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We're at War, You Say?
The American Enterprise Online ^ | May 17, 2006 | Joseph Knippenberg

Posted on 05/20/2006 12:40:28 AM PDT by neverdem

We're at War, You Say?


By Joseph Knippenberg


This past Sunday, a long article about Iraq war veterans caught my eye. The conclusion was especially powerful, with one officer reporting the following reaction to dining at a restaurant with his family:

He looked across the restaurant and saw everyone stuffing their faces with pasta and drinking wine. “And everyone’s kind of just sitting there doing it,” he said.

Which is really sort of extraordinary, he said. The country is at war. People are fighting at this very moment. Don’t these people know what’s going on? Don’t they care?

No, he decided. They have no appreciation for their easy, gluttonous lives and don't deserve the freedom, prosperity and contentment he was fighting to protect.

He wanted to yell, “You don’t know what you have! You don’t appreciate it! You don’t care!”

He is, I fear, onto something. We’re at war, our President keeps telling us, and yet our daily lives don’t seem all that different from what they were before September 2001 or March 2003. Oh, gas is more expensive. Air travel is a tad less convenient. And a few buildings are less readily accessible than they used to be. For a while there, the American flag was everywhere, but now it’s just flying where you expect to see it. (I have nothing at the moment to say about immigration demonstrations.)

What, then, does being “at war” mean? It surely doesn’t mean having a larger military establishment. In 1952, at the peak of the Korean War, we had over 3.6 million men and women under arms, out of a population of a little over 150 million. In 1968, at the height of our involvement in Vietnam, the number hovered around 3.5 million, out of a population of around 200 million. At the end of 2005, the number was slightly less than 1.4 million—virtually unchanged from the idyllic post-Cold War era—out of a population of close to 300 million. Stated in another way, a rough back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that today we’re only one sixth as likely to encounter a serviceman or woman as we were in 1950.

My own experience bears that out. Living in the South, reputedly the most “militaristic” region of the country, I know only two young people currently deployed in Iraq and just a handful more who are serving or have served in the military. That’s partly a product of the circles in which I typically move—middle- and upper-middle-class suburbanites are relatively underrepresented in the military by comparison with their rural and working-class brethren.

But it’s even more a product of the fact that our leaders do not regard the challenges we face as calling for a major military mobilization. Fair enough. Robert Kaplan has certainly convinced me that not every projection of U.S. force and influence has to be massive and heavy-handed. And I’m open to the argument that our force levels in Afghanistan and Iraq are adequate, though I do wonder what might have happened if we’d been willing (and able?) to deploy more troops in the early months of the Iraq war.

But my purpose here is not to debate force structure or military doctrine. Rather, it’s to consider the place of this war, and national defense in general, in the hearts and minds of the American people.

Let me begin with a truism. In World War II, virtually all families were personally touched by the war. Almost everyone had a close relative who was in the service. Everyone made sacrifices and endured hardships to support the war effort. Much was demanded of, and much delivered by, a nation at war.

What about now? We put magnetic yellow ribbons on the backs of our cars (some of us at least) and assemble packages full of goodies to send to troops we don’t know. We applaud soldiers in airport departure lounges and clap when the humvee rolls by in the Fourth of July parade. In these ways, we symbolically support our troops and express our solidarity with them. But it’s a sympathy and solidarity that, for the vast majority of us, operates at one remove. These are our countrymen and women, our neighbors perhaps, but seldom our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers. As a result, the war can feel just a little remote—not as remote as one fought by other countries, but still fought by other people.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not calling for a draft just so that everyone can share more vividly in a sense of national solidarity. But if the stakes are as high and the goal as important as we’ve been told, shouldn’t we be asked to make a few sacrifices? Shouldn’t we honor the sacrifices of our servicemen and women with something more than a few gestures? Shouldn’t our lives somehow be altered by our sharing in the effort our nation is putting forth?

