A Uniquely Violent Nation: Part 2

We Can Choose Life

Previously, I emphasized that the United States is a uniquely violent nation within its borders.  It is also a uniquely violent nation outside its borders.  If we counted wars, military attacks, and military occupations, it has only been at peace for five of its 246-year history.

The United States has invaded or fought in 84 of the 193 countries recognized by the United Nations and has been militarily involved with 191 of 193.  It subscribes to a cover-the-globe “defense” strategy with 750 military bases, more than 200,000 troops abroad, huge aircraft-carriers sailing the seven seas, and a massive nuclear arsenal that could destroy life on the planet seven times over.

As several polls since 2013 show, people around the world consider the United States to be “the greatest threat to world peace.”  Now, the exclusively military approach to Ukraine—ignoring even military officials’ urging of diplomacy—prolongs the destruction of Ukraine and threatens nuclear war.

Why is this happening, and what can we do?  I mentioned before that “the Gun Lobby,” or the National Rifle Association, practically ensures that there will be no prospect for any meaningful anti-gun anti-violence legislation to reduce street crime.  The National Defense Strategy Commission, or a congressionally mandated body overseeing the Pentagon’s official strategy, does the same for any meaningful anti-nuclear pro-peace policy. More than half its members are from the boards of arms-making corporations, consulting groups for the arms industry, and think tanks heavily funded by just such contractors.  With the Pentagon projected to receive 7.3 trillion-plus dollars over the next decade, this all but guarantees we will be devoted to war.

There is another way.  Thought leaders, journalists, and intellectuals who know the truth about our military can speak up against the corruption, deception, and destruction.  We can choose life.