I’ve invoked William Tecumseh Sherman several times in the last few weeks. Via Glenn The Other McCain does so as well:
Sherman’s sober words about the “terrible hardships of war” were written to the mayor of Atlanta, who had complained about the cruelty of the Union commander’s order for the evacuation of the civilian population of the city. Sherman’s merciless attitude was motivated by his belief that the South bore responsibility for starting the war, and thus had no legitimate grounds to complain about the consequences of war. Sherman furthermore believed that by devastating the interior of the Confederacy, destroying its infrastructure and resources, he would hasten the end of the war and thereby end its attendant misery:
This is exactly right.
He also says this:
If the IDF had a Sherman in command, he would no doubt vow to “make Gaza howl” with a March to the Sea.
Boy that sounds familiar.
Sherman BTW is a fascinating person I suggest finding a good biography to read of him, but not this one by Lee Kennett which managed to make the story of an interesting man into a boring tale.


