those like you, Macc, who, I'm sure are more rational in your protest, than the lunatic fringe, one sees in the media. That I think is what is important, be it a cause or crusade, that before tearing down a rotted structure, you have something on the drawing board, sort-of-speak, to replace it, or to renovate the old structure.
Media likes to play on the hyperbole of any issue and, or event; sadly, this only perpetuates stereotypes. I don’t see you throwing coffee beans or bricks, for that matter; nonetheless, I have been wrong… but that’s the great part of being human, the ongoing process of learning, from mistakes as well, as the odd success. To me at least, the learning curve becomes greater, as you get older. Not because one can’t teach an old dog new tricks, nor that wisdom comes with age… because, this is all poppycock; we are forever learning, young and old; however, age does give some edge, one, you know you don’t have all the answers, nor will you ever: secondly, humility, not a bad thing, you learn this from falling many times in you lifetime and picking yourself up, again and again. To quote a great American icon, Martha Stewart, “And that’s a good thing.” I may be paraphrasing as I’m not a fan of Martha.

[Alfred]

Globalism:

Well, at the end of the day I sit back and realize that a baby blue helmet is very easy to hit out to 1000 yards with an M14. You do have to worry about windage at that range, but the targets will probably be huddled together awaiting directions from Kofi, Schroeder, Paul Martin or Chiraq.

The Left:

I was reading "Bush at War" by Woodward (not exactly a conservative) and came away thinking that we were lucky Clinton, Gore or Kerry weren't in charge after Sept. 11.

There was a quote from Osama ben Laden from the day we started bombing Afghanistan (I just love spelling Ben with an "e") that essentially says :
The vanguard of Islam, the Holy Warriors will destroy America."

It was then I realized that it was impossible for the vanguard of Isam to destroy America, but the vanguard of Islam could get the American Left to destroy America.

[RichardP]

And not just America, in Canuckistan it is the same, if not worse... we are on the path so righteous and smug, waggling our fingers at the big bad US of A.
It's an embarrassment. We push the propaganda, that we are a nation of peacekeepers, not like our war-monger neighbours to the south. Priding ourselves and waving our baby-blue helmets, as mentioned; in self-denial, that this is a war, not a police-action against Islamo-Terrorism.
Though, appreciating some of Macc’s views, I fear the conspiracy-theorists are blaming or paranoid of the wrong people.
Up here in ’Blunderland’, the leftist government has left us and others open to scorn, excluding the French and other Euros. Nor, am I saying, we should jump if the US says to jump, however, our short sightedness, will once again, cause us to ask big bad Uncle Sam to bail us out when the sky falls.
Would I approve to be micro-chipped? I have pondered over and over. Would it save our democracies from slipping into an abyss, another dark-age, then yes? Am I convinced it is needed? Hmm, not necessarily, but in time, who knows, what awaits us in the near future.
You are right Alfred, when seeing the airliners explode into the twin-towers; I recall thinking in the aftermath; man, thank G-d, Bush and not Gore, or Bubba Clinton are in the Oval Office. Or needless to say, we’d be on our knees, not necessarily in prayer, but submission.
Now, I’ll put on a baby-blue helmet and prepare for a Big Macc attack… not being facetious, Macc, you remind me of my nephew, and it’s great to get a diversity of opinions. :rolleyes:

[Alfred]

And not just America, in Canuckistan it is the same, if not worse... we are on the path so righteous and smug, waggling our fingers at the big bad US of A.
It's an embarrassment. We push the propaganda, that we are a nation of peacekeepers, not like our war-monger neighbours to the south. Priding ourselves and waving our baby-blue helmets, as mentioned; in self-denial, that this is a war, not a police-action against Islamo-Terrorism.
Though, appreciating some of Macc’s views, I fear the conspiracy-theorists are blaming or paranoid of the wrong people.
Up here in ’Blunderland’, the leftist government has left us and others open to scorn, excluding the French and other Euros. Nor, am I saying, we should jump if the US says to jump, however, our short sightedness, will once again, cause us to ask big bad Uncle Sam to bail us out when the sky falls.
Would I approve to be micro-chipped? I have pondered over and over. Would it save our democracies from slipping into an abyss, another dark-age, then yes? Am I convinced it is needed? Hmm, not necessarily, but in time, who knows, what awaits us in the near future.
You are right Alfred, when seeing the airliners explode into the twin-towers; I recall thinking in the aftermath; man, thank G-d, Bush and not Gore, or Bubba Clinton are in the Oval Office. Or needless to say, we’d be on our knees, not necessarily in prayer, but submission.
Now, I’ll put on a baby-blue helmet and prepare for a Big Macc attack… not being facetious, Macc, you remind me of my nephew, and it’s great to get a diversity of opinions. :rolleyes:


All is not lost in Canada. You guys produced some of the best snipers in the world who helped save our guys butts in Afghanistan. If your government hasn't thrown your brave snipers in prision for being politically incorrect then I would like to offer all of our deserters currently residing in Canada, plus 1000 democrats of your choice in trade for your Canadian sniper teams.

