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September 2006
Elsewhere on the WebVictor Davis Hanson’s Private Papers Victor Davis Hanson Archive on National Review OnlineTour Books
A War Like No Other How the Athenians and Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War
by Victor Hanson
Amazon.com’s Best of 2001 Many theories have been offered regarding why Western culture has spread so successfully across the world, with arguments ranging from genetics to superior technology to the creation of enlightened economic, moral, and political systems. In Carnage and Culture, military historian Victor Hanson takes all of these factors into account in making a bold, and sure to be controversial, argument: Westerners are more effective killers.
by Victor Davis Hanson
by Victor Davis Hanson
by Victor Davis Hanson
by Victor Davis Hanson, John Keegan Hanson, for those who somehow have missed him until now, is a professor of Classics at California State and also is a part time farmer, both of which have contributed to his writing as a military historian. As a classicist, Hanson is well versed in the sources in their original Greek, and as a farmer he understands how agriculture affected the experience of the Greeks at war.
by Victor Davis Hanson
by Victor Davis Hanson
Hanson relates the life stories of his farmer neighbors, writing that their way of life will likely soon disappear, thanks in part to a federal system of agricultural subsidies that favors large-scale, industrial farm corporations over individual “yeomen.” This is a sobering and eye-opening book. by Victor Davis Hanson On first glance, The Soul of Battle appears to be three different books: biographies of two well-known generals—Sherman and Patton—and one who is virtually unknown today, the ancient Greek leader Epaminondas. Yet Victor Davis Hanson, a classics professor and author of The Western Way of War, makes a compelling connection between these three men. They were “eccentrics, considered unbalanced or worse by their own superiors” who led democratic armies on missions of freedom.
by Robert B. Strassler (Editor), Victor Davis Hanson (Introduction)
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September 11, 2006 6:10 AM
Five Years and RunningMore Whining From Osama I watched bin Laden’s commemorative tape released shortly before the fifth anniversary of the attack today. All the usual stuff was there: mention of lost honor, the same pathological lying about taking credit for mass murder that he once denied, more gripes about Kosovo, Chechnya, etc. Do any Americans finally see through these killers? On Monday they are mad about East Timor, on Tuesday Kosovo. Wednesday they wake up and shout about Israel, while on Thursday it’s American troops once in Saudi Arabia. Does anyone see a pattern here, especially when they talk of lost “honor” and “humiliation”? War-torn Rwandans are humiliated. There is no honor in Serbia. But what in God’s name is the complaint of radical Islam, when billions of windfall profits accrue to the Middle East, to countries like Iran or Syria or the Gulf States, who pump oil someone else found at $5 and sell it at $60, and can’t make or mend on their own any of the apparatus needed to profit? “The Path to 9/11” What was the furor about, when the ABC docudrama last night ran captions of “docu-drama” almost constantly? This was not a faux-documentary of the type Michael Moore foisted as truth on a naïve public at election time, purporting to show reality through actual film clips, its corrupt director to be greeted with a prize seat at the Democratic convention. I heard no Democrat ever complain about Oliver Stone’s numerous mythodramas. And Bob Woodward writes docu-books all the time, with the inner most thoughts of his characters expressed when there is no way a reporter could ascertain their thoughts—and wins a Pulitzer. Look at the recent Cobra II and discover pseudo-footnotes like “unnamed senior official” or “Pentagon staff.” What are we to make of Bill Clinton raging that he only wished the truth were to be told, Sandy Berger screaming about violated protocols, or Madeline Albright fuming about partisanship? And where is the ACLU or the Harvard Law Faculty coming to the rescue of film producers threatened with censorship and coerced changes? Saddest was the input of a “worried” history profession, whose big-guns expressed concern. Again, this comes from a discipline that nearly wrecked itself over postmodernism and the banality that all truth is relative and constructed, and predicated on questions of race, class, and gender. Objecting to docu-dramatic, fictionalized account on grounds that dialogue either didn’t happen as it appeared on screen or was enlarged and expanded is like complaining that Gates of Fire is not Herodotus or that Mary Renault deviated from Arrian. The portions of the film I watched last night were well-scripted, the actors good and often bearing eerie resemblances to their real-life counterparts. So what was the hysteria about? More political “preemption” perhaps, but once again also evidence of Democratic confusion. If this shrillness keeps up they just might shout and whine themselves out of another “sure” election. Comments (45)Martin Lindeskog :Michael J. Totten :Welcome to the blogosphere. Fasten your seatbelt! Kirk :the guy who played Ahmed Masoud was ringer...Clinton did a good job with his lines too...maybe that is the contrast between Reagan and Clinton - Reagan was a poor to average actor and a great president. Clinton would have been a great actor... David Thomson :“If this shrillness keeps up they (the Democrats) just might shout and whine themselves out of another ‘sure’ election.” The odds are that the Republicans will retain control of both houses of Congress. There is even a decent chance the GOP may add to its U.S. Senate totals. