Print ArticleSince September 11, 2001, our nation has been at war. Initially, the parallels to World War II were uncanny. This nation was dealt an unprovoked attack, which no one could have predicted. Just as with the fascism of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, we were fighting an oppressive ideology in radical Islam. However, that was the extent of the similarities between the two conflicts.
Unlike the war against Nazis and Imperial Japan, most Americans have not made, nor have we been asked to make any sacrifices. For most Americans, the war was largely forgotten by the start of 2002. Those serving in our military as well as their families, are the only ones living in the daily shadow of war.
A few weeks after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush told us to "go shopping" and to basically forget about the war. He instructed us "to return to our normal lives," and allow the federal government to handle the terrorists. We all too eagerly complied. This is no doubt the first war in history in which 'shop-therapy' was used against the enemy. I was both amused and disgusted every time I heard an American proclaiming that by making a trip to the local shopping mall--they were somehow fighting Islamic terrorism.
Short of placing an American flag sticker on the back of our gas-guzzling SUV, most of us would be hard-pressed to point to any contribution we have made on behalf of the war effort. We however, are not completely to blame for our complacent attitude. Again, contrary to World War II America…We have no political leadership.
Americans were asked to conserve food and were issued ration coupons for such items as sugar, meat, coffee, gasoline, and even clothing. I can remember my grandmother talking about using Oleo (a product which she described as "disgusting") as a substitute for butter. Citizens were given "Food Ration Books" which dictated the amount of which, and even the day upon one could purchase certain items.
In order to conserve precious resources and still feed their families, so-called "Victory Gardens" emerged throughout the country. By war's end, there were 20 million of these gardens which were responsible for producing 40 percent of America's vegetable crop. Many were created at public schools, where they were cared for by young students. These gardens were also created in open spaces in major cities across the country. Every evening, one might find a doctor, a police officer, and a janitor all working beside one another, all doing their part to feed their community and free-up resources for our troops.
If you were fortunate enough to afford a night out at the movies during World War II, you could expect to encounter a War Bonds rally afterwards. Men, women, and children regularly purchased War Bonds and savings stamps. Month after month, patriotic Americans shelled out enormous sums of money to help support the troops. This practice not only gave practical help to our armed forces, it also gave all Americans a chance to make a contribution to the war.
One of my Dad´s most-prized possessions was a book of War Bond stamps he had purchased as a child. It was a source of great pride for him that he had managed to make enough money doing odd-jobs and delivering newspapers to buy them, and he never forgot the feeling of contribution at such a young age.
These aforementioned activities may sound somewhat corny and nostalgic to you. However, that is only because we are used to living in a society which for so many years, has asked nothing of its citizens. Our federal government does not believe in sacrifice. Our elected officials are terrified to ask Americans to do-without, nor will they themselves make any sacrifices. Perhaps, because our elected representatives are so pampered and disconnected from the life of an average American, they would be embarrassed by such a request. Or is it just that the notion never occurred to them?
Contrary to 65 years ago, today's politicians cannot make a decision before consulting with a focus group, or conducting an opinion survey.
Our President and Congress seem to believe that you can truly have both 'guns and butter,' without either making an imposition on the other...Undoubtedly, the reason for the colossal national debt.
There are currently close to 180,000 troops actively serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We are a nation of 300 million. Is it fair or even sensible to ask so very few to shoulder the burden of war for the entire nation?
It can be said that the last successful war in which the United States was involved was World War II. It is no coincidence that World War II was also the last war in which American citizens were called upon to make any personal sacrifices. We feel disconnected from this war, a war in which our only involvement is watching the largely one-sided coverage given by the mainstream press.
If we do not wake up and realize that war does not take place in a vacuum, nor can it be compartmentalized, we will eventually lose not only this war, but our ability to identify ourselves with our fellow Americans. What an incredible injustice it would be to those brave American men and women who have given their lives in not only this, but all of this nation´s wars. We can no longer expect our political leaders to actually lead us. We the people must lead the so-called leaders.
