De cives militis (8/2/17)

The need for a militia as Europe is overrun and swamped by its mortal enemies is a particular priority in politics at this moment. 

National defence has been neglected in the last decade. 

The South has grown rich and decadent.

I propose a Civil Defence Corps for the North. This militia would be based on

Aid to the Civil Power and formed of Trade Union Battalions, Catholic Battalions and Protestant Battalions. To avoid sectarian recrimination and catcalling it should be led by a three man Military Collegium headed up by a trade union general drawn from the workers’ battalions.

Such a system restores the moral and economic and social fibre of society and is a preparation for the world of duty,work and service.

The militia system must be based on universal conscription with exemptions for Conscientious Objectors. There should be no women in any militia or armed body of men which takes itself seriously.

Joseph Paul Mc Carroll. 8/2/17  

1.1.2021

Can there be a measure of democracy in an "armed body of men".

Ireland's view is skewed by PDFORRA and past experience in another organisation.

This is a truly difficult question to answer and would certainly trouble the Wisdom of Solomon.

There is no easy answer other than to write that the resolution of serious questions requires calmness and restraint.

Discipline and organisational restraint therefore and a universal recognition that some people and women are not suited to military service...

That said,I see no obstacle of any credible weight to the election of officers on the basis of effective antecedents with an obligation to serve and obey certain rules... Trotsky's dictatorial and intemperate methods and flawed strategy are not to be copied...

2.2.2021

Of course, in an age such as ours when the pendulum swings violently between nuclear confrontation and hand-wringing peace deals there is no alternative to strong defences though those in command must be accountable to the courts, something that is not largely present anywhere because of Indian intervention and the Catholic Church's role as a mediator and civil society  reportage.