​                     The Myth of War

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If the above heading is intended to reveal and declaim all of the reasons war is nothing but a myth, it would be the ultimate personification of one of the many beliefs held by those who need no more than a touch of religion. On that note, let us pursue a singular myth - one that can be beautifully heart warming - or devilishly mistaken for an accepted fact!

It is the oft quoted, and presumed to be, a wide spread belief that the wars we are fighting now are largely a matter of self preservation. And that is a myth! All too often family members of men and women in the military speak the words which reveal their innermost feelings: "We are so proud of our son/daughter offering his/her life to protect and defend our country and the God given opportunity to be an American!" 

Does a uniform and a rapid fire weapon in the hands of a volunteer enlistee create comfort for the folks at home? Is there a sense of concern, possibly fear, that our troops abroad may become the first line of defense as swarms of enemies intent on conquest land on our shores? Has the government of the United States of America actually declared war on any other country in recent times?

The men and women who deliberately joined forces with thousands of other brave persons knew that they would be in harms way, that there might be loss of life or limb, that under any set of circumstances enlisting meant giving up so much of the life style they nurtured to face the trials, tribulations and indignities of Army service. They deserve all the support and recognition our country can provide. 

Historians will establish the diferentials between wars of convenience (political), wars of integrity (the American Way), and wars of expedience (self defense). Each designation has multiple paths to beginnings and endings. The 'eyes wide open' observers or participants of current wars know that any reference to self defense is a myth. Those who would use the myth also know that there will not, nor will there ever be, Arab dictators in the White House - nor any rogue Asian nation strong enough to use nuclear weaponry as a threat to conquer - nor any armed force large enough, powerful enough, stupid ​enough to challenge the world's number one bastion of democracy!

We understand that as long as there are murdering terrorists defying civilization we can and must be vigilant, and well prepared to respond to any form of attack. 

It is unfortunate that America has become the world's unofficial police nation. But that is a fact. Homeland protection and self defense built into standing armies, navys, air forces to fend off marauding countrys bent on international conquest is myth making at its incredible peak!

At least for the foreseeable future!

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Richard Carlton

May 17, 2011

Issue No. 11