Never ending wars the largest money spinner ever.

34 18th August 208

Wheeler's Corner

'Concerning citizens who care' 

You can contact me by email at

wheeler@inspire.net.nz

1. In the past I've written often about the American policy of conducting never ending wars and how this is their way of ensuring the continuation of their so-called democratic Empire. 

In theory, at least in earlier history Empires such as the Roman and various other Empires have arisen and then collapsed. [Normally in a sea of blood]

The biggest driver without doubt was and still is, power linked into wealth. Pride also plays a large part in carrying the population along this false pathway. Remember the wealthy rarely ever fight the wars at least in modern times, they use their money to ensure others have to carry out the combat role on their behalf. For example the present POTUS five times made excuses to avoid doing military service, a really brave wee chapie is Donald Trump.

As you are no doubt aware, we here in New Zealand were once a part of the British Empire, but thank heavens we grew-up and redefined ourselves as part of the British Commonwealth of Nations, at least we had become a nation of sorts. But so much of it is in name only for we are forever fighting other peoples wars around the world. These days of course, building Empires and controlling them seems impossible in any practical way. And it would seem that the bulk of Americans are asking that very question and rightly so, 'Why don't our wars ever end. Tom Engelhardt has written a wonderful piece on this subject titled: The War Piece to End All War Pieces or 'How to Fight a War of Ultimate Repetitiousness'.

Here is just a taste:

"What they got was no less unique in history: a great power at the seeming height of its strength and glory, with destructive capabilities beyond imagining and a military unmatched on the planet, unable to score a single decisive victory across an increasingly large swath of the planet or impose its will, however brutally, on seemingly far weaker, less well-armed opponents. They could not conquer, subdue, control, pacify, or win the hearts and minds or anything else of enemies who often fought their trillion-dollar foe using weaponry valued at the price of a pizza. Talk about bleeding wounds! 

Tom Engelhardt's  is a long read [good for a cold weekend read] of cause it tells it from a US perspective. So here it is, and please read it its well worth the effort.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/16/war-piece-end-all-war-pieces?cd-origin=rss&utm_term=The%20War%20Piece%20to%20End 

2. What can we do here in Palmerston North and New Zealand to help remove the habit of using war to line the pockets of the already wealthy. We can speak out when ever we get the chance, stand up and be counted when events occur that lead to possible future wars. That is the human, christian thing to do. Breaking the barrier of silence, so long as it is done in a peaceful and non-violent manner is vital for peace to succeed. 

These people died fighting 'Other Peoples Wars' are we proud of that fact? That is a question we all need to ask ourselves. I want to end wars not continue them.

Here in Palmerston North you may have heard that we a having a weapons / equipment  / so-called conference at the end of October 2018 where overseas and local companies ply their tools for war etc. Of course the dress up their activities as security, rather than war. For them the only way to have security is to have total control of populations via the military / police / finances etc of the people[s]. 

We can of course speak out, demonstrate peacefully when ever the need arises: That day has come. Here in Palmerston North it would appear that some put the filling of our hotels as more important than protecting human life. Here is a copy of my request to the PNCC regarding the event due to take place in October 2018.

Mayor PN City Council

CEO PN City Council.

Request Under the FIA

1.Under the Freedom of Information regulations [Act] can you please supply me with a copy of the original request to hold the NZ Defence Industry Association Forum from the 30 Oct to 1 Nov 2018 at the Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North.

2. Which Committee of Council holds responsibility for this consent and when were the Committee members informed of its receipt and approval. Was it before or after the CEO / Mayoral approval? FYI, As I understand it the PNCC ethical investment policy was developed by the Finance and Performance Committee.

3. Depending on your reply [within the 20 day time frame laid down by the FIA] I seek also to speak to the Committee or the full Council regarding the consenting of this matter. If that is possible would you please inform me of the process.

Sincerely Yours  Peter J Wheeler Past PNCC Councillor.

I would value your assistance in presenting to the PNCC my request. Others are also moving in this direction. You may consider joining them in attempting to bring a sense of responsibility to our city leadership.

Media Release:

PALMY PEACE GROUP TO OPPOSE WEAPONS EXPO

Date: 15 Aug 2018

From: Peace Action Manawatū

“Peace Action Manawatū will coordinate opposition to the annual NZ Defence Industry Association Forum due to come to Palmerston North in late October.”

“This 'Weapons Expo' is a meeting of 500 of global armaments manufacturers and dealers.  Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest arms dealer and a maker of nuclear weapons, has been the primary sponsor of this trade fair for many years and other weapons companies represented include General Dynamics, Thales, Cubic Defence and Serco.

These are the companies that profit from militarisation and war which lead to human suffering, death and destruction of our planet. We are not prepared to sit idly by when this obscene showcasing of weapons comes to our community.” said Peace Action Manawatū spokesperson Dr Fred Hirst.

Last year, Wellington’s Mayor Justin Lester vowed not to allow City Council venues to be used in future for this industry trade fair because of increased opposition. After being held for 20 years in the capital, it is no longer welcome in the Peace City.

“Palmerston North's Mayor Grant Smith has dismissed our concerns" said Hirst. "The Weapons Expo is booked into the Central Energy Trust Arena, a PNCC venue, despite our Peace City status, and contrary to the Council's ethical investment policy which excludes weapons. We will build our campaign over the next three months and invite people to help stop this unethical, immoral trade promoting proliferation of weapons, nationally and across the globe."

The global pattern of increasingly frequent, violent and destructive weather events, associated with climate change, is accelerated by raised greenhouse gas emissions due to military activity. The environmental impact is suffered by the 65 million people displaced from their homes world-wide, including refugees and vulnerable Pacific Island neighbours who are threatened by sea level rise.

Peace Action Manawatū will be supported by Peace Action Wellington and Auckland Peace Action, who have long campaigned against the Weapons Expo. An invitation is extended to those who share similar concerns to attend a week of peace themed events in October.

ENDS

Dr Fred Hirst

on behalf of Peace Action Manawatū

Well that's it for this week, I hope you are well and keeping warm and please don't forget you are among the most important people in the world, why because all people are important. 

 Wheeler's Corner is broadcast on MPR AM 999 each Monday at 4 pm