Awakenings
Peter Schultz
Why is it thought that Plato asserted that “Only the dead have seen the end of war?”
Is it because “war is the health of the state” and, therefore, it is always engaged in proudly?
Is it because contemplating the consequences of patriotic, virtuous politics is deeply disturbing?
Is it because contemplating the lives, say, of Socrates or MLK, Jr. leads to doubt that “the arc of history bends towards justice” or that “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free?” [Ironically, i.e., revealingly, the latter is written above the entrance to the CIA in the U.S. You can’t make shite like this up.]
That war is the health of the state is confirmed by the fact that wars are always waged proudly, and its most successful killers celebrated with the highest honors. To kill righteously is a sign of political health because righteousness is the coin of the political realm, as illustrated presently by both Trump’s supporters and his enemies. Apparently, the only legitimate option regarding Trump is supporting or opposing him righteously, which requires taking him seriously. Trump’s enemies act as if opposing him righteously weakens him. Ironically, it fortifies him and his supporters.
