Linda wrote:
> In terms of sheer numbers, it has been estimated that between 133 (the
> verifiable number from the historic record) and 625 million
> individuals have been killed by democide (death by government - would
> be comparable to a very broad definition of genocide) prior to the
> Twentienth Century (30 B.C.E. through the 19th Century). Between 170
> and 210 (includes non-civilian, non-combatants killed) million
> individuals have been killed by democide in just the Twentieth
> Century alone. That is why many authors refer to and believe
> that this century will be referred to historically as the Century of
> Genocide. Additionally, the level of state sponsorship and
> industrialization is unique.
Linda, I agree with almost everything you've said--but this one area does
raise some questions.
In particular, you refer to sheer numbers--but is this a valid way of
comparing the centuries? Due to the enormous increases in population in
this century, we have a world population that is many times that of
earlier centuries. If the comparison is limited to numbers, obviously we
are "number one" for democide--but by the same standard, if the comparison
is limited to numbers, more people died in the Vietnam war than in the
first _five_ centuries of civilization, thus making the Vietnam war more
violent than any military act in early history!
I'd be curious to know how this century compares on the basis of
percentage of the population versus number of deaths. For example, it has
always been my impression that the Inquisition was the single campaign
that cost more lives (in terms of percentages) than any other governmental
act of democide in history (as the Roman Catholic Church controlled the
political system, it qualifies as a governmental act, obviously), followed
closely by the crusades. Perhaps I'm wrong in those assumptions, if so I'd
appreciate being corrected.
At any rate, congratulations on your award--it was clearly well deserved!
Rick
--
Rick Adams
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Department of Social Sciences
Jackson Community College, Jackson, MI
"... and the only measure of your worth and your deeds
will be the love you leave behind when you're gone."
Fred Small, J.D., "Everything Possible"
