Mikhail Kalashnikov, arguably one of the most important and influential gun designers in military history, has passed away at 94 years of age. His AK-47 rifle is the most popular and widely used assault rifle in the world. It is easy to build and maintain. It stands up beautifully under conditions that would ruin more sophisticated weapons (e.g. the US M-16). It is not very accurate but it packs a punch. Even right-wing American gun advocates who would otherwise likely condemn him as a  "Commie" love the gun.

This is nothing to reply to, just a little story I remembered. I've never quite been sure what to make of it.

An old friend of mine is a Japanese-Canadian who, with his family, was banished to an internment camp in the second world war. I've seen pictures of the camp, and he's described it to me. It was terribly bleak.

I asked him, "What did your parents do there to pass the years?"

He grinned. "Mostly they went to the United Church."

let's presume that some wars are good, and that going to war in Afghanistan was a Christian thing to do. Okay.

That war was lost years ago, even back in the Bush days. Indeed, it has turned out to be the most expensive military blunder in history. It has long been known that we are leaving AFghanistan, precisely because our leaders know we cannot win. So why is it taking so long to leave? Because our leaders don't want to be blamed for the defeat. And so they can avoid blame,

Here is my message for November 11, 2012.

Love Leads the Way (Book of Ruth)

Remembrance Day

The weeks from now to the election will come as close to world war three as can be imagined - and quite possibly will cross the line. Netanyahu is determined to attack Iran. The American emprie is falling into desperate disarray, especially in the middle east, Afghanistan and Latin America.

The US can no longer raise enough troops to fight a conventional war on so many fronts. It has to rely ever more heavily on varieties of technology and bombing that kill large humbers of civilians.

Why on earth would Canada cut relations with Iran? It has no significant effect on Iran or on Canada. The reasons that are given are absurd. Iran the worst threat to world peace?

Great article by Dr. Tom Long on why we shouldn't sing "Onward Christian Soldiers" in worship. It's patently absurd!

http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2012-08/absurd-worship

I see by the papers Canada is establishing military bases in East Africa, Asia, Germany, possibly Latin America. These bases will have only small manpower, but will be capable of rapid transfomation within hours into formidable attack launch sites.

Why are we doing this?

Mr Harper says it's to help with local emergencies like earthquakes. Oh? Then why are they military bases? and why in those particular locations?

Well, they're also to "project Canadian military power".

It's early, I know. But this might take some planning and soul-searching.

On Nov. 11, we will all mark the day with pious speeches about how our soldiers volunatrily gave their lives for defend Canadian freedom.

For the moment, let's forget that a lot of them died because military service was the only employment available. I knew many like that when I was a kid. And some joined for the thrill - because they were kids. And some joined to dump their wives and children. I knew a few of th ose.