Fighting the 'good' war - Asia Times

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

A long article explaining how this "necessary war" came to be and how it is being waged, and lost, for political expediency.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KK04Df03.html

In terms of politics: Obama and the Democrats would rather wage these self-defeating wars than to be accused by the know-nothings of "cutting and running", of being "weak on defense" and of "lacking patriotism". They fear these right-wing attacks will cost them elections in today's highly conservative America, so instead of fighting back politically they bend the knee further to militarism and war.

In terms of international policy: Since the end of World War II - and particularly after the implosion of the Soviet Union and the socialist camp two decades ago - the US has functioned as the world's dominating hegemon based on its willingness to use overwhelming military strength to extend its economic and political parameters throughout the world. A large number of Americans have been duped into believing it's all being done to spread democracy and to keep people safe from the terrorists.

What has this gotten America lately? The US is a declining superpower in deep economic difficulties. The recession, foreclosures and unemployment are crushing tens of millions of American families. Even without a recession, economic inequality is rampant; government social services are primitive; the civil infrastructure is becoming a shambles; the healthcare system remains a wreck, although a relative improvement may be forthcoming; and our political system, where the choices are confined to the right and center, needs an overhaul.

Meanwhile, Washington's wasting a trillion dollars a year on past, present and future wars "to save the world" (the $680 billion Pentagon budget Obama just signed is only part of it).