Force Produces Force
TimeWatch Editorial
February 02, 2016
The Second World War had ended. The United States of America, even though victorious, was destined to experience a series of unexpected changes that would permanently affect the nation and the world. For one brief period of time, the United States was the only nation to develop, possess and use the Atomic Bomb. The development of the weapon was called “The Manhattan Project.”
“American scientists, many of them refugees from fascist regimes in Europe, took steps in 1939 to organize a project to exploit the newly recognized fission process for military purposes. The first contact with the government was made by G.B. Pegram of Columbia University, who arranged a conference between Enrico Fermi and the Navy Department in March 1939. In the summer of 1939, Albert Einstein was persuaded by his fellow scientists to use his influence and present the military potential of an uncontrolled fission chain reaction to Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Encyclopedia Britannica
Even though the United States did not enter the war at its beginning, the anticipation of its global influence was already at play. During this time, in spite of the recent market crash of 1929, America nevertheless maintained the strongest and best economy. By then the USA had developed the most advanced technology, and generally exerted the strongest global influence. But there were threats on the horizon.
“It was known in 1940 that German scientists were working on a similar project and that the British were also exploring the problem. In the fall of 1941 Harold C. Urey and Pegram visited England to attempt to set up a cooperative effort, and by 1943 a combined policy committee with Great Britain and Canada was established. In that year a number of scientists of those countries moved to the United States to join the project there.” Encyclopedia Britannica
When one considers the energy expended today in order to restrict the development of nuclear weaponry in smaller countries, we tend to forget that the original idea was that such a weapon, once in existence, would so intimidate potential enemies that it would bring an end to war. Listen to what Michael Barnes says in his article entitled: Arguments against the Bomb.
“Although WWII had not yet started, Germany was clearly a threat, and if the Germans had a monopoly on the atomic bomb, it could be deployed against anyone, including the United States, without warning. Szilard worked with Albert Einstein, whose celebrity gave him access to the president, to produce a letter informing Roosevelt of the situation. Their warning eventually resulted in the Manhattan Project. Bomb opponents argue that the atomic bomb was built as a defensive weapon, not an offensive one. It was intended to be a deterrent, to make Germany or any other enemy think twice before using such a weapon against the United States. To bolster their argument, these critics point out that ever since WWII, the weapon has been used only as a deterrent. From 1949-1991 the Cold War was waged under the shadow of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), and even though the United States fought major wars in Korea (while Truman was still in office), Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, nuclear weapons were never again deployed.” Michael Barnes, Arguments against the Bomb.
Force never brings peace. Violence always produces violence. The very idea that intimidation would restrict action has been disproved time and again. Listen to how Galatians chapter 5: 19-21 puts this:
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians chapter 5: 19-21
Compare the above with verses 22 and 23:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians chapter 5: 22-23
The Manhattan Project simply ramped up the competition, and to this day it continues. There is then truly only one source of the peace which so many seek.
Cameron A. Bowen
