Peace Magazine Oct-Dec 2004, page 28. Some rights reserved.
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Dominick Jenkins. London: Verso Publishers, 2002, 312 pages. $25.
This book is essential reading for those who have been puzzled by the contradictions between the professed values of the USA and the actions of its governments. The author documents the collaboration of American administrations with the military and scientists to delude their own populations and the world about their goal: world domination.
For example, in 1921 the flying ace, General "Billy" Mitchell organized the simulation of a bomber attack on New York in which thousands were theoretically killed. This and similar "attacks" on other cities produced the desired effect: convincing Americans that their safety lay in possessing a massive bomber force to protect against an attack from Europe.
We also learn that in 1938, long before Pearl Harbor, Americans had already made plans to bomb and burn the cities of Japan. Ironically, Japan had learned from Mitchell that you can sink even large ships by bombing them. The atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were dropped in contravention of international law -- the Hague Convention's Article 22 which prohibits military attacks on unarmed civilians. Besides, Jenkins says, there was no real military need for them. These were acts of terrorism. Now the final frontier is the drive to have American weapons, and only their weapons, in space to ensure that they have ultimate control for their own benefit. This book is a fine source of information, augmented by extensive notes. We should face its grim message and the urgency it suggests. My only reservation is that the index is incomplete.
Reviewed by Jean Smith of Toronto.
Peace Magazine Oct-Dec 2004, page 28. Some rights reserved.
Search for other articles by Jean Smith here