Friday, May 18, 2007

Benedict Arnold/ Tony Blair

I felt quite a feeling of revulsion on reading in a recent Economist that in September 2001, Tony Blair in a speech had said “ Mine is the first generation able to contemplate the possibility that we may live our entire lives without going to war or sending our children to war”. If nothing more, that shows a lack of prescience and judgement to say such a things as a national leader and then a year or two later reverse that opinion with a vengeance. It looks in 2007 as if Blair has become responsible for many deaths and casualties in Iraq, which may not cease for many years to come, and without any obvious benefit to people in England or indeed Iraq! His latest argument is that we should contemplate 'liberal intervention' in the affairs of other nations overseas. I am not quite sure how this policy is different from old-style colonialism and implies a certain arrogance in a leader. I would hope whatever the policy a politician espouses, there should be some consistency and ultimately a measure of success, that we can all recognise.

It is quite understandable that the Americans should denigrate the name of Benedict Arnold (1741 – 1801) best known for betraying the United States forces and plotting to surrender the American fort at West Point to the English during the American Revolution. He is the most famous traitor in the history of the United States.

However the English probably took a different view and thought Benedict Arnold a loyal subject of King George. We had until recently supposed Tony Blair's responsibility was to safeguard the future of England and pursue policies that would benefit his own country - not the USA. While the Americans may feel happy that Tony Blair made what appears to be a 'personal' decision to support the USA, it does seem to be against the better judgement of the English people. However much Tony Blair may admire the USA, nevertheless one cannot help wonder whether there are not some other parallels in history, which need to be considered!

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