I will even throw in a free set of Ginsu knives.

We will always trade men for mice.


(PS: we will only shoot at blue-helmets if they are invading our land)

[RichardP]

Actually, I saw a documentary on our snipers, and there was by chance a snippet about them on CBC... believe it or not.
Nah, best not make the trade as of yet, we may need them here in short order. But don't despair; I'm sure our US friendly (not) Government would put hem on the table, if and when, we have a trade dispute.
Cheers! :p

[Mediocrates]

Here the big argument is between Army and USMC snipers. They each claim to be better than the other.

[RichardP]

Nothing like a bit of competitive spirit... hopefully, it will make them even more proficient.

[Mediocrates]

Army Sniper School

One Shot, One Kill

According to figures released by the Department of Defense, the average number of rounds expended in Vietnam to kill one enemy solder with the M-16 was 50,000. The average number of rounds expended by U.S. military snipers to kill one enemy soldier was 1.3 rounds. That's a cost-difference of $23,000 per kill for the average soldier, vs. $0.17 per kill for the military sniper.

According to the U.S. Army, the average soldier will hit a man-sized target 10 percent of the time at 300 meters using the M16A2 rifle. Graduates of the U.S. Army sniper school are expected to achieve 90 percent first-round hits at 600 meters, using the M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS).

The sniper has special abilities, training, and equipment. His job is to deliver discriminatory, highly accurate rifle fire against enemy targets that cannot be engaged successfully by the regular rifleman because of range, size, location, fleeting nature, or visibility. Sniping requires the development of basic infantry skills to a high degree of perfection. A sniper's training incorporates a wide variety of subjects designed to increase his value as a force multiplier and to ensure his survival on the Battlefield. The art of sniping requires learning and repetitiously practicing these skills until mastered. A sniper must be highly trained in long range rifle marksmanship and field craft skills to ensure maximum effective engagements with minimum risk.

A lot of people have the misconception that to be a good sniper, you have to be a good shooter. Shooting is only 20 percent of the course at the Army Sniper School. It takes a patient person, a disciplined person, a person who is used to working alone. In addition to marksmanship skills, the school instructs on detecting and stalking a target, and estimating the range of a target. The course also covers concealment and camouflage, as well as observation exercises.

The first U.S. Army Sniper School was initiated in 1955, right after the Korean War cease-fire. The present U.S. Army Sniper School was established at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1987. The length of the school is 5 weeks. The Army National Guard Sniper School was established in 1993 at Camp Robinson Arkansas.

Prerequisites:

Must be 11B, 11M, 19D or CMF 18.
PFC-SFC (Grade waiverable).
Active duty, or Reserve, or National Guard, must have a good performance record with no history of alcohol, or drug abuse, must be a volunteer and be recommended by his commander.
Must be in excellent physical condition (70 percent or better in each event of the APFT).
Must have a corrected vision of 20/20
Must not have a record of disciplinary action.
Must be knowledgeable of skill level 2 tasks.
Must have a GT score of 100.
Must have qualified expert with the M16A2/M4 Carbine rifle within six months of course attendance.
Normal color vision must be annotated on SF 88, tested within six months of course attendance.
Must have a minimum of one (1) year retainability.
Must pass psychological evaluation (MMPI/CPI) conducted under the direction of a qualified psychologist.
Upon reporting to the U.S. Army Sniper School, Students are required to have the following:

1. Gillie suit complete.

2. 5 copies of all orders and amendments (NG/USAR 10 Copies)

3. Valid ID card and sets of metal ID tags with chain

4. Unit issued meal card (non-wavrable)

5. DA FORM 2-1 6. DA FORM 2A

7. Medical Records

8. Commanders Recommendation

9. DA form 3822-A

10. SF88 11. Rifle Marksmanship score card

SPECIAL INFO: The following items are also required for the USASS:

