But WWII, with Hitler, Mussolini and the Japanese Empire intent on subjugating large parts of the world, and exterminating those they didn’t like in the process — I just don’t see how that could have been avoided. If the U.S. has stayed isolationist and let England fall, we would have been next, the plans having already been drawn up by Hitler’s generals for such a conquest. I hate war but, at that time and in that historical context, there really wasn’t any other option.

Anyway, I hope you and your family had a great holiday season and best wishes for the new year.

On some other day, I’ll take the proposition that WWI was absolutely necessary, at least once the German Army invaded Belgium.

And I will stand anywhere anytime for the proposition that WWII was vital to humanity and a blessing to the world, allbeit a horribly expensive one. Anyone who suffered in any way, from the military services, to victims of war, or victims of atrocities or death camps has paid a price the rest of us had no right to ask. We can only approach in humble gratitude with thanks that are far too little in compensation.

For tonight, Christmas Eve, I’ll say to grandchildren everywhere, that I have done right as God has given me light to see the right. If/when I’ve failed it’s because of short-sightedness or ignorance rather than malice.