I Propose a Debate

Two people put forth very thoughtful commentaries on war today that deserve ongoing attention and debate.

Glenn Greenwald in his blog "The rigid pro-war ideology of the foreign policy community" looks into the mindset of what he calls the Foreign Policy Establishment and their propensity for waging wars that are "in the national interest" rather than just in self defense.

Victor Davis Hanson in his article "Why Study War?"cites the history and, in his opinion, inevitability of war while arguing for broader study and greater cultural awareness of the history and art of war.

I would like to propose a debate, or mutual commentary, between these two thinkers, based on the issues raised in their respective pieces. This interchange can take place here, on The Greater Good, or wherever suits the writers. Both of these pieces raise serious issues about war in a thoughtful way that could be further illuminated with ongoing debate and commentary. This is a critical issue for America today and we can all benefit from the interchange.

Window Into Insanity

Our mainstream media covers the war while generally shielding us from the reality of war. The truth is that most of us don't want to know. Testimony last Saturday by Marine Corporal Saul Lopezromo in the murder trial of Corporal Trent Thomas, which received fairly broad coverage, opened a small window into the brutality and insanity of war.

Lopezromo didn't hold back, and pretty much summed things up while testifying about their orders to "crank up the violence level" and the practice of dead-checking.

"If somebody is worth shooting once, they're worth shooting twice."

This is hands down winner of quote of the day for July 14th, 2007 and should be a finalist for quote of the year.