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing regarding the House of Representatives. Local districts can be gerrymandered. Why am I so optimistic? When everything is said and done---a somewhat small majority of those citizens likely to vote in an off year election rightfully sense that the Democrat "mainstream", in its heart of hearts, is disingenuously pacifist. George W. Bush won in 2004 with a slim two-three point margin. I suspect that the Republicans currently hold the same edge nationally. Paul H. :Glad to see you doing this Professor Hanson. Sticky Notes :chris :I think it is a certain jealousy of Bush's place in history that drives Clinton - Truman had all the stars in heaven fall down upon his shoulders with the death of FDR, Reagan brought morning back to America whereas Clinton merely kept the deficit in check while simultaneously trying to rein in an overactive libido. George W Bush was thrust into the spotlight of world affairs like Marshall Will Kane in High Noon. Clinton is now the actor who didn't get the lead but who insists that he could have played the role better when in truth Clinton had his shot at the role but failed the screen test. At some point even Clinton's friends will tire of the hyperbole of how good he is Let me also say that is an honor to be among the first to comment on your blog. Carol :You are so right about "The Path of 9/11". What's more, it shows glaringly what is NOT coming out of Hollywood these five years. I was riveted by the audaciously epic scope of the project. It makes the only two films about 9/11 look timid in their tightly-focused frames. Besides bringing the familiar timeline, mugshots and headlines into vivid life, here are some aspects I appreciated: * Islamists speaking in their native tongues, their faith so integrated to their lives and everyday conversations. My hats off to ABC. Republicanpundit :Victor, Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging. I read your colums religiously. All of them are great. Dorothy :Sorry - typing too fast MR HANSON - when I save your essays - I call them hanson, victor Davis - silly - can you fix it? Thanks Mark Eichenlaub :Wow, what an addition to Pajamas Media to have you. Looking forward to getting more of your work to the public. One article a week wasn't enough for most of us. Keep up the solid work. Chris :Since, at the time of this post, there appear to be zero comments recorded, I do hope that this does not mean Mr. Hanson is being ignored. Tom Wall :It's always uplifting to have more VDH to read and mull over. I've always hoped that some key members of Mr. Bush's admin are reading Mr. Hanson's essays. rt :instapundit brought me here. glad to have another source of writings. Jill Fumerton : Greetings from " Cannuchistan" May you have a long and enjoyable stay on the PJ NET. Tom Jank :Reading Hanson's essays always make me feel better about the world, not worse. I hope the Comments Section follows his example. I watched an '02 lecture he gave on BookTV last night and I was impressed that his pre-Invasion remarks regarding Iraq "held up" and that his tone was cool and measured. I think this cool and measured approach to the current hysteria will get us through the darkest of days. *Props to Instapundit.com for turning me onto this blog. Paul D :Victor, Clinton and the Democrats response to "The Path to 9/11" show yet again how much they lack a serious attitude about fighting the War on Terror. To complain about the truth of a movie but say nothing about the true nature of our enemy (the central theme of the TV movie) shows a level of self centeredness that is dangerous for the safety of the country. To give Michael Moore a seat of honor next to Jimmy Carter at the DNC Convention but call for censorship of a TV movie shows that truth is not so important to Democrats. To compain about how Sandy Berger or Albright are portrayed but the leading pro-war on terror democrat Senator loses a Connetticut primary shows a democratic party unworthy of earing power through votes in a time war. Keep up the good fight VDH, the Sage of Sanger. Paul of Fresno, CA Thomas Casey :Sir: Delighted that you are blogging and have already bookmarked it... Re "The Path"--no one should expect it to be definitive, but it is a decent effort (for the MSM, anyway) at airing things that the public at large should be exposed to. Those who don't like it should feel free to pursue anything they want further in any way they choose. If nothing else it highlights why the First Amendment matters. Luc :The most damning thing about the Path to 9/11 is not that it presents new evidence of wrong doing on the part of the Clinton Administration but that it shows the results of totally disregarding principles and going for appearances. There was practically no scene throughout the first episode where an administration official considering taking any action was not more concerned with how the action will