William J. Astore Quote

“1. Our military is supposed to be a means to an end: national security.  Due to its immense size and colossal budget, has our military not become an end as well as a means? 2. In World War II, Americans could explain “Why We Fight” in part because the government provided a clear and compelling rationale for war.  Why are the goals of today’s wars so opaque to most Americans? 3. If our military provides us with our way of “nation building” abroad, won’t countries and peoples be more likely to copy our military ways and weaponry than our democratic teachings?  4. America is facing painful budgetary belt tightening.  Why is the military immune? 5. Why does “support our troops” seemingly end when they leave the service, leading us to tolerate such inequities as an unemployment rate of 21% for young veterans?”

~ William J. Astore

“The Pentagon Church Militant and Us: The Top Five Questions We Should Ask the Pentagon,” TomDispatch, March 18, 2010
http://www.tomdispatch.com/blog/175219/tomgram%3A_william_astore,_you_have_no_say_about_your_military

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

I am not quite sure how to rate this. There are some good statements and questions made but, ?

E Archer, NYC

Great questions! Some answers:
1. Yes,
2. Because we have lost control of our servant government,
3. Yes, as a matter of fact, our militancy becomes the example, not individual freedom and the distribution of powers OF GOVERNMENT.,
4. Because right now, the US dollar is backed by lead -- bullets.,
5. Because 'supporting our troops' means buying the lies, then vets come home reeking of reality.

Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

A bullying military unreasonable mindset will never lead to security. Security is acquired with an open reasonable receptive mind. When you find these characteristics in your citizens you'll find security.

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