Analysis

People argue about war all the time. I don't see the problem with it. War is a must. To quote a line from a vinyl album by Eddie Starr, "War. uh yeah, what is it good for"?  I'll tell you what its good for. War lets those that believe in this country to fight for justice for all the wrong doings that have ever been done to this great nation. War lets us fight for the rights that we still have with hopes that we will be able to keep them. War, also, gives us the opportunity to keep the right to vote for our leader, instead of someone taking control of this country by force, and telling us all what to do and how to do it.

To be able to fight for justice is a great opportunity that people should take advantage of. Its the ONE excuse we have to fight those that have ever done this country wrong, on a national level, or even a personal level, if you have ever lost a family member by someone fighting in a war. You get to have to relief to know that the enemy will not get a way with what they have done to you or your family. You get to stand against evil and beat it back with a gun or bomb. There is no better way to defend your honor by killing those that have killed someone you love. I can't think of a better way to get revenge. I would love to be able to just go out on the street and beat the crap out of people that have done me wrong, however, I can't. War is the answer to that. 

You get to fight for your rights that you take advantage of everyday. Without war, how would you explain being able to keep your rights? We are free to say as we please, and practice whatever religion you are. If we didn't fight, do you think those freedoms would stay? The only right that you would have without fighting a war, is the right to remain silent. No one likes hearing those words, but if there were no wars to fight, that all you would hear. Take what you know about everything, and reverse it. We would walk through the streets with our heads hanging lower than they already do. You all bitch and cry about the little things that change, even though you never did those things anyways. You just want a reason to bitch about SOMETHING. SHUT UP! See, I have the right to say that. You have the right to listen. No one likes being told what to do, or what to say or think or feel. War is the way to keep these rights to over come our oppressors. 

WE get to vote for our leaders. Now granted not everyone likes who gets chosen, and that fine. How would you like it if we didn't get to pick the nations powers? It is simple. Vote for who you like, and don't vote for the other guy. If we didn't go to war, we would no longer be in a democracy. It would quickly turn into a dictatorship. The strongest would lead the country, because they would take over by force. That can't be right. If they took over the country by force, what makes you think that they will let you keep your rights? They will run you with the same force they used to take over. I know I don't like to be forced to do anything., but hey, you might. That is what you are saying when you oppose war. You are saying that we shouldn't fight for any of these things and just let things happen, but when that does happen, I am sure that all of you will bitch about that too. However, it won't do you any good at that time. Your words will not be heard, and their will be done.

In summary, opposing war is your right. While you negate the opinion that war is wrong, others are fighting to give you that right. You don't think about that do you? If you can't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them. They will do the fighting for you, because you are too much of a coward to fight for yourself. War is a great war to end injustice. It is the way to keep your rights as a civilian. It is the way to make sure that the people we vote for get elected into office. War is the way. 

Starr, Eddie. War. Gordy (Motown) Label. 1970. Album

Response

War; what an idea. Some people believe it is not worth fighting, while others believe strongly about this subject. Personally, I believe in this concept. I remember 12 years ago, while in boot camp for the U. S. Army, staring up at the night sky, watching the trees fade into the starlit abyss wondering if at that very moment in time if any of my family is staring at the same stars and thinking about me like I am thinking about them. The military is a lonely place to be sometimes. Being away from your family is never ideal for anyone, but it is sometimes required. I believe that war is scary enough as it is, but being away from your family adds to the fright. People have to be mentally tough to be able to fight in a war. They have to be able to handle themselves and control their thoughts from wandering away from them, or thinking about the "what if's". Again I go back to my boot camp days, to tell you that there is a three day, two night bivouac that you must complete to graduate. The field time is still on the same base as my boot camp, only way out in the woods; about a 15 mile hump from my barracks, and not fun by any means. I was rucking down the sides of the roads, exhausted from the heat, my feet were killing me, I had blisters the size of quarters, and I was out of breath from having to ruck so fast. Having to tough it out was a must, so I dug down deep into my soul to find the strength to pull through. War is ten times as bad.

People sometimes as the question, "What are we fighting for". Well I believe I fought for my right to believe what I want, and have the freedom that so many other countries do not have the luxury to have. Is it worth it? To me, there is nothing better than freedom. I like to go where I want, and do what I like to do, and say what I like to say. I don't argue with people about what they feel is the best for this country, or whats best for any other country. When I joined the military, I told my dad "You just watch dad, as soon as I sign up for the military there is going to be a war". I was right. I graduated my boot camp just two days after 9/11/2001. My base got put on lock down and we had to walk the perimeter with loaded weapons. It was scary, and there was not anyone shooting at us. Could I imagine what it would be like to have bullets whizzing past my head, or have the risk of a roadside bomb going off? No! Its not a concept that I could wrap my head around. What was all of my training for? It was a scary time, but also a time to strap one on, and get things taken care of. My nerves were going crazy, and I, just like all of America, was angry. Still people ask why we have to go to war. I don't know.

I don't think there is a cut and dry answer to their question. People believe what they want. I believe we have to fight for what we want. Sometimes, I take a step back to visualize my life without having the military background that I do, and I cannot see myself being where I am now, or being the person I am without it. . It is a perspective that has to be acquired I guess. Like the taste of beer; it has to be gotten used to. Fighting for something people may or may not believe in, is a question that a lot of people have to ask themselves. I joined the military to grow up, not to fight for anything, but when I signed up, I knew what the consequences could be, and I knew I couldn't say no when it came time to tie my boots, put on my uniform, and kiss my family what could be our last kiss.

My daughters, one is 14 and the other is 7, have both made me decorations or wall hanging and pictures that commemorate my military years, and my youngest made me some pictures that said "Thank you daddy for going to the Army and making freedom" There is no feeling that is better than what I felt at that very moment. That is how I know that fighting is worth everything that is risked. When anyone, stranger or not, says "Thank you for your service", you remember what it is exactly what you are fighting for.