CommonDreams: US Culture: War or Peace?

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Published on Sunday, February 25, 2007 by CommonDreams.org
US Culture: War or Peace?
by Nels Christianson

"No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare."
-- James Madison

“We seek peace” G. W. Bush boldly claimed during his 2003 State-of-the-Union address. In 2004, it was, “Our aim is a democratic peace.” In the next year’s address he explained how promoting freedom rather than fear and hatred leads to peace. All the while he has been waging two wars. Three if you count our support of Israel in the recent battle in Lebanon. And Iran could be our fourth. Our leaders (not just Bush) talk peace but wage war. This is nothing new. So I ask:

How do we – we as a nation – seek peace?

That we seek peace at all can be challenged by those who look at our recent history. The author, Gore Vidal, cites America’s laundry list of more than 250 armed aggressions on foreign soil since World War II. That pencils out to about one every three months. Add in propaganda build-up, manufacturing of ammunition and equipment, transport of soldiers and supplies. One could claim America’s mantra and daily practice is war.

Each 4th of July, we pay tribute to soldiers who have sacrificed for our country. We do the same for Veteran’s Day, Flag Day, Pearl Harbor Day, Memorial Day, and so on. Towns unfurl flags by the thousands, uniformed groups march in parades, and newspapers carry touching stories of bygone conflicts. It makes sense that we host such festive displays because, for all of our hard work for war, we deserve to celebrate.

We have other citizens who sacrifice for our nation and for peace. Like soldiers enlisting for military service, these citizens enlist in the Peace Corps. A few years ago, Congress established National Peace Corps Week to recognize the service to our country by these volunteers. This year, National Peace Corps Week begins February 26th. .....(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0225-25.htm