Large Alice pack w/frame, LBE/LBV complete with ammo pouch (2),
1 Qt. canteen (2)
first aid pouches, poncho w/poncho liner, water proof bag, (2)
cammo stick, calculator, padlocks, (2) (key or Commbo)
Clipboard.
Five (5) sets of BDUs, T-shirt, and black/green socks (1 set will be rendered unserviceable after training), 2 BDU caps, 2 pair of boots (combat or jungle, one pair will be rendered unserviceable after training)
2 Gray PT uniforms complete with running shoes, seasonal military attire (gortex, polypros, Etc), undergarments, toiletries, etc, as needed
2 ear-plugs w/carrier
1 lensetic compass
2 protractors, pens and mechanical pencils and
1 Boonie Hat and a Ghillie suit.
All students report to the USASS, Building 4882, Harmony church no later than 0800 hours on the reporting day (day prior to the class start date). Students arriving prior to 0800 hours on the class reporting date will report to the SDNCO, 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment in building 74 on Main post, Fort Benning.

Marine Corps Scout Sniper Training
from Marine Corps News Service

Sep 3 2003

The Scout Sniper Basic Course recently moved from its previous location at 3rd Marine Regiment to MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay's Regimental Schools, in order to more efficiently train devil dogs of the 3rd Marine Division.

The school will now receive its funding from the base, and is also allowing other branches of the Armed Forces to attend the 10-week-long course.

"The Marine Corps has the best sniper program in the world," said Gunnery Sgt. Richard Tisdale, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the Scout Sniper School. "A sniper needs to be trained as best as possible because they must be combat ready at all times," he explained.

"Due to the nature of the sniper's mission, they must be trained mentally and physically to operate independently forward of friendly positions on the battlefield."

The Scout Sniper School has now integrated Marines from the entire 3rd Marine Division as well as soldiers from the Army's 25th Infantry Division aboard Schofield Barracks, and Navy Seals from Navy Seal Delivery Team 1 located at Ford Island.

Previously, the school only trained Marines with the regiment.

"We are learning how to properly employ snipers, how to use the weapons, use camouflage and stalking techniques," said Army Spc.

"This school goes further in depth than what units teach about basic marksmanship, weapons, camouflage and reconnaissance techniques," said Garrison.

The course is broken down into three phases. The first involves land navigation and marksmanship. During this phase, trainees fire sniper ammunition on long distance and unknown distance qualification courses.

The second phase covers stalking techniques, field skills and call for fire rehearsals. The last encompasses everything from communication to surveillance performance.

"When many people think of a sniper, they think of a person who randomly shoots people," said Tisdale. "A sniper selects his target and fires upon it. Marksmanship makes up only 10 percent of being a sniper.

"We train our snipers to be patient and wait for the perfect opportunity to fire upon the target when it will best support the mission," Tisdale continued. "They could lay in a dormant position for days at a time before actually pulling the trigger and engaging on the target."

Soldiers and other service members are paired up with Marines, so they can cross train one another, and at the same time, keep the Marines on their toes with the competition of training with another branch of the Armed Forces.

The Marine sniper course is taught twice a year, and the range can be used for sustained training by any requesting sniper units throughout the rest of the year.

"I think it is a great experience," said Garrison. "You get to see how the other services operate, and they get to see how you operate as well."

[Alfred]

As someone who has received training in the ....uh...art of sniping I can say that historically the Marines were the best (I am not a fully qualified military sniper however).

The Army has caught up in many ways but is stuck with rules and regulations that limit their abilities. The Canadians that have come down for inter-team competition have done very well. Perhaps they had developed better "hiding" skills while trying to survive in a hostile Canadian political environment (:))

The "one shot, one kill" mindset is going through a bit of revision with our experience in Afghanistan and urban Iraq. Most of our snipers are engaging mulitiple targets of opportunity versus the one-shot type. 50 caliber weapons are very popular as well as the new 408 that the Israelis are equiping with. One of our boys has made a 2200 yard kill on a Islamic terrorist with the new round which has at least 500 yards on the 338 Lapua.

Downtown Iraq must be a paradise for sending terrorists to their 72-virgin paradise. Unlike WW2 we have to wait until we know the bad guy is a 'harmful' bad guy before we shoot. The optics give us a better chance to hit said bad guy without hitting the woman's skirt said bad guy is hiding behind.

I would much rather take shots at badguys from 400 yards than be up close and personal with an M4 thankyou. Too many bad things can happen by accident when you are that close.