I'm concerned with the expanded notion of: "Do we learn ANYthing from ANYthing?"

Some quotes and quips:

Supposedly Zhou En-Lai of China was asked what were the developments of the French Revolution. His answer was: "It's too early to say."

Supposedly Mahatma Gandhi was asked what he thought of Western Civilization. His response: "It would be a good idea."

I also have been playing over in my mind the song "The Green Fields of France" sung to young Willie McBride:

Oh Willie McBride it all happened again
And again, and again, and again, and again

I take some appreciation that after the most violent and damaging war in human history there has been no further use of nuclear weapons.
I take some appreciation for the courage and leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel in taking in a huge portion of refugees as no doubt a consequence and reflection of Germany's involvement in The Holocaust.

There are many knee-jerk reactions out there. They are reactions of fearful people. People who would not look through Galileo's telescope. People not capable of learning. But those people are not all people.

And as always I take heart from the history and words of Abraham Lincoln: "I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition, but to assist in ameliorating mankind."