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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: cosmicforce who wrote (70010)1/7/2003 4:52:15 PM
From: epicure  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 82486
 
I think Talleyrand did, though. Or if he didn't, he had his own play book.

"You are the son of your time more than your father's son"



To: cosmicforce who wrote (70010)1/7/2003 5:15:58 PM
From: one_less  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 82486
 
Did it describe how to fight the shadows of light that are veiled by the mist of passing clouds?



To: cosmicforce who wrote (70010)1/7/2003 7:02:48 PM
From: average joe  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 82486
 
Do you really think Ronald Reagan or Dubbya ever read Art of War? I don't think so:

Clinton did - look!

47. On contentious ground, I would hurry up my rear.

I thought this part was kind of cool...

"Sun Tzu Wu (=Sun Tzu) was a native of the Ch`i State. His ART OF WAR brought him to the notice of Ho Lu, [2] King of Wu. Ho Lu said to him: "I have carefully perused your 13 chapters. May I submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight test?" Sun Tzu replied: "You may." Ho Lu asked: "May the test be applied to women?" The answer was again in the affirmative, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the Palace.

Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King's favorite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: "I presume you know the difference between front and back, right h and and left hand?" The girls replied: Yes.

Sun Tzu went on: "When I say "Eyes front," you must look straight ahead. When I say "Left turn," you must face towards your left hand. When I say "Right turn," you must face towards your right hand. When I say "About turn," you must face right roun d towards your back." Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order "Right turn." But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame."

So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order "Left turn," whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzu: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers."

So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded. Now the king of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favorite concubines were about to be executed, he was greatly alarmed and hurried ly sent down the following message: "We are now quite satisfied as to our general's ability to handle troops. If we are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded."

Sun Tzu replied: "Having once received His Majesty's commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept." Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straig htway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolution, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, k neeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound.

Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: "Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty's inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey."

kimsoft.com



To: cosmicforce who wrote (70010)1/8/2003 4:33:40 PM
From: average joe  Respond to of 82486
 
2000 years after Tzu, maybe.

The Chinese discovered America

Or did they? A dubious new book offers an object lesson in amateurish research, slapdash editing and publishing greed.

salon.com

nytimes.com

I give them 50 more years until they rediscover her shores.