War as an Addiction
War is an emotionally intense and exhilarating experience. From ancient times war and the warrior have been celebrated. The adrenaline rushes of combat, the parades, the medals and the adulation are all part of the allure of war. It is imbued with ideas of nobility, selflessness and glory. General George Patton, one of America’s most famous warriors said, “Compared to war all other forms of human endeavor shrink to insignificance. God, I do love it so.” War is an elixir that gives some who wage it purpose and resolve. If one is not careful, as Chris Hedges warns, it can become addictive.
Speaker
Chris Hedges
Chris Hedges is an award-winning journalist who has reported from war zones around the world. Cornel West calls him, “The greatest radical writer and journalist of our generation.” He writes a weekly column for scheerpost.com. He is the host of The Chris Hedges Report. He is the author of many books including War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning, Empire of Illusion, Death of the Liberal Class, Wages of Rebellion, Our Class, and The Greatest Evil is War.
Robert Kittredge –
Chris You hit the nail on the head with this one. Unfortunately, we seem to be on a suicide course as a country with our obscene spending on wars and the military, while our investment in our own people, in infra-structure, in decent housing, health care, education and jobs for our most vulnerable, disadvantaged, voiceless and homeless individuals is like the biblical “crumbs under the table” parable. We have troops stationed, including air bases , etc. in about 100 countries all over the globe We claim we are there to “protect the people”, when to many other countries and people we appear to be there as a symbol of our power and extension of our empire.