{"id":24309,"date":"2013-01-07T12:00:59","date_gmt":"2013-01-07T12:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/?p=24309"},"modified":"2018-10-10T21:23:31","modified_gmt":"2018-10-10T20:23:31","slug":"whose-side-is-god-god-g_d-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2013\/01\/whose-side-is-god-god-g_d-on\/","title":{"rendered":"Whose Side is God, god, g_d On?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lessons from 19th<\/sup> Century Imperialism <\/i><\/p>\n

In 1877-1878, as Britain struggled to expand its imperialistic global empire spanning six continents, two men \u2013 dramatically different from one another in political ambitions and moral values \u2013 were pitted against each other in a fierce election struggle to become prime minister. At the time, Britain and Russia were at war against each other in Afghanistan, in what was euphemistically called the \u201cGreat War.\u201d\u00a0 The two nations were fighting over the division of Afghanistan by an equal line.\u00a0 Little concern was given to the wishes of the Afghan people, who were considered by both sides to be war-like uncivilized hill tribes.<\/p>\n

One man, Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), believed Britain should continue to expand its colonial wars and occupations. He argued that the pursuit of \u201cempire\u201d reflected Britain\u2019s destiny to lead the world, and its moral responsibilities to civilize the world.\u00a0 He also pointed out the extensive economic wealth brought by empire as evidenced by the emerging profits of the industrial age.<\/p>\n

The other man, William Gladstone (1809-1898), leader of the opposition Liberal Party, argued in favor of re-considering Britain\u2019s imperialistic expansion because of its social and moral consequences for both the people colonized, and for moral standing of Britain\u2019s citizens. Gladstone considered the colonial wars a \u201ccriminal assaults on innocent people\u201d (Porch, 2001, p 42).\u00a0 He appealed to conscience at a time when Western imperialism was colonizing Africa, Asia, and South America, exploiting natural and human resources, and killing conquered people with impunity.<\/p>\n

The results of the election would have profound implications for the entire world.\u00a0 Amidst the accusations, character insults, and personal attacks, fundamental questions emerged regarding the morality of wars, colonial domination and exploitation, and national economic growth and development.<\/p>\n

The two men disliked each other intensely, and their quick wit made for memorable political insults. At one social gathering,\u201d Gladstone said to Disraeli, “I predict, Sir, that you will die either by hanging, or of some vile disease.”\u00a0 To which, Disraeli replied, “That all depends, sir, upon whether I embrace your principles, or your mistress”<\/p>\n

(thinkexist.com\/quotation\/once_at_a_social_gathering-gladstone_said_to\/343561.html)<\/p>\n

Although quick-witted insults of character would brought laughter and applause (\u201cHear! Hear!\u201d), the election came down to Gladstone\u2019s view that the Zulu War and Afghan War (\u201cThe Great War\u201d) were \u201cslaughters of innocents by British Redcoats.\u201d \u00a0Gladstone, at the height of the debate, appealed to the conscience of the British public: \u201cRemember the rights of the savage. . . . Remember the sanctity of life in the hill villages of Afghanistan, among the winter snows, is as inviolable in the eyes of Almighty God as can be your own.\u201d<\/i> \u00a0<\/b>\u00a0Any way you spell it, g-word,he\/she\/it does not play favorites.<\/p>\n

Disraeli lost the election. Britain\u2019s pursuit of empire continued, but not with the same resolve and support of its citizens. \u00a0Imperialism also continues via violent wars, and immoral economic exploitation and abuses. \u00a0But \u201c\u2018conscience\u201d also continues.\u00a0 Gladstone\u2019s words remain one of the most powerful arguments against the \u201cexceptionalism<\/b>\u201d used by the USA and allies (e.g., NATO) to justify invasions, occupations, and domination.\u00a0 Are there any enduring lessons to be learned from the fateful words of this 19th<\/sup> Century election in Britain?\u00a0\u00a0 I believe so.<\/p>\n

Some lessons come from sacred religious texts, too often forgotten amidst carefullu selectively interpreted pontifications and proclamations from Monotheistic religion pulpits and lecterns. Some come from secular texts (e.g., Magna Carta, UDHR, and USA\u2019s Declaration of Independence and Constitution), which speak of the enduring human values of peace, liberty, freedom, beauty, and god-given rights. \u00a0And some lessons are the utterances of those people who see clearly of the consequences.<\/p>\n

Enduring Lessons<\/b><\/p>\n

The following is a listing of some of the enduring lessons that came to mind as I reflect on the endless mass violence and wars of our times. \u00a0With Gladstone\u2019s words ringing in my ears, I offer them to you.<\/p>\n