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July 22, 2002 An "Imperial Burden" According to two recent books, the US has an obligation to nation-build throughout the world. Fortunately, this policy has lost its popularity in military circles and has been replaced with a intervention strategy (not much better) that focuses on alleged "national interests." Surprisingly, one author is paraphrased: "[S]uch preconditions are ''extreme'' and severely limit the use of armed force as an instrument of statecraft." Gee, I thought armed forces exist for defensive purposes.... In Search of Monsters Justin writes: " . . .once you leave the jurisdiction of the United States, you're on your own." This answers the question: "Should US citizens abroad receive US protection?" Certain cases illustrate that criticizing other nations' justice systems, demands a reciprocal criticism of our own. "Ev-ree-buddy wants ta get into duh act." Referring to the recent proposals of the Department of Homeland Security, Gordon Prather sarcastically quotes a philosopher. This quote underscores what happens when the government invites the population to get involved in fighting unknown enemies, some who may be domestic.... Terrorism fright Alow flying aircraft hovers near your property. Remembering the terrorist warnings broadcast constantly over the past weeks, you naturally interpret this as - what else? - terrorist infiltration in the neighborhood and ... open fire! ....again No commentary needed, except maybe... what? Poor compensation An economic interpretation of the compensation scheme the US military is using for the death of innocent Afghan civilians explains that the life of that civilian is paltry when compared to other payments the US has made. According to the study, the US values the life a an Afghan at a fraction of that of an Italian or a Chinese life. Another member of the 'axis of evil'? Apparently, some
in the administration want further
protection from China for countries in East Asia that "they
deem the region's democratic states." Some of loudest proponents
sound like empire builders;
they want to "strengthen our hand in the region." The US military has "launched itself into a multi-front war of attrition where it cannot consolidate victory on any front," and thus has no strategic gains. Overzealousness in military actions leads to overextension and in the end, weakness. Ignoring their citizens Although polls can often be misleading, the following is quite intriguing: 63% of Israelis
are in favor of "unilateral withdrawal. [from the settlements]"
In fact, 69% call for the evacuation of "all" or "most
of" the settlements.... and ...60% of Israelis believe that Israel
should agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of
a peace agreement. The problem apparently, is that Israelis think that other Israelis don't want withdrawal. Hopefully this information will spread to the citizens and the walls will crumble. Archives: 7/15/02 7/16/02 7/17/02 7/18/02 7/19/02 7/20/02 Mike Ewens is a senior at Washington University in St. Louis. Apart from his full-time student status, he is actively involved in the campus libertarian/conservative newspaper, College Libertarians and inner city tutoring programs. Economics and mathematics occupy his academic time, while his intellectual curiosity is further satisfied with political theory and foreign affairs. He is currently working as a summer intern with Antiwar.com. Contact him for information regarding bringing Justin Raimondo and other speakers to your campus. |