Christmas tree jolly minor whinge

[GJABS]

We are all aware that exchanging of gifts is a well established part of international diplomacy?

Once a year a filthy rich country sends a tree to another country in gratitude for liberating them from the Nazis. Every year it sparks numerous news articles explaining the history of the tradition.

WW2 was the turning point for peace in Europe under democratic principles, any tradition between countries, such as dutch tulips to Canada, shouldnt just be thrown away.

Right bunch of miserable gits.

Yeah I guess you're right. It probably is worth the expense. We have had a long period of time where the world has mostly been at peace - long may it continue

[JustKeepSwimming]

Yeah I guess you're right. It probably is worth the expense. We have had a long period of time where the world has mostly been at peace - long may it continue

We have had an extremely short period of time when most of the world has been at relative peace. It's 75 years for Europe out of numerous millenia. I think it's easy to fall into a false sense of complacency.

There is always the argument that cutting a tradition will save money. Why do we spend so much money preserving old buildings? Cheaper to just knock them down and build something modern. Why do we spend money on the state opening of Parliament with all the pomp and ceremony, like slamming the door in the Black Rod's face (acting as emissary of the King). We do it because traditions are pretty crucial to people's sense of belonging to a community/society, and really human progress is built on that sense of belonging.

As an aside, I think it's fair to question financials involved if councillors are travelling over. AFAIK we don't pay Norway anything for their gift, it's a gift from them to us and they cover shipping expenses. Councillors do travel abroad to other cities on fact finding sort of missions, which is fair. If we are paying for a mayor to go over to take a single photo for her election leaflet and then come back then that's iffy. Whereas I wouldn't have an issue if we covered the cost of hosting Norwegian dignitaries to the turning on of the lights.

[NotAllThere]

We have had an extremely short period of time when most of the world has been at relative peace. It's 75 years for Europe out of numerous millenia. I think it's easy to fall into a false sense of complacency.

Deaths through war from 1400, per 100'000 population. https://www3.nd.edu/~dhoward1/Rates%...20in%20War.pdf

Peaks and troughs, but seems to fluctuate around the same centre.

[DoctorStrangelove]

Someone was complaining about Israel bombing Gaza said it was as bad as the UK bombing Dresden. Pretty sure Adolf would have moved on to the Arabs as soon as he had eliminated the Jews. How are people so feckin stupid or blind?

Other than being best buddies with the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem of course.