I often find it amazing how often people choose not to study history. Not so much the people that make up the common fiber of the country, but those that make up the "elites" and the leadership of this nation. Thomas Sowell points out parallels in several conflicts of the past century in this recent op-ed.

The biggest coherent group that ignores history is the pacifists. Pacifism is the surest way to war and the quickest way to end the peace. The problem is that many people believe that if you're not a pacifist, you're a war hawk. This is hardly the case. As the old saying goes, pray for peace and prepare for war.