is a show of military strength really a deterrent?

Malaysia
June 4, 2010 11:33am CST
or would it be an aggravator? sometimes there are flotillas of military ships that are sent out across the world, just to make sure that countries 'behave' amongst themselves. sometimes there are displays of raw firepower to discourage potential enemies thinking of making plans, sometimes there are displays of technology that is hoped to make other countries bow to technological prowess.. but where is this leading us, as citizens of the world to? how can owning & developing machines that kill, promote peace instead? it's such an oxymoron to hear that.. i'm a firm believer that man isn't supposed to end the life of another man. peace is something that can be earned without force. but am i the only one? please..let's discuss.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@saphrina (31551)
• South Africa
4 Jun 10
Well Mario, let me put it this way. If each country left the other countries alone and concentrate on their own problems in their own borders, we won't have these problems, would we? Most of them don't even know how to spell the word ''PEACE'', let alone what it means. TATA.
• Malaysia
4 Jun 10
i really hate it when i turn on the news and all i see is people killing people, hurting people, or planning to hurt people.. if i had a genie, i know what my first wish would be.. i really do wish for world peace then the kids i will have later in life would have a nice and safe world to grow up in..
@saphrina (31551)
• South Africa
4 Jun 10
Now you know why i never watch tv anymore.
• Malaysia
4 Jun 10
i can't help but watch...my playstation is busted
@wiggles18 (2506)
• Canada
4 Jun 10
I know! You don't create peace with war; you create war with war; you create peace with peace.
• Malaysia
4 Jun 10
exactly! if only the governments of the world thought the same way too...
• Malaysia
4 Jun 10
as long as money is the true life-blood of the world, the rich will forever rule us... darn that new world order one world government is ok with me, only if no insane politicians were allowed to lead..
@wiggles18 (2506)
• Canada
4 Jun 10
Oh, the problem doesn't stem from the government, but from the government's government. The New World Order; the rich people who control everything in this world. At least for now ;).
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
• United States
4 Jun 10
Of course it has worked before. If you pay attention to history, the Great White Fleet and the entire cold war were built on this premise. There is no doubt that force can be a deterrent, it always has been. Why would someone attack a military they couldn't possibly defeat?
• Malaysia
4 Jun 10
yeah..it really is quite scary to see the armada, even on tv. and to imagine the destruction that it can possibly cause. i just feel like it can create a need for some countries to build up their own arms and weapons.. well..basically i'm just sad that a lot of people lose their lives in wars..
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
21 Jul 10
Logically, you are correct about owning & developing machines that kill is a deterrent to peace...but not all world leaders think logically. I think that most of the world would like to simply live in peace but, unfortunately, there are those who don't want peace...or they have goals that they will strive to reach regardless of the cost in human life. It is these people who need to be reminded of the possible consequences of their actions. So, yes, in my opinion, a show of strength is an effective deterrent. There are not too many world leaders who are crazy enough to ignore the obvious firepower of other nations.
@wiggles18 (2506)
• Canada
4 Jun 10
I know! You don't create peace with war; you create war with war; you create peace with peace.
• Malaysia
4 Jun 10
hehe..
@wiggles18 (2506)
• Canada
4 Jun 10
Sorry about the duplicate post people. Stupid computer :|.
• United States
14 Jun 10
I totally agree with you on that man isn't supposed to end the life of another man. and that peace can be earned without force. But history shows it self, and or repeats itself. Who's to say we backed down, and another force out there because they are strong take what they want. Who's going to stop them, or who will they be afraid of if they did start something. I totally disagree with us being an aggravator. Im sure a lot of people will agree witht the fact that our country has butted in on stuff that we shouldn't even be in, and we have people who have paid the ultimate sacriface because of those decisions but our country wouldn't be who/where we are if we didn't do those things. Now having a fleet of ships on deployment or on patrol at any given time isn't a bad idea. What if we kept them all here off our coast, and somebody decides to drop a bomb on us or some of our friends. How are we going to strike back in a timely manner. Or if there is a natural disaster in some country that doesn't have the means to help themselves? How many more lives will be lost with out our support. Your right about america not having to flaunt our weapons and our power to demand respect. For crying out loud, all they need to know is we are america. And history tells the rest. I guess that is my two cents. God bless america and those who support and sacrifice for our wonderful country. And God have mercy on those souls who strike out against us.