Why don't we talk about the war anymore? It's not patriotic like it used to be. BUY WAR BONDS!

[AlabamaLibrul]

I mean, we all know the war is still going on, but we don't *talk* about it like we used to. Mostly because it doesn't effect us like it used to. We don't have war rations or a war economy (although the MIC is more than alive and well) or a "war president" willing to make the tough decisions because dammit, we're at war.

We used to pay for our wars with war bonds. Why don't we see if all the chickenhawk Republicans are willing to dig deep, and give often to support the troops?

Why don't we talk about tax rates like they used to during wars, about how wealthy Americans need to be expected to help their country in a time of WAR?
We're running so deeply in debt in no small part thanks to these unfunded wars.

Why don't we do these things anymore? It seems we just want war for the profit, and to worry about the rest later.

[FiveGoodMen]

1. Most people here aren't even upset that we've gotten into a third one.

[patrice]

2. You know what? THIS is an internet forum. Almost everyone here posts under a phony name.

How on Earth do you know what most people really think and why? And how does your mis-characterization of them serve peace?

[AlabamaLibrul]

3. Also, I think it is important to note one of the major ways other countries can afford

can afford to give shit away on a daily basis, like college and health care, is by not getting into three wars, at least two of which are really outside the scope of the country they are known for.

[BrendaBrick]

4. I know what you mean...

Used to, it was on everyones mind. War Bonds, rationing etc...now it's been made much *easier* to just compliantly stay within our own little bubbles fueled and propelled (in no small part by) the massive propaganda and brainwashing strategies and tactics that seemingly hit us from every possible, conceivable angle to the point of indifference (unless you personally know someone in the armed forces).

PBS has a segment at the end of each broadcast on Friday. A moment in silence as the photos along with the name, rank, age, military division and hometown of the soldiers that have died that week.

But hey...you know...what's more important than the upcoming royal wedding??????

[AlabamaLibrul]

6. I know someone in the armed forces

but not really anymore, I haven't heard from him since he shipped out for basic training. Supposedly he was headed for Iraq, I have no clue. I don't really know his family either.

The war disappeared a friend.

[BrendaBrick]

8. sorry to hear that.

[AlabamaLibrul]

9. Just knew him through work mostly and ended up leaving that town, but

he has my number.

I think he had one leave right after basic training in Europe, and heard through the grapevine he was doing well. Don't know anything after that.

[BrendaBrick]

11. maybe you might hear from him soon...

[jwirr]

5. Maybe because we finally realize that nobody is listening. nt

[kittykitty]

7. We used to bring money to school weekly to buy stamps to paste in little books

that could be redeemed for War Bonds. We brought in nickels, dimes and quarters and for $0.25 you got a stamp with a picture of the Minute Man to paste in your book I was in elementary school in the 1940's. We all participated in the war effort. Needed ration stamps for new shoes. Had paper drives, stomped empty tin cans flat, had blackouts regularly. "Don't you know there's a war going on?"

[BrendaBrick]

10. My mom used to tell me that...

...during WWII the ladies used 'leg make-up' instead of stockings because all the nylon was being used for the war. Back then - the effort effected our daily lives.

Also...back then...news used to be just that - news!

Who, what, where, when, why and how....Journalism 101. Just the facts. No spin or commentary.

In fact, last night on HBO "On-Demand" I was watching the Oliver Stone documentary: "Public Speaking" about Fran Lebowitz. (Good show, by the way if you can catch it)! And she was basically saying the same thing about the *news* today ~

For me, it almost seems like that today there is a kind of 'societal cognitive dissonance' going down...you know what I mean? Scary!

But then again, on the other hand, (not to be all gloom and doom here....) I am sure that there are efforts being made in this country beyond just the red/white/blue magnetic ribbon on people's car as a show of patriotism...just that you would probably have to dig for that information...

I don't support the wars themselves....but I do support the people who are out there risking their lives.