WAR: Three viewpoints

A major concern of WAIS is differences in national perspective. Today, I happened to watch three TV programs: The first was of North Korea's military parades celebrating a national holiday. My reaction was "What a stupid mechanical display of puppets". Then I saw a documentary showing parades of West Point cadets. My reaction was "What fine young people! A credit to their country!".

What would be the reaction of a patriotic North Korean watching the two programs? The third program was of the London arms exhibition, the largest in the world. The US is the world's largest exporter of arms. There were the most modern weapons systems, rifles and other equipment.

When the display was criticized, one official said "Well, we sell safety equipment, etc., etc." Seldom have I heard such double talk. On the street there was a big protest. I detest demonstrations, which usually feature violent crazies. This one seemed reasonable and well-informed. The "military- industrial complex"? West Point is the military, the exhibition is the industrial. I wonder who makes all that money?