PEACEFUL AMERICANS - THAT WAS THEN

Once upon a time, Americans were more peace-loving and peace-making. They had been sickened by World War One and took action to prevent, avoid and stay out of wars. Disarmament became a concept for preserving peace. The U.S. was easily the mightiest force on the seas in the 1920s, President Warren Harding (a Republican) approved of Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes' plan to join with England, France, Italy and Japan to contain the size of their fleets. In America's case, it meant significant reductions. Many people in Japan and England were astounded that Americans would relinquish such a military advantage.

The agreement was signed in 1922. Each nation was limited in the number of each type of ship and the firepower on the deck. The U.S. had to sink many ships. Much of this was done as target practice in the Pacific Ocean.

It's hard to imagine a nation and its people demonstrating so much sincere desire to reduce the threat of war. We should be proud of those Americans who invented such a plan and kept to its provisions in good faith.

The British and the Japanese were less impressive, however, and were soon increasing firepower as well as conniving ways around the agreements. Japan actually denounced the treaty after a few years.

Maybe again, someday and with more sincerity. Both money and lives would be saved.

It's all so simple.
_________________________________
Overheard at Only The Lonely

"McCain should pick Condi Rice for veep. He'd be playing the race card and gender card in one stroke. He's already got the geezer vote."

"My uncle was middle class, but he was real modest about it."

"It's easy to find a job in southern Utah, however, you need two of them to make ends meet, three to buy a home, and four to consider getting married. Health insurance is not in the picture."