The Book of Changes: on War

To celebrate the Equionox, I did a reading from the Chinese book of Changes (I Ching) and got hexagram 8 - The Army. I used the Richard Wilhelm translation.

If only the Chimp-in Chief possessed the intelligence to read these words and attempted to abide by them. Instead, he did the opposite of what the I Ching teaches, and this is why we are in such a mess in Iraq.

Here is what the reading said:

"War is always a dangerous thing and brings with it destruction and devastation. Therefore, it should not be resorted to rashly but, like a poisonous drug, should be used as a last recourse.

"The justifying of a war, and clear and intelligible war aims, should be explained to the people by an experienced leader. Unless there is a quite definite war aim to which the people can conscously pledge themselves, the unity and strength of conviction that lead to victory will not be forthcoming."

And more:

"Only a people economically strong can be important in military power. Such power must therefore be cultivated by improving the economic condition of the people and by humane government. Only when there is this invisible bond between government and people, so that the people are sheltered by their government as ground water is sheltered by the earth, is it possible to wage a victorious war."