The Truth Behind War: Why the U.S. and Its Allies Should Rethink
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Chapter 1: Understanding War's True Cost
My mission is clear: to amplify anti-war sentiments. We must challenge the mindset that supports further military engagements overseas. If you believe that defending American interests justifies any action—like we're engaged in a geopolitical crime syndicate—then I aim to present evidence that contradicts this notion. While you may enjoy a comfortable life in the U.S., and I share your love for this nation, it is crucial to unveil the harsh realities of war.
War as a Business Model
The United States leads the world in the export of violence and chaos. Through direct actions like Operation Fast and Furious, and indirectly via the rampant drug trade infiltrating from Mexico, the U.S. bears significant responsibility for the ongoing drug conflict in Mexico. The annual death toll is staggering, with homicide rates in Mexico rising continuously since 2015, consistently surpassing 41,000 murders annually since 2017. According to Business Insider, approximately 70% of the firearms used in these crimes are linked back to the U.S. This crisis is unfolding right at our doorstep, with some years witnessing homicide rates in Mexico rivaling those of war-torn regions in the Middle East, such as Iraq.
Consider the historical context of the Mongols; our military has become their modern equivalent. Although we may not physically invade villages with cavalry and archers, our approach of deploying extensive bombings creates devastation and corruption in the regions we engage. A prime example is Yemen, which has been labeled by multiple global organizations as the "worst humanitarian disaster currently in existence." Afghanistan and Syria also bear the scars of our military interventions, with operations in Afghanistan recently concluding.
Furthermore, the U.S. maintains over 700 military bases worldwide, fostering resentment and hostility toward our nation. People do not appreciate foreign entities posing as protectors when their true agenda seems to revolve around exploiting a country's resources for corporate gain.
A Conflicted Belief in Capitalism
Despite my criticisms, I am a firm believer in capitalism; however, I reject the cronyism that many corporations have employed for years. Cronyism refers to the manipulation of political power to create rules that benefit specific entities at the expense of competition. This is central to our discussion.
The Military-Industrial Complex
The military-industrial complex resembles a monstrous entity, a system that profits from war at the expense of countless lives. In 2021, the U.S. exported over $130 billion in weapons globally, a figure that exceeded $150 billion the previous year. Moreover, taxpayer dollars fund this entire operation, implicating us all in these actions. The military budget alone accounts for three-quarters of a trillion dollars.
As Bin Laden argued, the complicity of American citizens—who fail to challenge this funding—renders us equally responsible for the consequences of these military actions.
Recognizing a System of Deception
True capitalism can thrive without interference, yet those in power have corrupted it, using the façade of protecting citizens from threats. For those unfamiliar with the military-industrial complex, consider Exhibit A: Dick Cheney, Vice President during the 9/11 attacks and former CEO of Halliburton, the top contractor in Iraq for many years. While correlation does not imply causation, it would be naive to assume Cheney’s prior role had no bearing on his political actions.
The Historical Context of War Profiteering
Following the devastation and trauma of World War I, the ensuing economic turmoil of the Roaring Twenties gave way to the Great Depression, leading to widespread outrage against war profiteers, dubbed the "Merchants of Death." An infamous book circulated detailing how arms dealers profited from both sides during the war. Politicians' loyalties were questioned, as banks facilitated funding for these transactions through proxies in other nations.
Today's dealings may not be as overt, but the military-industrial complex still thrives, with a revolving door of influential figures orchestrating events behind the scenes. If you find yourself in conflict with a so-called enemy, don't be surprised if the same logos appear on both sides' weaponry.
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