The phrase "I Support Our Troops," must become something more than a platitude we place upon the rear window of our vehicle. War without sacrifice is not feasible, nor is it meaningful.
Unlike the war against Nazis and Imperial Japan, most Americans have not made, nor have we been asked to make any sacrifices. For most Americans, the war was largely forgotten by the start of 2002. Those serving in our military as well as their families, are the only ones living in the daily shadow of war.
A few weeks after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush told us to "go shopping" and to basically forget about the war. He instructed us "to return to our normal lives," and allow the federal government to handle the terrorists. We all too eagerly complied. This is no doubt the first war in history in which 'shop-therapy' was used against the enemy. I was both amused and disgusted every time I heard an American proclaiming that by making a trip to the local shopping mall--they were somehow fighting Islamic terrorism.
Short of placing an American flag sticker on the back of our gas-guzzling SUV, most of us would be hard-pressed to point to any contribution we have made on behalf of the war effort. We however, are not completely to blame for our complacent attitude. Again, contrary to World War II America…We have no political leadership.
Americans were asked to conserve food and were issued ration coupons for such items as sugar, meat, coffee, gasoline, and even clothing. I can remember my grandmother talking about using Oleo (a product which she described as "disgusting") as a substitute for butter. Citizens were given "Food Ration Books" which dictated the amount of which, and even the day upon one could purchase certain items.
In order to conserve precious resources and still feed their families, so-called "Victory Gardens" emerged throughout the country. By war's end, there were 20 million of these gardens which were responsible for producing 40 percent of America's vegetable crop. Many were created at public schools, where they were cared for by young students. These gardens were also created in open spaces in major cities across the country. Every evening, one might find a doctor, a police officer, and a janitor all working beside one another, all doing their part to feed their community and free-up resources for our troops.
If you were fortunate enough to afford a night out at the movies during World War II, you could expect to encounter a War Bonds rally afterwards. Men, women, and children regularly purchased War Bonds and savings stamps. Month after month, patriotic Americans shelled out enormous sums of money to help support the troops. This practice not only gave practical help to our armed forces, it also gave all Americans a chance to make a contribution to the war.
One of my Dad´s most-prized possessions was a book of War Bond stamps he had purchased as a child. It was a source of great pride for him that he had managed to make enough money doing odd-jobs and delivering newspapers to buy them, and he never forgot the feeling of contribution at such a young age.
These aforementioned activities may sound somewhat corny and nostalgic to you. However, that is only because we are used to living in a society which for so many years, has asked nothing of its citizens. Our federal government does not believe in sacrifice. Our elected officials are terrified to ask Americans to do-without, nor will they themselves make any sacrifices. Perhaps, because our elected representatives are so pampered and disconnected from the life of an average American, they would be embarrassed by such a request. Or is it just that the notion never occurred to them?
Contrary to 65 years ago, today's politicians cannot make a decision before consulting with a focus group, or conducting an opinion survey.
Our President and Congress seem to believe that you can truly have both 'guns and butter,' without either making an imposition on the other...Undoubtedly, the reason for the colossal national debt.
There are currently close to 180,000 troops actively serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We are a nation of 300 million. Is it fair or even sensible to ask so very few to shoulder the burden of war for the entire nation?
It can be said that the last successful war in which the United States was involved was World War II. It is no coincidence that World War II was also the last war in which American citizens were called upon to make any personal sacrifices. We feel disconnected from this war, a war in which our only involvement is watching the largely one-sided coverage given by the mainstream press.
If we do not wake up and realize that war does not take place in a vacuum, nor can it be compartmentalized, we will eventually lose not only this war, but our ability to identify ourselves with our fellow Americans. What an incredible injustice it would be to those brave American men and women who have given their lives in not only this, but all of this nation´s wars. We can no longer expect our political leaders to actually lead us. We the people must lead the so-called leaders.
The phrase "I Support Our Troops," must become something more than a platitude we place upon the rear window of our vehicle. War without sacrifice is not feasible, nor is it meaningful.
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