Thursday, December 3, 2009

Fungible Vacillation

From My Perspective - - -

Only one of despotic suasion (namely, one who is autocratic; a ruler with absolute power; a person who wields power oppressively; a tyrant) would have any affinity for war. There are those for whom War is a way of life. The entire fabric of their life is to conquer and control. However, there are those for whom War becomes a task of principle rather than power; right rather than might; removal of tyrants rather than becoming a replacement for them.

During the early days of World War II, Winston Churchill was elected to be the Prime Minister of Great Britain (1940). Germany and Adolph Hitler were in the beginning stages of what would lead into World War II. As he addressed Parliament, Churchill stated his commitment, and that of the nation, in terms of the oppression that would soon engulf Europe: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs - Victory in spite of all terrors - Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.”

There was no fungible vacillation in Churchill’s resolve or statement – “without victory there is no survival.” Fungible is: “being of such nature or kind as to be freely exchangeable or replaceable, in whole or in part, for another of like nature or kind…” Vacillation is: “a state of indecision or irresolution; unsteady movement; fluctuation…” When Churchill spoke – he was clear, precise and forceful! Compare that to where we are today and the approach of our nation to the War in Afghanistan. In Der Spiegel Online International for December 03, 2009, a headline report is: Searching in Vain for the Obama Magic by Gabor Steingart. In the body of the article is this assessment: “Never before has a speech by President Barack Obama felt as false as his Tuesday address announcing America's new strategy for Afghanistan. It seemed like a campaign speech combined with Bush rhetoric -- and left both dreamers and realists feeling distraught. One can hardly blame the West Point leadership. The academy commanders did their best to ensure that Commander-in-Chief Barack Obama's speech would be well-received. Just minutes before the president took the stage inside Eisenhower Hall, the gathered cadets were asked to respond ‘enthusiastically’ to the speech. But it didn't help: The soldiers' reception was cool. One didn't have to be a cadet on Tuesday to feel a bit of nausea upon hearing Obama's speech. It was the least truthful address that he has ever held. He spoke of responsibility, but almost every sentence smelled of party tactics. He demanded sacrifice, but he was unable to say what it was for exactly. An additional 30,000 US soldiers are to march into Afghanistan -- and then they will march right back out again. America is going to war -- and from there it will continue ahead to peace. It was the speech of a Nobel War Prize laureate…”

In I Corinthians 14:7-9, the importance of avoiding fungible vacillation is indicated in these words: “…in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air…” Speeches and Rhetoric have their place! An address can either inspire or discourage; be revelatory or cause bewilderment. One of the dangers of fungible vacillation is – it lacks vision and commitment to the goal of victory. In his speech to the nation at West Point, the President used “I” 43 times – but never once used the word - Victory”! Incredibly, we send troops into battle where some will die – and – they don’t know why they must face death. We no longer call it terror, and we no longer define the mission as achieving Victory. This is fungible vacillation. Consider these things with me!

No comments: