Strange Sunday Ramble on Iraq 5 Years Later

Generation-X scholar and OYE contributor, Wek, has tipped me off to an AP article discussing the lives of Americans involved in the Iraq war 5 years after the invasion. It’s an excellent read for a Sunday, and the Tanker Brothers have already offered their insightful observations on it. Perhaps, it’s time I offer up my own modest opinions on war and the current paradigm of our American society. Not trying to be pompous, just my opinion from where I’m sitting…

Progress of civilization

For centuries, human civilization has struggled for the freedom from tyranny. Whether it be the despotism of monarchs, the atrocities of communist leaders, or even institutionalized practices which targeted specific aspects of mankind for extermination. While not perfect, American ideals defined in the constitution and by our forefathers have recognized these threats to humanity from centralized power structures and sought to create a society where the very institutions to govern were held in check. The concept of individuals each bringing their expertise to society free from discrimination has brought about the best in humanity. The American way of life, in general, cherishes the rights of the individual and allows them the means to overcome the brute struggle for survival to innovate and overcome the harsh conditions of nature that oppose human civilization. This innovation has led to more advanced agriculture, modern industrial efficiency, the combating of pestilence once rampant in urban centers, etc. Of course, mankind could not have overcome these factors without struggle. Truly, struggle and triumph is what distinguishes mankind from the animal kingdom, in which one person’s gumption and hard-work can have the effect of benefiting our entire society. In my opinion, I see the purpose of mankind’s existence to further our civilization through a combination of technological and cultural advancements, while maintaining humanity and a respect for all life itself on a sustainable course.

War can be necessary

War is a powerful method of affecting socio-political change in various parts of the world and has been employed throughout history. Our own nation was created by means of war, and that’s a reality we must understand. War is sometimes necessary. However, it should be the last method employed, due to the inevitable loss of life, waste of resources, destruction of property and the environment, and so on. I joined the military back in 2002, because I understood that our country would have to go about a war to combat the threat of Islamic extremism. I never considered myself the “military type”, but one must be willing to contribute to the common good for such an urgent situation that threatens, not just our own country, but the fabric of civilization as a whole. I did not agree with the reasons to launch an invasion into Iraq, but I volunteered to perform my small duty in Iraq in order to assist in ensuring a bad situation didn’t get worse. While a military response to nefarious elements existing in Iraq prior to the invasion are questionable, it is now necessary to ensure the viral infection of Islamic-brand terrorism is finished off in Iraq. My interest in American politics and policy stems from a desire to ensure the best leaders are democratically elected to combat this world-wide threat. To effectively destroy this threat, the international community must have comprehension of what that threat entails and what the consequences are.

A modern culture of self-destruction

My biggest fear is that people in America have chosen to neglect the reality of the task at hand in order to suit their own self-interests. The dominant trend amongst Americans involves a hopeless self-obsession with activities of mass distraction. Celebrity-gossip type news dominates the American tabloids and people are more concerned with Yoga and getting in time at the gym than the status of their armed forces. People treat their pets as though they are more important than life itself, and they are willing to consume resources endlessly regardless of consequence. This solipsist outlook is detrimental to the progress of our society. Our generation has failed to understand that defeating threats requires the collective will of a nation, and apathy in such an endeavor can be devastating. I see a lot of parallels with the Roman Empire and America as people tend to turn wealth into self-satisfying opulence, while the state provides entertainment for the uninformed masses (the analogy today would be tax-funded sports arenas). The citizens of America are more interested in what they can get from their government and corporate surrogates through the democratic process, rather than what they can provide to their fellow man. Our slavery stems from an acceptance of buying into a consumer-driven culture, where life-long debt is a reality, and all-powerful politicians are elected on the promise that they redistribute wealth in the form of government subsidies to ensure obedience. I for one was tired of feeling like a pathetic consumer, and I’m glad I’m involved myself in an organization that transcends mere selfish comforts to cause a beneficial effect on society. Certainly, there are other places than the US military to be part of something “larger than yourself”, but the military seemed the most important at the time. US forces in Iraq live with fear. Fear of IEDs, fear of getting shot, fear of being mortared (some more likely to be in harm’s way than others, obviously). While this fear is rational, I think many fear that they will return to an American society that will not understand or know how to re-incorporate them into the mainstream (which the AP article touched on). I for one fear that I will be completely disturbed by the reality that America is so out of touch with the ideals of a sustainable civilization. Is everything being done just a big waste of time in preparation for a huge economic and societal collapse? My outlook remains bleak.