Stay safe sister

My sister left for Afghanistan today. Last time we spoke I told her why I don't support the war (always a risky move when talking to a Marine). It was fought on the pretense that it would end a safe heaven for extreme militants by overthrowing the Taliban and replacing it with some sort of government that would crack down on the most extreme radicals. It is a flawed strategy in my opinion. I don't know that the sort of long drawn out counterinsurgency can end the Taliban or change the hearts and minds of those who want to kill us. So far I am doubtful. Secondly it won't end militant safe heavens. They can exist in other countries as well, and now they are armed with photos and news of what Americans have done that serve as perfect recruitment material. We are probably less safe, and it's costing the nation a lot of blood and treasure. It's just not worth it. I believe she thought my objection was reasonable, and knew I was concerned about her and our family so she didn't take offence.

In Eisenhower's fairwell address he famously warned us about our powerful "military industrial complex" What is less known is that in that same speech he told us what must be done to combat it:

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.