There is a lot out about terrorists and the weapon capabilities of various nations, recently North Korea. What will come of it all? Will we suffer an apocalyptic third world war? My answer is: no. And here's why (based on a USA focused view but many things are universal).
First, lets put things in perspective. Fatalities by...
Terrorism 1969 to 2009
http://www.heritage.org/research/re...-data-on-international-and-domestic-terrorism
"From 1969 to 2009, almost 5,600 people lost their lives and more than 16,300 people suffered injuries due to international terrorism directed at the United States."
Guns in 2010-11
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/16/murders-shootings-and-gun-sales-per-day_n_2488664.html
"While it's worth noting that the vast majority of gun owners are law abiding, the cold, hard numbers about deaths and injuries due to guns seem equally noteworthy. Guns were used in 11,422 homicides and 19,392 suicides in 2010, according to the CDC, and were used either intentionally or accidentally to wound 59,208 people in 2011."
I'm not trying to downplay terrorism but lets not go crazy about it and start another war. I hate the corrupt media for distorting these things to use people's fear. This type of comparison could have been made with many things by these are hot subjects right now and frankly I'm cynical about both. Look at the numbers.
Since mankind has had society we've had propaganda. Good read:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/propaganda.aspx
It's
needed for wars. People do not like wars or killing. To quote Hermann Goering,
http://www.snopes.com/quotes/goering.asp
"Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."
This is timeless and universal
http://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/mccarthyism.htm
"The American Heritage Dictionary defines McCarthyism as "the political practice of publicizing accusations of disloyalty or subversion with insufficient regard to evidence.""
So why with all the modern conflicts and weapons would I say WW3 will
not happen? The above says exactly why. "Of course the people don't want war." -This. Most people in every country are not monsters; they're good people. With the way the world is divided into countries, even with 'media giants' organizations spanning many different countries, only so many people can be tricked.
If anyone starts a serious, high grade weapons assault the rest of the world simply will not tolerate it (you know it's important because it's in
bold). People's universal dislike of war and nuclear weapons is strong enough to stamp out any sparks that could ignite WW3.
This is the information age. Almost anybody can look stuff up in
minutes. Somethings are subjective but if you have solid science behind your arguments,
they cannot be defeated. People are getting past the naive
stage. Knowledge is power and the common person can access it. Different nations are not as alienated from each other because the internet as well.
If you want a message in here: Get informed, get active and keep things in perspective.