Since the close of WWII, the conflict that ended the atrocities of the Third Reich and the tyranny of Hitler, a generation of Americans has grown up in the shadow of war and aggression. These men and women have now reached a stage in life when they often become more reflective and introspective of what life means and of their place in the world.
Components of the mentality of warfare have become ingrained as part of our culture. How many video games are currently marketed that embody the culture of war and destruction? How often have we heard someone say, “bomb them back to the stone age” *, or express a similar sentiment?
My generation grew up playing soldier and watching movies depicting famous battles in which many of our fathers had fought. When I was born, troops were answering the call to serve in the Korean Conflict. Not officially at war, this “Police Action” remains unresolved with a Demilitarized Zone separating North and South.
The newspapers I delivered in the 60s had headlines of H-Bomb tests and the building of a wall in Berlin to divide East from West. This all occurred during what had become known as the “Cold War.” The National Defense Education Act of 1958 was an outgrowth of our fear of Soviet domination. Our leadership feared that Soviets scientists had gained an advantage in the Space Race. All part of the “Cold War.” The title of this legislation is indicative of our thinking in regard to tense coexistence among nations. We’re on the DEFENSE; National defense, Civil Defense, the “Nickel Defense”, defensive driving, defensive line, you name it. Man seems capable of waging war against anything and everything.
During the 60s we had the build up of the Vietnam War. There was war in the Middle East, the Six Day War, and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. During this period we also held a combative posture toward social problems in our country. There was LBJ’s War on Poverty, the War on Drugs and now the War on Terrorism.
Besides these armed conflicts we have the War on Cancer and we battle other diseases that plague mankind. The “Battle of the Bulge” refers to the war in Europe and the war against obesity. It seems there is nothing we won’t go to war over.
There is war torn Bosnia and war torn Iraq. War in Afghanistan and war in Darfur. We’ve made war in Panama and invaded Grenada and the “Bay of Pigs.” There are few nations on earth that are untouched by war. FDR said, “I HATE WAR.” Eisenhower warned of the build up of the “Military-Industrial Complex.” General Sherman said, “War is Hell.” And I believe him.
Hugh says: Let’s give peace a chance. If we board the Peace Train now we may make it to our destination and enjoy some peace and quiet before we all rest in peace. We should re-energize the Peace Corp, begin a new Peace Movement and start keeping the peace. If we don’t, I may pull out my Peacemaker and blow your stinkin’ head off. Sorry, I got carried away. Peace Bro!