h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello, Some other researchers and I were discussing the Congo Conflict, how surprising it is to find out about some wars and famines and situations that aren't discussed much in mainstream news. I suggested we put together a quiz as a sort of virtual teach-in, something to raise awareness. I'd like people to be surprised enough that they might read more stories in depth, so that they'll know the context they're probably missing from newspapers and tv news. So when they hear Bush patting himself on the back for giving $3 billion per year to combat AIDS in Africa, they'll already know that we're spending $1 billion per *MONTH* to keep troops in Afghanistan, and probably more for Iraq. I'm sure you can think of more examples. That's why I'm inviting People for Peace to participate too. If you can think of some startling fact that you've read about war or genocide or famine, then come join the conversation. We'll try to work it into a quiz format, not to test how smart people are, but to give them those startling facts in a way that will remind them how many important stories they're missing. We'll put together ten or twelve questions like that and submit it to the Post. If we come up with more than ten or twelve good questions, we could submit more quizzes later. Check out this thread for more info and a few examples... http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/brunel/F125775?thread=281107&post=3696663#p3692154 Thanks, Deidzoeb

what year was america not at war somewhere in the world...

Only one, according to stand up comedian Rob Newman.

1863 I think it was... the only year that the US was not engaged in a conflict outside its borders.

That seems difficult to believe, but looking at an actual list of military deployments outside of the US for the last 200 years really is shocking. China, Russia during their revolution, all up and down South America and Central America.

http://www.zmag.org/CrisesCurEvts/interventions.htm

If you received the typical high school education in the United States, you'll want to phone your school and suggest that your history teachers be dismissed for gross incompetence.

http://www.voy.com/65982/70.html

we need to gather and protest.

Any events planned near u? Can we start some? I think RL protest are best, along with email campaigns - spam Tony.Blair@number10 with lots of NO

My housemate Pete is pages evidence 14 of the FAC report on reasons for going to war in Iraq. Its gov policy to log and report on mail and email. We can be vocal and make it stop, I hope