In the aftermath of September 11th, President Bush made a start, offering this in his 2002 State of the Union Address:

For too long our culture has said, “If it feels good, do it.” Now America is embracing a new ethic and a new creed: “Let’s roll.” In the sacrifice of soldiers, the fierce brotherhood of firefighters, and the bravery and generosity of ordinary citizens, we have glimpsed what a new culture of responsibility could look like. We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self. We’ve been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this moment pass.

My call tonight is for every American to commit at least two years—4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime—to the service of your neighbors and your nation. Many are already serving, and I thank you. If you aren’t sure how to help, I’ve got a good place to start. To sustain and extend the best that has emerged in America, I invite you to join the new USA Freedom Corps. The Freedom Corps will focus on three areas of need: responding in case of crisis at home; rebuilding our communities; and extending American compassion throughout the world.

One purpose of the USA Freedom Corps will be homeland security. America needs retired doctors and nurses who can be mobilized in major emergencies; volunteers to help police and fire departments; transportation and utility workers well-trained in spotting danger.

Our country also needs citizens working to rebuild our communities. We need mentors to love children, especially children whose parents are in prison. And we need more talented teachers in troubled schools. USA Freedom Corps will expand and improve the good efforts of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps to recruit more than 200,000 new volunteers.

And America needs citizens to extend the compassion of our country to every part of the world. So we will renew the promise of the Peace Corps, double its volunteers over the next five years and ask it to join a new effort to encourage development and education and opportunity in the Islamic world.

This time of adversity offers a unique moment of opportunity—a moment we must seize to change our culture. Through the gathering momentum of millions of acts of service and decency and kindness, I know we can overcome evil with greater good. And we have a great opportunity during this time of war to lead the world toward the values that will bring lasting peace.

The President and First Lady highlighted volunteerism and service in recent commencement addresses at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Vanderbilt University. Last month, during National Volunteer Week, members of the Bush administration undertook an impressive array of activities to demonstrate further this commitment.

A study released last December by the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that such efforts have been successful: over the year beginning in September 2004, almost 65.4 million Americans (six million more than before the President’s call) performed voluntary service at least once. Schools and religious organizations were the principal beneficiaries of these efforts. If I had to guess, I’d say the typical volunteer was a college-educated stay-at-home mom who worked in her children’s school, or an older American who worked in his or her church.

I’m not complaining. The impulse behind President Bush’s call was to mobilize our civic spirit to make this a better country. By taking responsibility for and acting to ameliorate our national ills, we help our neighbors while also improving ourselves.

Still, this probably isn’t what the soldier quoted above had in mind. I can read a book to my child’s class or teach Sunday school and still enjoy myself at the local bistro on Friday night. Even President Bush would have to admit that he was interested in promoting volunteerism long before September 11th, as was his father (remember the Thousand Points of Light?). In other words, this sort of sacrificial activity, good and praiseworthy as it is, has little or nothing to do with the war on terror.

Well, then, what might he have had in mind? Short of a d---- (I daren’t even utter the word), there are two sorts of measures we could take to demonstrate the seriousness of our commitment to victory in the global war on terror.

First, there’s reducing our “addiction,” as President Bush calls it, to imported oil. So long as we’re heavily dependent upon oil produced by our enemies or by those who finance our enemies, we’re not doing all we can to assure our national security. While I’m sure that some of our current and future needs can be met, under certain circumstances, by domestic sources, conservation is also part of the solution. Exhortation to conserve is surely a necessary step, but I expect that behavior will change more in response to prices than to Presidential addresses. Our political leaders should certainly resist the temptation to relieve price pressure by reducing gas taxes. But maybe—and here I commit conservative, or at least Republican, heresy—they should even consider raising those taxes.