appear or be interpreted by others rather than weather the action will produce the desired result. This is not surprising seen that the Clinton administration is notorious for governing by polls or focus groups. It is easy to understand the Clinton’s furor against the Path to 9/11 if one considers the program brings into focus the failure to achieve results when the policies promoted then and NOW by the Democratic Party are put in effect. Bonnie Spolin :Rob :Mr. Hanson will most definitely not be ignored, by those of us seeking to be educated, that is. John in Cincinnati :I may sound like someone who watches a news announcement about the destruction of the moon, and criticizes the announcer's necktie, but: Why is this otherwise good movie, and the incredibly bad "United 93," filmed by people having epileptic fits and edited by hyperactive people with ADHD? How are we suppose to watch this stuff?! Fred Schoeneman :Great to have you blogging here! I dropped out of Stanford a while back, and it always made me feel warm to know you were fighting the good fight. regards, f Maximus Aurelius :Dear Dr. Hanson, It always a great pleasure to read your posts. I know you'll have a greater forum to express yourself. You seem to be doing right well. Bring more of the Greek & Roman history into our battlefields of today. Regards black cat :I think the best virtue of "Path to 9/11", is the time-line which was laid before the viewer. If you apply the axiom that, "For a liberal mind- history begins today."; the furor does seem warranted. So many have taken to the idea of 9/11 having started with "W" (or caused by "W"), that the historic roots of 9/11 seem to have no basis or context whatsoever. We are not talking about a dramatization writted by Rush Limbaugh, or Sean Hannity. We are talking about a dramatization that was trying to illustrate how long the path to 9/11 was. Clinton and Co. have whipped themselves into a frenzy to hold onto "The Legacy". This mythical ideal of security, prosperity, and democracy, that only Clinton himself could achieve through brilliant policy and action. I thought it showed the weakness of complacency and the bloated process of government. For this inaction, both presidents have a title to the blame... both preidents recieved it. One is worried how history will judge his actions. One is guiding his actions to preserve our future. starling :Welcome, Prof. Hanson, to the blogosphere. I have enjoyed reading your essays and editorials regularly at NRO and Private Papers and have learned much from you. I look forward to reading your blog "posts", as well. Manny C :VDH, Great to have someone of your calibre sharing his thoughts with the rest of us in such an new, open and exciting media. Look forward to reading your stuff and congratulations to PJM for having someone of VDH's expertise, clarity and thoughtfully contributing. Webutante :What a great idea and a bit more casual and immediate than your wonderful Private Papers! Hope you'll have as much fun writing "this here" blog, as your loyal following will have reading and learning from it. For the record, I read you to educate myself and to have quick talking points in order to be more conversant with my liberal friends and associates. Hope you'll keep these posts, therefore, fairly brief and more frequent. Congratulations and have a smoke on me! Deborah D :You, sir, have been a light in the darkness for me and my family for years. Your contributions in a blog will be additional must-reading. We need your likes explaining things in this time of conspiracy theories and outrageous anger. Thanks! syn :Works and Days is now on the top of my daily blogs to read. Thanks to Barcepundit for sending me here. John Dmochowski :The hidden gold in this docu-drama was the foreign scenes. What that gave us was the chance to ponder the point of view of the jihadists. One should never underestimate the resourcefullness of those wishing to kill us. Samantha :Dear Mr. Hanson, thanks for all your briliant writings. I can´t remember you being wrong even once. Living in Germany but american in spirit. Samantha
LA Grant :When is someone going to get you together with Mark Steyn for a long gab-fest. Man, oh, man. Keep up the good work. trainer :Now we have V.D. Hanson and Wrechard at Belmont Club.... The words are just too sweet for words. marlowe anderson :One image I can never erase that stands as the icon of the Clinton years--Madeline Albright dancing st s New Year's party with the fearless leader of North Korea celebrating the fact that the Clinton Administration had belled the cat! NOT. It stands for all the miscues of that sorry administration, and their minions. The voters had their verdict in elections 2000 (even though Gore tried to steal it by judicial fiat), again in 2002, again in 2004 (with a healthy plurality of Bush over Kerry in the popular vote) and I hope history may repeat itself one more time in the mid-terms of '06. Then we will have four verdicts on the efficacy of the Clinton lost years. nomdenet :Agree, you've "been a light in the darkness". Thank you. Ray Zacek :I have been an admirer of your books and it is a great pleasure to see Works and Days. Welcome to the blogosphere, VDH. Terry Gain :Welcome-and may you get the traffic you deserve. The recent poll claiming 36% believe the government had foreknowledge of or participated in the 9/11 attacks has me concerned