Ticket 2 Ride

We did not learn much from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Next to nothing for hundreds of thousands of lives lost, millions of lives disrupted, centuries of cultural destroyed, economies wrecked, and billions of dollars wasted.

American leaders get an F for learning history. A war with Iran will become a clusterfuck. Who planned this? Nothing has gone without a heavy cost and unexpected recoil by Iran.

The international community has condemned this action and refused to send support, even as Iran has retaliated against other nations and shutdown the Straits of Hormuz. Wasn’t the Iranian response to attacks by the U.S. and Israel discussed by military planners with Trump? Wasn’t there a hint that shipping might be impacted? Not even a glimmer of that Iran or militant groups supported by Iran going to hurt the world’s economy?

Wars are not won solely by the air. An assault always results in civilian casualties. School children and teachers were killed by U.S. missiles. Trump and others attempted to brush it aside and put the blame elsewhere. The Pentagon even said it was our weapons. Old intel? That’s absurd. Innocent lives lost. Regret. Preventable.

There were quickly American deaths. And a growing number of injuries. Serious, life changing injuries. Trump got his photo ops, one wearing his stupid hat (available online for the low price of $55), the other when the families of the deceased expressly requested no photos, but Trump did it anyway.

Iran is Trump’s war. Was he talked into it by Israel or his blood-thirty advisors? Regardless, he was all in, spending $1 billion dollars per day on his war, including $12.7 billion (including 300 Tomahawk missiles) in the first six days. Iran launches a $20,000 armed drone while the U.S. counters with a $3.5 million Tomahawk missile.

Defense spending for the fiscal year could top $1 trillion. At the same time, under Trump’s domestic policy guidance, millions of Americans are without healthcare, food or housing. His legislative policy is to reduce these programs and his House and Senate soldiers have done just that. Sorry kids, no food, healthcare or place to sleep. Shades of Dickens’ golly ole’ England where cruelty and economic feudalism reigned.

And now, boots on the ground. Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan proved nothing. Mission Accomplished. That’s a cruel joke. Billions of dollars later, American returning home in coffins or without limbs, tens of thousands of civilians murdered, displaced or starving. In and out. A lightening strike of U.S. might and the war is over. Just like a video game or direct to streaming action flick. Flags waving, the red glare of rockets and spray of blood.

The military draft was ceased in 197__. Americans were tired of sending their young to war, even undeclared wars. Compulsory military service was no longer required. A volunteer military has at times struggled to recruit, and after overhauling opportunities and requirements, the armed forces appears to provide ample resources for military responsibilities around the world. Calls to reimpose a draft are now made, perhaps to feed the need for boots on the ground in support for a growing number of military actions. The criticism of the last draft were the deferments that seemed to benefit the wealthy, connected and White. A disproportionate number of drafters were the poor and those of color who went off to fight in Vietnam. Clinton, Bush and Trump sat out the war.

Defense and “border protection” spending has soared in the past year. Criticism of higher consumer costs has been labeled “unpatriotic” by those on the right. God, guns and Trump.

Mixing religion and politics is as old as civilization, so it’s no surprise that the use of Jesus, God and the Bible appear in political themed speeches, sermons and even venom-laced shouts to kill our enemies and specific political opponents.

Wars are not simple, cheap or sensible. Maybe drafting all (no deferments or bone spurs) is a good idea. Sons of Congress, Wall Street, Koch Industry, private equity, and Mar-a-Lago should wear the uniform and have every opportunity to make their families and country proud.