200 Words on War

An unfortunate consequence of our human condition is that some people simply do not respond to any measure short of violence and bloodshed. Force can and should be used to achieve positive change when all other diplomatic, economic, and peaceful means have proven ineffective. But war is not a blank check and every life lost is a price that the entire country pays. Every dollar spent steals money from education, healthcare, and vital services that keep an economy growing and prosperous. War saps a nation’s ability to respond to natural disasters, epidemics, and humanitarian crises at home and afar.

Sending men and women to fight abroad does not defend our freedoms. The United States is well prepared to protect itself against any foreign threat to its soil. The only threats to our liberty are from those in positions of power and influence within our borders who would strip away our rights through legislation, executive order, or judicial ruling. Calling upon the military to protect the liberties of those beyond our shores is noble, but not always wise given the obvious costs and contradiction of enforcing liberty and stability through external force rather than instilling and nurturing them through peaceful means.