as I believe the central front on the war on terror is the United States, not Iraq. I assume that few of those 36% -assuming it to be a valid poll- will vote Republican. This means the Republican's must get 80% of the sane in order to win. If the Dems win they will cut off funding for the war and try to impeach Bush. Nothing would please and encourage Jihadists more. Sartorius :I have never posted blogs before but I will take Hesiod to heart here the beginning. Say rather, "Victor Davis Hanson, a Californian, wrote the history of the war between the West and its enemies, beginning at the moment that it broke out, and believing that it would be a great war, and more worthy of relation than any that had preceded it." ahem :You're right about 'Path to 9/11', of course. The only things propping up the Democratic party appear to be ego and self-interest; otherwise, it is rotten to the core. Under the right circumstances, it will implode. Now, if we can just discover those circumstances.... And congratulations on this latest effort. You've always been enlightening. I'm really looking forward to this. Gregory Koster :Dear Professor Hanson: Sorry to be so late to your first post. Glad to see you showing your flag in this new media. Suppose some grape leaf blight broke out on your farm. Who would you want to turn to for information: a) the Fresno County Extension Agent, well trained, with many resources to draw on, who has had much experience in leaf blight? Or, b) me, a city slicker if ever there was one, who assures you that I'm up to speed on blight because I watched every episode of GREEN ACRES? So to with the intellectual merits of THE PATH TO 9/11. All the people who howled against FAHRENHEIT 9/11 because of its blatant errors, omissions, and lies, were right to do so. They should be howling at the same pitch about THE PATH for the same reason. Those who want to know the causes and roads to 9/11 have all sorts of books (the 9/11 Commission report to begin with, THE LOOMING TOWER by Lawrence Wright for another) and there's no reason to have to rely on a medium that is inherently lightweight on intellectual comprehension---and inflammatory when it comes to stirring up emotions. Even on this low level, the film isn't good. How does THE PATH compare to WHY WE FIGHT? I also don't think much of this film as "propaganda." This nation does not need propaganda to know it is right. It needs facts, facts it won't get from the daily press. If we are at the point where this film has to substitute for informed reporting and opinion, God help the United States. I am also bothered by Governor Tom Kean, the chair of the 9/11 Commission, signing on to this film as "Co-Executive Producer." What does he know about film making? He is opening himself up to charges of profiteering, charges I think are just. Imagine what would have happened if CBS had produced a film THE PATH TO THE BUMPING OFF OF JFK in 1968, showing the ineptitudes of the FBI, and denouncing J. Edgar Hoover as a fumbling idiot---and Earl Warren had signed on as "Co-Executive Producer?" The Right would have roared. Governor Kean's unsuitability for his post as Chair of the Commission was demonstrated by spinelessly allowing Jamie Gorelick to remain on the Commission even while her own actions in the Clinton Justice Department were being examined. Did I like the movie? Sure did---but not as anything but good old fashioned schedenfreude. The Hooeywood left got spit on, and they jolly well deserved it. I snicker at the sight of the academic hogs Arthur Schlesinger and Sean Wilentz bawling to Disney that it isn't fair, the facts aren't right, the public will get a WRONG IMPRESSION. Hah. But the enemy of my enemy may swing round and bite me tomorrow. Hooeywood is not to be trusted, any more than the New York TIMES coverage of Iraq is because the TIMES has the best war correspondent on earth (John F. Burns) on its staff. many thanks for your time reading ths. Sincerely yours, Kwai Chang Caine :VDH I am excited about your blog. In my Administration you would be running the State Department. jim galloway :Am looking forward to your future blog content. Have just finished reading "The Soul of Battle." I am even further in awe of Generals Patton and Sherman.Thank you for your insightful writing.Next up: "Ripples of Battle" matoko-chan :On Monday they are mad about East Timor, on Tuesday Kosovo. Wednesday they wake up and shout about Israel, while on Thursday it’s American troops once in Saudi Arabia. Does anyone see a pattern here, especially when they talk of lost “honor” and “humiliation”? they are good at memetic warfare. their target audience is the Arab Street, not the neocons, and those are resonant issues for the Street. do you underestimate them? A C.Assandrato :Welcome to the blogosphere Professor Hanson- you have done much to broaden my education in these my senior years. You along with Mark Steyn and our Andrew Bolt in Australia do so much yo enlighton us all. Thankyou so much Comments have been archived for this page. |
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Victor Davis Hanson,
Great to see you blogging! Personally, I think the Americans will see the light when they start to think in principles. For more on this issue, please read my post, MIDWEEK SAMPLER: FOREIGN POLICY.
Best Premises,
Martin Lindeskog - American in spirit.
Gothenburg, Sweden.
Sep 11, 2006 10:44 AM