Why is it that white people developed so much cargo?

[Scooter]

Yes, I realized that is what he was doing. He then went on to use as a (sarcastic) example something that actually did contribute to the development of the UK as a sea power. A nation which is an island must by necessity create a fleet in order to engage in any sort of intercourse with other countries; obviously that is going to provide it with an advantage in any race to become a sea power.

To say nothing, of course, of the fact that being an island sheltered it from invasion for most of its existence. Developing oneself as a major power is a tad easier when your lands are not being raped and pillaged with regularly by periodic wars.

[MajGenl.Meade]

Mmm, true enough. No doubt the island was a great protection and an impetus for naval development. Access to the sea being a bit of prerequisite too as you said.

dgs though thinks it's just an excuse made by liberal apologists - the real reason is it was white men on that island.

After all powerful fleets were established by Rome, Egypt, Greece, Holland, France, Spain, Scandinavia, and Russia - none of those were islands

Since no island or non-island land mass inhabited by blacks created a fleet - ipso fact ergo sum QED and Bob's your uncle, thus proving whites rule, OK!

I doubt he'd be impressed by the achievements of Maori ocean-goers but Diamond's book includes them all right - nasty mob and very handy with the old naval landings.

You and I are in agreement which is kind of good

Meade

[dgs49]

Ahem.

I was being sarcastic. The accomplishments of the British merchant and military navy have been tremendous, as was the incredible influence of British culture through the expanse of the British Empire. But there is reluctance today to attribute such greatness to factors other than the initiative, perseverence, hard work, and discipline that brought them about. It was not the result of living on an island.

I'm sure that in the scope of human history there are examples societies of "People of Color" who conquered and spread their culture far beyond their original borders, and so forth. Good for them. I chose one example of a nation that happens to be "white."

Sorry.

[MajGenl.Meade]

See you've got the wrong end of the stick - the issue is not initiative, perseverance, hard work and so on which is all about "how"

The issue is "Why?" - fear, greed and selfishness. And a fanatical devotion to the Pope

Meade

[Crackpot]

You forgot surprise anr ruthless efficiency

[MajGenl.Meade]

Curses - bring the comfey chair!

[dgs49]

British devotion to the Pope?

Occasionally, I suppose.

In my limited experience through 62+ years of existence, I have generally found that people who criticize others as being "greedy," are not so upset with the greed of the other people, but the fact that the other people have been successful at getting what they want. Very few people are not greedy. Few are conspicuously successful at getting what they want.

[Gob]

British devotion to the Pope?

Occasionally, I suppose.

Nobody expected that!

[MajGenl.Meade]

Nobody ever does