This brings me to my second suggestion. The global war on terror is expensive, with defense spending (not including intelligence costs) coming in at around $500 billion this year. Our annual budget deficits are running at roughly $400 billion, give or take. We consume a little less than 400 million gallons of gasoline a day. Do the math: a nominal additional gasoline tax—say, ten cents a gallon—would put a substantial dent in the budget deficit, cutting it by around 30%.

This is more heresy, I know. You don’t win elections by proposing to raise taxes. You don’t reduce the size of government by adding new revenues. Or do you? People smarter than I am disagree about this. Economist William Niskanen argues that “the demand

for federal spending by current voters declines with the amount of this spending that is financed by current taxes.” Blogger Jon Henke has his doubts: if it were true that higher taxes led to demand for smaller government, why don’t we see Europeans vociferously demanding less of what they have in spades?

I’m not an economist, but I do know a thing or two about civic virtue. One of its aspects is taking responsibility. One aspect of taking responsibility is paying for the benefits you receive. It is highly irresponsible routinely to demand and consume government benefits for which we expect someone else to pay, whether it be the proverbial “rich” or our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We have, of course, been doing this for years.

I’m not proposing that we abandon our profligate ways all at once, but I am suggesting that we can begin to take modest steps toward paying for what we want. That’s the way of civic virtue and responsibility. That’s the kind of sacrifice that our men and women in uniform would presumably appreciate.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing for a political leader to stand up and say, “We’re going to meet the challenge of our generation like responsible grown-ups. Some of you will serve in our armed forces, risking your all so that we can continue to enjoy the fruits of liberty. Others will contribute by helping our schools, churches, and communities to be the best they can be. While liberty may be a gift of God, we maintain it at great expense. Honoring God’s gift, honoring the men and women who risk everything to keep us free, and upholding our responsibility to and for our children, we will assume the financial burdens associated with this war.”

If we can’t or don’t respond to this kind of appeal, we don’t deserve our liberty.


Joseph Knippenberg is a professor of politics and associate provost for student achievement at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. He is a weekly columnist for The American Enterprise Online and a contributing blogger at No Left Turns.





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TOPICS: Editorial; Government; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: gwot; iraq
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To: Allegra

"It's weird, but at home, I've come to feel a little like I'm on the outside looking in (and it was never that way before) and here, I feel like I'm where I belong."

Well, I hope you're snug in bed now and that someone kissed you and hugged you and tucked you goodnight. No one is every too old for that (One of the finer pleasures of life IMHO : )

I'm very thankful for this thread today, because while you and I know we're not alone when we are where we feel very 'out of place', it's a bit of a relief now and then to hear someone else say so. I hope you're sleeping tight, not letting the bedbugs, muzzies, and dems bite. Mwuah!


121 posted on 05/20/2006 10:15:37 AM PDT by freema (Proud Marine FRiend, Mom, Aunt, Sister, Friend, Wife, Daughter, Niece)
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To: leadpenny
Good morning.
"The WOT is supposed to be as valid as WWII but it has not been sold to the country that way."

I believe our war fighters already understand what the WOT is all about, as do most civilians who support it.

Most politicians and almost all liberals can't see beyond their own reelection and/or their agenda so it's not possible to make them understand that it's all about survival.

Michael Frazier
122 posted on 05/20/2006 10:17:33 AM PDT by brazzaville (no surrender no retreat, well, maybe retreat's ok)
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To: Allegra

I had an incident last year, where I went to a NE Patriots game with a bunch of guys, did the whole five hour tailgate before the game thing and so on. There was a lot of people there, maybe 20 or so in the group, and I noticed one young guy who I had never seen before, just kind of standing there taking it all in, not saying much to anyone.

One of the guys who I knew as a regular mentioned in conversation that the guy was his nephew has just come back from Iraq and was home on Leave.

My buddy and I, who had gone into the USN together back in the seventies, made a point of going over and talking with him. I didn't ask him specifically about his experiences, but I figured if he wanted to, it would come out in conversation. I spoke with him about what his rating was, what his job involved, was he contributing to the education fund, was he going to stay in or get out, and if he was going to get out what was he going to do...we spoke for a long time.

