Originally posted by: Craig234
Originally posted by: TheRedUnderURBed
Originally posted by: cwjerome
Originally posted by: BigDH01
Originally posted by: cwjerome
Every couple years I hear how the military is socialism. I'm not even sure what that means...
Then you're like most people on this board.
One of life's big mysteries I suppose... I guess we'll never find out![]()
Well, you may be confused at what Socialism is, it regardless of what Rush says is NOT high taxes/dictatorships/some fantasy robin hood wealth redistribution
What the military DOES supply to it's "workers" is a total welfare state:
1. Free Healthcare
2. Free Housing
3. Free Food (or subsidized in mess halls)
4. Free Transportation on base
5. Free training
6. Govt. picks your job -but you are ALWAYS employed
Need any more examples?
I've long thought about how the military is the opposite in so many ways of American principles for the way of life we want for citizens:
It's a massive government program paid for by taxes. The people who enlist are put under a strict authoritarian regime. They are subjected to invasive conditioning to make them reliably obedient to the military authority. They are put into government housing (low quality) where the government wants them, they wear government uniforms, they eat what the government feeds them, they listen in many cases to what the government wants them to hear for 'entertainment', they are forced to risk their lives and be away from friends and family, they can be ordered to kill people whether they agree or not, i.e., to murder in some cases, among other things that 'free Americans' would find horrible.
The justification has always been that it's needed to make the sacrifices to protect the country, but that's been a hollow 'cover story' for a very long time given the nature of wars we've been in for a long time (see Gen. Smedly Butler's book 'War is a Racket' for examples nearly a century back). Recently the justification has included that it's a 'volunteer military', suggesting that removes any issue with the situation.
It's pretty ironic to have the least free 'fighitng for the freedom' (supposedly) of the rest.
And yes, while not exactly socialist - socialism is a lot more positive - it is largely one huge socialist activity.
I sure recommend to people not to join unless and untl there's actually a clear and present danger creating a need.
Of course I recognize it's a lot more, too - a huge business among other things, with plenty of 'opportunity' for gain.
It doesn't seem that complicated to me. All through history peoples have been subjugated when the enemies forces were superior.
The way it would seem to be able to prevent this is to keep your forces superior.
Ie.. the old cliche, " Freedom through Strength"
Hitler Rolled accross Europe, barely blinking his eyes because Europe was and is now unprepared.
I think we could reduce our military if Europe ever shouldered the responsability for its own defense. I would like to see that day come.