The World According to Glissando

Tag: history

  • Revisionism

    History is a chronicle of human activity since the beginning of the written word. There was history prior to this, but, it was verbal or communicated via symbols. History is written by people, usually particularly intelligent people of the dominating cultures of their time. The pictures created by historians are usually reasonably accurate because of their intelligence and sense of a world much bigger than themselves.

    Revisionist history, which is taking place in Russia, China, and to some degree already, the United States; occurs when powerful authoritarian or authoritarian-minded regimes decide to rewrite history to accomplish two things: exalt and elevate their regime, and create a blinding nationalistic perspective within a country. A key part of creating revisionist history within a country is by creating a school curriculum that teaches this “new” history from a very young age. An example of this might be to say that African Americans in the United States were never suppressed.     

    Not all revisionist history is inaccurate. There are times when existing history is adjusted because of new discoveries of information such as archaeological findings; or, in a case where occasionally the historian turns out to be quite biased.

    Humans learn from accurate history, although they are often unwilling to “learn” from historical insight, usually to the detriment of humankind. Revisionist history is often a dangerous harbinger of things to come in a country with a powerful authoritarian regime, or a group seeking to become an authoritarian regime.        

  • Nazis

    If you are a Canadian or Mexican, here is one way to look at the United States versus Canada and Mexico. I ran the numbers. In the 2024 US election, there were 242,300,000 total number of people who could vote. In the election, Kamala Harris got 75,000,000 votes or 31% of total eligible voters. Donald Trump got 77,300,000 votes or 32% of total eligible voters (hardly a landslide victory). Of all eligible voters, 90,000,000 people did not vote which is 37% of total eligible voters.

    One of the first courses of action taken by Canada and Mexico should to be to immediately and aggressively in every way possible tell the American people that they are heading toward Nazism because of less than one third of the population. Canada and Mexico should hammer this point home now in all forms of media, be it social media, television, newspapers etc. around the world, but, in particular to Americans. I believe that clearly delivering this message would be a great start to defending Canada and Mexico. I think a large majority of Americans do not agree with being Nazis, and America being America, would not want to have their freedoms violated in a Nazi controlled country. This is an actual strategy for you, Canada and Mexico, as opposed to just worrying, complaining or screaming in a panic.

  • Canada

    O Canada. “The true north strong and free!” is one of the lines in their national anthem. It is no secret that Donald Trump, and indeed, a number of influential (rich) Americans would like to see Canada as the fifty-first state. Canadians have strongly rejected these overtures, but, here are some unsettling considerations for Canadians.

    Canada is coveted for its abundant supply of fresh water. Some suggest the figure is around twenty percent of the world’s surface fresh water. Remember, fresh water is imperative to the continued existence of humanity and many other forms of life on earth. Next, there’s Canada’s broad spectrum wealth of vital natural resources including oil, gas, and minerals, some of which are considered rare. Land suitable for sustainable agriculture and renewable hydro electricity abounds

    With this in mind, you have to remember that many a war was started by one group wanting what another group possesses. Such is the human condition. Canada has much to offer a potential invading country. But, could an invasion really happen? I believe it could, especially given humanity’s track record. For Canada, their problem is really obvious…it has a huge land mass with a small population relative to size, served by an inadequate armed forces. This is not a knock on the good, world-class people in the military, but rather, it acknowledges the lack of a large armed forces that are often ill-equipped.

    Number one on the potential list of invaders is the United States. They need what Canada has and they are Canada’s next door neighbour. Initially, the “invasion” may come via political channels, but, if push comes to shove, I think there could be a literal invasion. In light of America’s massive military might, Canada should surrender before the opening salvo is fired and Canadian lives are unnecessarily lost. Other potential invading countries include China and Russia. Too far away? Remember, access can be via the North Pole.

    I do hope this does not come to pass. Canada is a sovereign, democratically principled nation, with the right to exist freely. However, world affairs continue to careen everywhere. History is filled with countries that support another country and then reverse that support. Iran and the United States is one example. Russia and the World War II Allies is another. This has happened again and again through all of history. I would suggest Canadians consider that invasion by another country is plausible and make their plans accordingly in the hopes of preserving their great country. And, if it were to happen, there might be strong condemnation from around the world, but, don’t count on receiving help from any nation.