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I think it was more of a result of a government attempting to give the people what they most desired, cheap goods and cheap energy.
Once again, Bacevich said it far better than I ever could.
Quote:
"The pursuit of freedom, as defined in an age of consumerism, has induced a condition of dependence on imported goods, on imported oil, and on credit. The chief desire of the American people," you write, "is that nothing should disrupt their access to these goods, that oil, and that credit. The chief aim of the U.S. government is to satisfy that desire, which it does in part of through the distribution of largesse here at home, and in part through the pursuit of imperial ambitions abroad." In other words, you're saying that our foreign policy is the result of a dependence on consumer goods and credit.
I have yet to hear one of the Conservatives admit that the wars were a disaster for the American economy.
Yes, what I have found simply amazing about our most recent wars is the massive difference in the economic boost usually associated with a war. Commonly, wartime triggers a massive boost to the economy, with factories swinging into high gear and all manner of things become in demand. But this time around, we ended up in a recession. Not only did we go to war for unjust causes, we failed to deliver the one good thing that usually accompanies war. All in all, we have been massive losers on this whole deal.
I have yet to hear one of the Conservatives admit that the wars were a disaster for the American economy.
You got one right here.
Our overseas empire is not only costing us a ton of money each year, more importantly it is costing the lives of our citizens. The brave men and women who serve our country should be here, on our soil, protecting us at home. We shouldn't be policing the world, and expanding our empire, especially when we have so many problems here.
We get involved in problems that are not ours and too many times we throw gasoline on the fire. We even sacrifice our own people in a power struggle for the Middle East. We should never forget the USS Liberty.
I have yet to hear one of the Conservatives admit that the wars were a disaster for the American economy.
What about the non-conservatives in Congress who voted for the wars?
What hurt the economy more than the wars was the overspending in general. IIRC, Pres. Bush spent more on domestic social programs than Pres. Clinton did!
Not to mention the billions of dollars illegal aliens cost the taxpayers every year.
I have found that we have a lot of synthetic clothing during wars. Some of that stuff from my early hippie days disintegrated. I notice really horrible sleazey fabric at the stores, and in the thrift shops. I see the stuff disintegrating, and threads pulling apart. Kids costumes are so cheap o rama. I see a lot of crap at yard sales. Some yard sales are depressing. Everything is made from an oil product. Toys, car seat covers, synthetic everything. I hate things that feel cheap and fake, especially if I would have to wear them. I like quality plastics, but some of the junk sold nowadays is dreadful. I am not saying this to disrespect people who can't afford better. I recall when we made our own stuff here in the States.
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