Letters to the Editor
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To: Prunes
Ledeen is a strong admirer of Niccolò Machiavelli, whom he regards as one of the greatest political thinkers. In Ledeen's view, Machiavelli combined democratic idealism and the necessary political realism to secure and defend idealism in perfect measure.
If these neocons weren't sophists of the highest order who read literally *anything they want* into the classic texts of this culture, they'd remember that Machiavelli devotes almost an entire chapter in The Prince to reasons why you should never hire mercenaries like Blackwater: ...
Indeed. I agree 100%. I've read both The Prince, and some of Machiavelli's Discourses, and it never struck me as fair to categorize him as the evil forefather of totalitarian statecraft. The goal was to rule as well as possible on behalf of the state; to establish a model republic. Attacking Iraq (and eventually Iran?) benefits but a very small portion of American citizens (i.e. those directly profiting from conflict), and I suppose the state of Israel. A bit of an unhealthy alliance there. The link between the U.S. Military industrial complex & Israel has been pointed out for a long time, most notably by Chomsky.
If Machiavelli were around today, he'd scoff at the notion that these men are his intellectual descendants. Their cause is a complete perversion of the sort of statecraft he would've advocated.
Calling Strauss, Ledeen, et. al. "ideologues" always troubled me; ideology would imply some sort of "ideal." PROFIT from Military Conflict is such a limited and fleeting end in itself, it should never be considered an "ideal." What matters more is establishing a professional government that can operate to preserve it's citizens' civil rights, in a sustainable manner.
The mercenary mentality that pervades in their minds (that's really all it boils down to) is the most destructive and costly way to make a buck. It's not a long term solution.
The question they should therefore be pondering is... where is Israel going to get it's handouts when the USA collapses from the cost of footing the bill for the last 5-6 decades?