The pay grades in the military are a separate issue from the pros/cons of a volunteer army, just as that is separate from the pros/cons of citizen armies (which we are slowly moving away from). In order: I think the pay of the the armed forces should be increased such that the noncom ranks are solidly within the middle class, and the officer ranks upper middle to low upper class. Keep it volunteer and selective. Move away from the use of auxuliries (non-citizens seeking citizenship). A army of citizens, volunteering from a wide range of economic classes, is imperative I think for the survival of any republic.
As for is war good/bad argument I'll safely sit in my ammoral armchair and say both or neither, depending on whose side your on, the war in question, and where you're standing when the bombs start dropping. I can see Scott's points, especially in the many engagements of the 20th century (the ones never mentioned outside the "patriotic" big five)that had everything to do with business and little to do with freedom or democracy. I can see Eddie's points in the remainder.
Regardless of personal opinion though Kurt's piece captures an essential, and ugly, essence of what patriotism *can* be warped too. In that regards, to me, it's as valuable as Pericles funeral speech. We pat ourselves on the back and say "not us" at our peril.
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Re: The death of anyone conscripted is truly an act of murder...
Date: 2006-07-05 01:42 pm (UTC)As for is war good/bad argument I'll safely sit in my ammoral armchair and say both or neither, depending on whose side your on, the war in question, and where you're standing when the bombs start dropping. I can see Scott's points, especially in the many engagements of the 20th century (the ones never mentioned outside the "patriotic" big five)that had everything to do with business and little to do with freedom or democracy. I can see Eddie's points in the remainder.
Regardless of personal opinion though Kurt's piece captures an essential, and ugly, essence of what patriotism *can* be warped too. In that regards, to me, it's as valuable as Pericles funeral speech. We pat ourselves on the back and say "not us" at our peril.
Tim C.