The Lord of the Rings: A Timely Reminder and Tale of War

I think we all have watched the movie series or even read the books by Tolkien. It’s a story of  men, dwarves, elves & hobbits standing against rising immense evil in the world. It’s a story about sacrifice, honor, adventure and friendship. It’s about ordinary people doing heroic things despite their fears. I still rewatch this series. It's so evocative of the times we live in. 

“There is no time. War is upon us.” I can’t help but feel this is true right now in the world. Wars run across the world, the enemies of the West are united against us. Yet our governing elites and most people have no clue about the threat we face and how unprepared we are. 

But I still have hope. That if we wake up in time we can face this threat. 

There is a scene when one of the characters Faramir is sent on a suicide mission by his lord and father. The townspeople throw flowers on the ground in front of them as the soldiers grimly ride out of the gates. knowing none of them will be coming back. His friend implores him. “your fathers will has turned to madness. Do not throw away your life so rashly.”

Faramir answers: “where does my allegiance lie if not here.” It’s such a powerful scene. Loyalty, honor even if it means your death. 

There is another scene when the mounted warriors of Rohan ride to fight orcs who are coming to attack their women and children. They fight them off at great cost. On their return, the king’s niece says: “So few. So few of you have returned.” 

The king responds: “Our people are safe. We have paid for it with many lives.”

I think this is why I admire soldiers and warriors so much. They put themselves in harm's way to protect us. Sadly we seem to be coming to this time soon. Maybe Lord of the Rings holds some lessons for us that evil wins in the world when we do nothing. 

Which is why so much of my focus now is on geopolitics, investing in Defensetech, helping ramp up our industrial and manufacturing base, personally learning fighting and tactical skills. Anything to help America and our allies in Asia and Europe build deterrence & protect our way of life. We have to protect the shire. “If you want peace, prepare for war.” 

I leave this with a quote from King Theoden: “If this is to be our end, then I will have them make such an end to be worthy of remembrance.”