The next day, I felt a little embarrassed. I thought, hell, this young guy comes home on leave, he came home to get away from the military for a while, and it was all we talked about. I remembered what it was like to be a young guy home on leave when I was in, but I really couldn't remember if it was a subject I talked about, avoided, or even really cared.

All I know is I wanted him to understand that someone knew what he was doing, was interested in it , and cared about it. We made sure when the drinks were out, that appropriate toasts were made to the young man.


123 posted on 05/20/2006 11:06:11 AM PDT by rlmorel ("Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does." Whittaker Chambers)
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To: RightWhale

I was making a point online the othere day, and for historical perspective, I chose Iwo Jima.

We lost 6800 young men in 36 days. It just STAGGERS me to think of it, given how small Iwo Jima is.

Any death in war is terrible, but given the size of Iraq and Afghanistan, in historical terms, have done pretty well.

But I still wished we hadn't been attacked, and I wish we had those 3000+ on 9/11 and 2500+ killed in our military since then, back amongst the ranks of the living.


124 posted on 05/20/2006 11:13:37 AM PDT by rlmorel ("Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does." Whittaker Chambers)
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To: Allegra
BTW...Finbar looks like a great cat...I am a severe softy for yellow cats...like my buddy Buster who guards my car so no libs deface it...

I really needed him when I had THIS on my car during the election season up here...


125 posted on 05/20/2006 11:19:20 AM PDT by rlmorel ("Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does." Whittaker Chambers)
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To: freema

Thanks for your service. If it is any consolation, the way you feel is not at all unique.

One of the most touching things I ever heard was from a Vietnam Vet who told me:

"I hated Vietnam. I hated it with all my might from the depths of my guts. But sometimes, I wish I could go back...just to remember what it felt like to want to come home so badly."

I admit, it just floored me to hear him put it that way, because in a small way, it made me understand what he meant.


126 posted on 05/20/2006 11:22:57 AM PDT by rlmorel ("Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does." Whittaker Chambers)
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To: A CA Guy
To all

This first two mistakes were:
Not demanding a formal declaration of war against terrorists. (Name some Al-Qiada, Taliban, and 'others to be named later') and terrorist supporting states also naming them later. I would have puposely left 'the terror organizations & terror states' vague with the appropriate legal & diplomatic smoke & mirrors. I would have dared the democrats & the treason-left to oppose it. On 9/12/01 then wouldn't have dared ! Those that did would be branded traitor from then on ! Also I would have never ever used words like 'bring them to justice' those words make people think is nothing but a episode of 'Law & Order'.
127 posted on 05/20/2006 11:33:56 AM PDT by Reily
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To: Darkwolf377
Really? Republican turnout was high in Ohio, where a scandal should have supressed it; as high as in 2004 in California, where a scandal should have suppressed it; as Michael Barone pointed out, both cases should have shown depressed republican turnout and increased democrat turnout. Didn't happen.

Michael Barone doesn't account for many factors. His info tells far more about the results and inside track of the last two elections than predicting the next election.

Let's instead just look at the primaries this year:

Across the country in every primary held, the results are uniform: Reagan/Gingrich style conservatives and those who reject the amnesty deal for illegals have prevailed. Those who are soft on immigration or represent the Rockefeller Republicans have lost.
128 posted on 05/20/2006 11:39:07 AM PDT by George W. Bush
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To: rlmorel

Iwo Jima was a heck of a slog. The airfield made it worthwhile. When the real war starts up and casualties are in the millions rather than the thousands, then there are going to be a lot of confused and pampered citizens with drool running down their chins not knowing what to do.


129 posted on 05/20/2006 11:50:13 AM PDT by RightWhale (Off touch and out of base)
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To: RightWhale

Well...hell...I will probably be one of those drool laden citizens...but...with my Garand and a few ammo boxes...maybe I will find a way not to be.

