The Misfortunes of War

 

The misfortunes of war and preparations for war bear little relation to the reasons given to explain war: the real reasons are usually so insignificant that they are not even worth discussion, and they are completely unknown to those who die.

The madness of contemporary war is justified by dynastic interest, common nationalism, European equilibrium, or ambitions. If there are ambitions in people, this is a very strange way to sustain it, with all the crimes which happen to people during war: destruction of homes, plunder, and mass murder. - ANATOLE FRANCE

You ask me, is it necessary for civilized people to make war? And I tell you not only is it "already" unnecessary, but it was never necessary, and not sometimes but always it destroys the normal development of humanity, destroys justice, and stops progress. - GALSTON MOHK

Only during a period of war does it become obvious how millions of people can be manipulated. People, millions of people, are filled with pride while doing things which those same people actually consider stupid, evil, dangerous, painful, and criminal, and they strongly criticize these things - but continue doing them.

The reasons which governments give for wars are always screens, behind which lie completely different reasons and motives.

(page 181, from A Calendar of Wisdom, June 17)

Swan • Laura Purdie Salas

I Float Because I Feel Free.

I Reflect A Fluffy Beauty, 

Deep Down Inside Me.

Wpowell

Raiders Enjoy a Two-fer Sunday

The Raiders had so much go wrong in this 3-14 throw away season that its a wonder their games were even televised. And they have nobody to blame but themselves. They looked abysmal and unwatchable most of the season. So bad that I spent Sundays doing chores around the home while the NFL Redzone played in the background.

However, in today’s final regular season game they got a two-for-one gift that going in I felt sure they would somehow fumble.

Vying for the #1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft thanks to their basement win/loss record, the Raiders were able to cement the pick while at the same time beating AFC West rival the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12. I would like to thank the New York Giants for beating the Cowboys and thus eliminating their own chances of landing the #1 pick. 

The Raiders would have definitely been in their fanbase doghouse had New York lost and solidified themselves the #1 pick with a Raiders win. We need that pick more than them or any other team in the league. And if the team were to ask me or any Raiders fan in their right mind what player to choose with the coveted pick, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza  is without question a shoe in for the number one selection. Our Selection!

So while we Raiders fans sit through yet another post-season playoffs without Silver & Black representation, keep your heads up and hopes high Raider Nation. Because come springtime in Pittsburgh, PA., “A Change Gone Come” to the Raiders that can right the ship, even keel and begin setting course for successful, adventurous voyages once again. 

He Growls as he storms the country,

A Villain big and bold.

And the trees all shake and quiver and quake,

As he robs them of their gold.

The autumn wind is a raider,

Pillaging just for fun.

He’ll knock you ‘round and upside down,

And laugh when he’s conquered and won.

And now with the Number One pick of the 2026 N.F.L. Draft the Oaklosvegas Raiders pick .  .  .  Can’t Wait!!!

Shout out to Mitchell Renz

Two-Person Yang Tai Chi Set