Letter: Militarism is financially and morally bankrupting the USA
As a father, grandfather, veteran (U.S. Army chaplain) and minister, I am deeply troubled about our nation’s priorities.
Has anybody noticed that the perpetual (overtly for over 15 years) war in the Middle East (aka “war on terrorism”) is about to get worse. It looks open-ended and forever. It is a third rail no one dare touch. It is un-American to question! Responsible citizenship and political leadership appears silent or feeble. More for the military is an unassailable demand.
The costs rob our public services and distort our economy. The loss of life is tragic. Our military casualties and wounded veterans are precious, senseless sacrifices. There are millions of other victims round the world.
Is anybody investigating the obscene profiteering and the collaboration by the government, military and corporations to spend us into cynical disaster? Anybody auditing the shift of the USA in 70 years from savior of civilization to international villain?
Militarism is financially and morally bankrupting the USA. It’s product is destruction, not safety. It has long lost any pretense at defense. We have been on offensive military operations for generations protecting, we are told, “national interests.” What exactly are our national interests? Profits, death?
Reverend Doak M. Mansfield, Kennewick
This story was originally published November 4, 2016 at 4:48 AM with the headline "Letter: Militarism is financially and morally bankrupting the USA."