Back in 1966, the words of Lorraine Schneider appeared on posters everywhere in reaction to the Vietnam War. Our country, still in the throes of dealing with unrest in Afghanistan, sits on the brink of yet another world conflict, this time, with Syria.
I don’t make it a practice to delve into political debates on my blog, not that I steer away from a healthy discussion involving current topics, mind you. Today is different and I’m feeling there is a point to be made. Chalk my ramble up to good old Facebook and a long thread of comments after the posting of a friend regarding possible U.S. military action in the Middle East. Sometimes, it’s difficult not to lash out at the inane reasoning of others, even though we all know that everyone is well-entitled to their opinions. Call this my need to challenge one random viewpoint if you will and, while you’re at it, don’t judge me. Thank you.
Most, if not all of us, have grown up through some war event. Keep in mind that war is a very, very broad term. A little quick research brought up 194 conflicts or wars, since 1945, which included great power wars, civil wars, genocides, terrorism, humanitarian intervention, inter-ethnic wars and could even include the Mexican Drug War.
Getting back to the great Facebook debate earlier today, a comment was stated about how “war not only boosts our economy but is our biggest industry.” The poster went on to talk about how “Americans will never give this up being that the military employs so many people with few other options. And the manufacturing of war toys lines the overstuffed pockets of the 1%.”
Somehow, I’ve never quite looked at war with such a Capitalistic point-of-view, in fact, I recalled The Broken Window Fallacy which is illustrated in Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson. In short, Hazlitt’s view on the effect of war on the economy is that the argument can be made that war is a benefactor, since historically it often has focused the use of resources and triggered advances in technology and other areas while reducing unemployment. The increased production and employment associated with war often leads some to claim that “war is good for the economy.” However, this belief is often given as an example of the broken window fallacy. The money spent on the war effort, for example, is money that cannot be spent on food, clothing, health care, consumer electronics or other areas. The stimulus felt in one sector of the economy comes at a direct – but hidden – cost to other sectors.
The intrepid Facebook commenter continued on about war’s economic effect with “It’s a machine we are all part of.” asking..” Do you think the majority of Americans are interested in really shaking up the lives we lead? In some way, this individual stands firm in their belief that the majority of Americans are a select group of passive warmongers, more interested in checks and balances, completely unconcerned with the sacrifices of our military in the face of diabolical entities on this troubled planet.
What troubled me the most during this bit of social media drama was that the poster had no regard, no real understanding, for those who have and presently are serving in our military other than to label them as instruments in some great economic design by our government. In every war, there are countless sacrifices and those lucky enough to return from conflict aren’t necessarily anxious to step back into another theatre of turmoil. Most want peace but will always support everyone in military service who defend all that is precious to every American.
In a few days, even weeks, our President might gain Congressional authorization for use of force against Syria because of its use of chemical weapons which have killed hundreds of innocents in that country, many of them children. The debate has lingered for days. The United States can refrain from policing such horrific acts or…respond in a strong show of force to punish the Syrians and send a message that this type of aggression will not be tolerated anywhere in our world.
There is no clear answer, no win-win solution. Syria, one of the most ancient civilizations on earth, has been embroiled in centuries of conflict. Even today, terrified Syrians flee the civil war that sweeps across their country. Any intervention or attempts to achieve political transition won’t be taken lightly or end quickly. Peace, anywhere in the Middle East, is just a word thrown on some table of negotiation.
In the words of our President, “We are prepared to strike“
And yet another…war?
