A popular bumper sticker here in Eugene confidently declares, “War is not the answer!” At a younger age I would have associated myself with this ideology. After all, nobody wants war, an event that can be characterized in two words: death and destruction. Populations around the world posit that war = bad, and peace = good.
My reasoning and historical reflection changed when I began to study history in a more detailed manner. What happens when peace cannot be attained? It was not difficult to conclude that war has been the preferred and successful response countless times throughout American and world history. In fact, in United States history, war has provided an answer for gaining independence in the 18th century, slavery during the Civil War, imperialism and fascism in the 1940s, communism in the 1950s, and religious fanaticism today.
Some of you may label me a warmonger for seemingly advocating the use of military force in order to accomplish one’s international interests, or protect the population from a resident evil. However, this characterization does not take into account the necessity of war in the time periods mentioned. Nor does it recognize the enemies we were facing, most of which were bent on world hegemony, a mannerism that can be applied to many aggressors today.
When reflecting on the wars America has participated in, the first thought that comes to mind is: America is not much of an antagonist, more a reactive country concerning warfare. There was no alternative to war when it came to obtaining our independence from Great Britain. Even if our Founding Fathers attempted to shy away from battle, there is no doubt that Great Britain would have secured her northern colonies despite negotiation attempts. The Civil War, said to be the last gentleman’s war, could only have been avoided if America split in two. World War II was started by a mentally deficient dictator in Germany, and sustained by Kamikaze pilots, no doubt bent on world domination. The spread of communism led to fears of foreign takeover, represented by the Korean and later Vietnam war. And, of course, today we have Islamic Radicals or Islamic-Fascists. People who believe their God calls upon them to kill Jews and Infidels… more frightening than a Kamikaze. War has been, and will continue to be, the answer to extraordinary events that threaten our livelihood and Western Civilization.
Yet another mindset that rejects criticism is the notion that war should be used as a last resort. Again, intuitively this is justified… but only when rational thinkers are involved. Wars have predominately been initiated by irrational leaders. This past weekend I was in Santa Barbara attending a conference where I had the opportunity to hear former Attorney General John Ashcroft speak. He made an interesting point when he expressed that 40 million people died in World War II because nobody had the nerve to stop Hitler. History, in its infinite wisdom, shows that European countries were petrified. Some were petrified with fear, others with dismay, while still others recognized the decimation yet acquiesced. This is a clear instance in which war was necessary, a line of thinking that a drugged up Hitler had already subscribed to.
My intent is not to lobby for war as the foundation of our foreign policy. I do however believe that it is important to recognize that war has been inevitable in U.S. history, and in all cases America has responded with valor and bravery. Not to mention, our armed forces literally saved the world twice, three times if you count the Cold War during which our government utilized the military as a major deterrent.
The United States of America is an imperfect country. But, when looking back at the 231 years of our existence, it’s clear that the world is a better place because of America and the armed forces that serve her. We have the greatest military the world has ever seen, one that has defended us time and time again. There is no denying the need that America has for her men and women in uniform.
I would like to conclude by paraphrasing a piece of work titled “Freedom’s Source,” which articulates the importance of the American soldier. Unfortunately the author is unknown: “It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us a right to a free trial. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag. Were it not for the brave… there would be no land of the free.”
[email protected]