First off, it's important to note that war destroys countries. It tears their economies apart, leads to death on both sides, and requires massive funding. The rewards are, perhaps, a certain amount of land, people, etc., but the cost is enormous. In most every war we've seen in the late 20th and 21st century, not much good has come of it. It has run us billions in debt, cost us over 2000 lives in the Iraq war alone, and required more taxes sent overseas rather than benefiting the citizens who are footing the bill.
However, I'm not against war altogether. There are absolutely instances in which we must fight, because either we are attacked, or someone leads an orchestrated attack upon our allies. It is in these circumstances that we are not only entitled, but required, to respond with a certain level of force to ensure safety of ourselves and others.
Wars not fought for this reason, though, were not justified. Our reason for annexing Texas and multiple other territories from Mexico in the 19th century was an example of a nation on the attack, not on the defensive. Our focus in war should not be on acquisition of land or financial gain, but instead on protecting our citizens from foreign forces.
To conclude, I am by no means against our military. I salute their commitment to our country, willing to take a job that may put their life at stake. What we do with it today is detestable. There is a reason why the military adviser to the POTUS is not called the Secretary of Offense, Secretary of Policing the World, or Secretary of War, but instead the Secretary of Defense.
“America goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own."
-John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States
However, I'm not against war altogether. There are absolutely instances in which we must fight, because either we are attacked, or someone leads an orchestrated attack upon our allies. It is in these circumstances that we are not only entitled, but required, to respond with a certain level of force to ensure safety of ourselves and others.
Wars not fought for this reason, though, were not justified. Our reason for annexing Texas and multiple other territories from Mexico in the 19th century was an example of a nation on the attack, not on the defensive. Our focus in war should not be on acquisition of land or financial gain, but instead on protecting our citizens from foreign forces.
To conclude, I am by no means against our military. I salute their commitment to our country, willing to take a job that may put their life at stake. What we do with it today is detestable. There is a reason why the military adviser to the POTUS is not called the Secretary of Offense, Secretary of Policing the World, or Secretary of War, but instead the Secretary of Defense.
“America goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own."
-John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States
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