US Election 2004

Edwin Locke has an excellent Veterans Day op-ed that explores the rational self interests of our soldier and contrasts that with the orgy of sacrifice celebrated by our political leaders:

It is often said that our soldiers must sacrifice themselves for our country. This is precisely what we must not ask them to do. A sacrifice entails the surrender of a greater value for a lesser one. But if a man loses his life on the premise, "I would rather die than live in slavery," it is a tragic loss--but it is not a sacrifice…it is a sacrifice to send our soldiers to a country that has no connection to their interests and values…Any element of self-sacrifice in war is a betrayal of our soldiers and the American freedom they fight for…Our heroic fighting men and women are not to blame for these disasters. It is the politicians who are responsible. It is they who believe that our soldiers are sacrificial fodder to fulfill the politicians' desire for "prestige-enhancing" adventures…We must be proud of our soldiers, but it is equally true that they should be proud of the cause they fight for.  It is terrible to die in war, but there is one thing worse: to die in a war that has no meaning, a war that offers no reason for risking one's life.

The best way we can honor our veterans and give real meaning to Veterans Day--aside from ceremonies honoring their past and present dedication and bravery--is to promise that we will go to war only when America's interests as a free nation are threatened, and wage it in the uncompromising pursuit of victory.  [E. Locke, Giving Real Meaning to Veterans Day, Capitalism Magazine, 11/6/2004]

Hardy congratulations and respect for their achievements to all of our veterans who had the courage to live their rational values.  Choosing to breathe, eat, and perceive without those values would have been a suicide; but, our veterans had the courage to live as free men.

Veterans Day (11/11/2003)

Image Source: Cox and Forkum

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