Sad to say it doesn’t seem to matter what we the people think about war and military spending.. President Trump doesn’t care that at least 70% of Americans are against the Iran War. Dick Cheney infamously replied, “So?” when he was told by a reporter that Americans opposed further escalation in the Iraq War.
It would matter if we truly lived in a democracy—but we do not. Instead, we exist under a kleptocracy, a kakistocracy.
The first step is acknowledging that our voices have been silenced and that our government no longer represents us. After that, we must work to reform, rebuild, or fundamentally alter that system.
For the most part, Americans reject militarism and ongoing conflicts, yet powerful interests who favor war hold the reins.
Most citizens, I believe, do not support expanding nuclear arsenals. Nonetheless, new weapons are being produced. Take a look at Bill Hartung’s article on the profiteers of Armageddon.
Likewise, I think Americans oppose spending from $1.5 trillion to $2.3 trillion yearly on the Pentagon and warfare (see this POGO report for details on the true total U.S. military budget), yet the military-industrial complex continues to funnel funds into these areas regardless.
As George Carlin famously stated, the owners don’t care about the public at all. Your preferences and needs hold no weight. To those in power, inflation benefits the elite—just ask President Trump. Rising fuel costs serve fossil fuel companies. Growing credit card debt profits bankers.
Action is necessary. We must shift from American-made destruction to American-made creation. It’s time to restore ourselves as builders, not destroyers.
The weapons funded and manufactured, the conflicts waged, and the countless lives torn apart—what is the purpose? The weapons makers and warmongers demonstrate profound moral failure. Why do we tolerate them?
Until we reclaim our principles and courage, and remove the kakistocrats and kleptocrats in charge, we will stay trapped in a cycle of senseless militarism and perpetual war.
Refuse to grant your consent. Consider standing for office yourself. Mobilize, protest, engage with your community. Even sharing your thoughts through a blog helps slow the relentless march toward Armageddon.
And always persevere.
Original article: bracingviews.com
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