Problem: Militarization of Society

Someone, somewhere, said something like: war is simple-minded, stupid, and immoral.  But sometimes it’s necessary.  The attitude behind such a statement is that military machines are necessary for society, but should not be central to the concept of society.  Eisenhower actually coined the phrase “military-industrial-complex” when he said in his farewell speech: “We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military–industrial complex.”

The problem is that the militarization of society has occurred.  In short, our societies have been unjustifiably influenced by the military industrial complex.  Partially out of fear.  Fear introduces profiteering, military build-up, the introduction of laws giving the military more and more power.  But also out of greed.  People with a vested interest in the militarization of our societies have a greater and greater say in its laws and policies.  Unfortunately, violence pays and there’s always someone looking to make a buck.

As our societies become more militarized they become more fearful, leading to xenophobia, and a larger fear of the world itself, often times of our own countrymen and neighbors.  This leads to further phobias about anything that seems ‘out of the ordinary’.  Boogiemen are seen everywhere and conspiracies become accepted and normalized. A vicious cycle starts.

Corporations use the military as a profit-cow, and governments use the military as an easy way to bolster support, and to veil actual issues that they do not want to or cannot address.  This leads to a less civil, less peaceful, less desirable society in which to live.

Solution: Close lobbying loopholes, change contractual laws, military powers given back to Congress

            The military-industrial complex was created after WWII when corporations realized there was massive profits in the war machine.  This realization and the deregulation of corporations by government through lobbying in particular (starting with Reagan in particular), has allowed for the massive military build up that we have today.  Closing military-based lobbying loopholes for all corporations is necessary.

            During another Republican’s watch, W. Bush’s failed stint as a president, Dick Cheney had vested interests in Haliburton.  Others had vested interests in other corporations that were feeding the military machine. Private “security” forces such as Blackwater arose.  Contracts with the government should be limited to individuals with no associated ties to the government or people in the government whatsoever and any privatization of military should be banned.  Contracts should be open to all companies, and not just a select few.

            Lastly, over the past years, the decision to put the military into action has been slowly been given to the executive branch and taken away from congress.  This must change.  The decision to go to war, or to enact the military in any way must be solely given to civilian officials.

            Perhaps and unfortunately violence is a condition of being human.  If so, we must remember that rational thinking is also a trait of humanity.  With that in mind, we must always ask: what kind of society do we want?  A peaceful, progressive, productive one, or one based in fear and ignorance?