I just hope it doesn't come to that.


130 posted on 05/20/2006 12:04:48 PM PDT by rlmorel ("Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does." Whittaker Chambers)
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To: rlmorel
When the balloon goes up I will report to the Army post here, probably level-headed so the drool comes out both sides of the jaw equally. Maybe they can find something for a codger to do while the young whippersnappers run off somewhere to destroy the enemy. If not, and probably not, I will go home and sit in the yard with my 12 gauge in my lap and my .45 on my belt and wait for the enemy to come up the road. I'll nail them while they are doubled over in laughter.
131 posted on 05/20/2006 12:12:53 PM PDT by RightWhale (Off touch and out of base)
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To: RightWhale

You sound as though you are channeling Heinlein there.

I like it.


132 posted on 05/20/2006 1:57:12 PM PDT by NicknamedBob (I grew up so long ago that being grown-up was more fun than being a kid!)
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To: NicknamedBob

Everybody seems afraid to write like Heinlein anymore. When everybody is thrown on his own resources there will be a great sorting out, and that time will come no matter how long we delay it. If you don't already have a horse, keep your knees loose.


133 posted on 05/20/2006 2:39:53 PM PDT by RightWhale (Off touch and out of base)
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To: Reily

I think the President has said we are in a war against terror and that includes all that host, train and finance them.


134 posted on 05/20/2006 2:44:00 PM PDT by A CA Guy (God Bless America, God bless and keep safe our fighting men and women.)
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To: Reily
With the American people that might not be sexy enough to pay attention to.

One more 9-11 and they will be all of a sudden outraged and all upset it wasn't stopped though.

People can be hypocrites.
135 posted on 05/20/2006 2:45:10 PM PDT by A CA Guy (God Bless America, God bless and keep safe our fighting men and women.)
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To: A CA Guy

The manner in which he said it without the 'formal declaration of war' makes it look like 'political rhetoric' !

A 'declaration of war' defines the legal conditions both domestically & internationally as well as concentrates the mind for the tasks ahead.


136 posted on 05/20/2006 2:51:38 PM PDT by Reily
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To: Reily
Well he has one obstacle in this war he waged that none other had in any modern war before him.
These terrorist people are of no nation, yet in many nations.
Have no one base of operations and are in effect a guerrilla movement.
Circumstances have necessitated his style and approach to this war IMO.

I don't know that another President could have done it better, and hind sight is always helpful if we had it before things happen, so that doesn't help now IMO.
137 posted on 05/20/2006 3:05:09 PM PDT by A CA Guy (God Bless America, God bless and keep safe our fighting men and women.)
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To: A CA Guy
Don't get me wrong I support Bush and support the war against terror. Believe me I really understand how different it is, "terrorism = asymmetric warfare" is not similar to what we normally understand war to be. But it still war, its still an effort by a foreign entity to impose its will on us by direct force or through intimidation. I had a friend who I guess like you felt that a formal declaration of war was unnecessary, that the congressional resolution was all that was necessary. (His quote was "declaration of was is so 18th century!") I say the "Gulf of Tonkin resolution" and a myriad of other "resolutions" render those "resolutions" to merely political statements and not statements that any enemy or potential enemy should take seriously. Since they are "political statements", then they can be changed by political action. So our 'enemies' then engage in "political warfare" on our own soil by backing organizations like MOVEOB.org etc.
138 posted on 05/20/2006 3:39:42 PM PDT by Reily
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To: rlmorel

He is beautiful.


139 posted on 05/20/2006 4:56:47 PM PDT by angcat ("Bin Laden shows others the road to Paradise, but never offers to go along for the ride." GWB)
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To: Drew68
Your job's way cooler than mine.
140 posted on 05/20/2006 5:03:54 PM PDT by roaddog727 (eludium PU36 explosive space modulator)
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