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**Wymdqcvb** · 08-06-2011, 03:06 PM

Pacifism in conflict with America's military tradition has a long history. Lincoln granted draft exemption to Shakers in the Civil War. Nor are we alone. Israel exempts Orthodox yeshiva students from IDF service.

Do you know of another country whose theme song talks about "rockets' red glare" and "bombs bursting in air"? I'd like to know about it.

We have along tradition of tolerating those who reject war. It is rightly viewed as a part of our American freedoms, even though pacifists are "free riders" who get the benefit without paying the price.

What is new is the militarism which has been injected into our national politics to shore up support for America's collapsing hegemony. So far, at least, this militaristic propaganda has gotten our fingers burned in Vietnam and the Middle East. Worse may be to come here at home. I think the Mennonites are on the right track.

08-06-2011, 03:06 PM	#7
Wymdqcvb Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 478 Senior Member	Pacifism in conflict with America's military tradition has a long history. Lincoln granted draft exemption to Shakers in the Civil War. Nor are we alone. Israel exempts Orthodox yeshiva students from IDF service. Do you know of another country whose theme song talks about "rockets' red glare" and "bombs bursting in air"? I'd like to know about it. We have along tradition of tolerating those who reject war. It is rightly viewed as a part of our American freedoms, even though pacifists are "free riders" who get the benefit without paying the price. What is new is the militarism which has been injected into our national politics to shore up support for America's collapsing hegemony. So far, at least, this militaristic propaganda has gotten our fingers burned in Vietnam and the Middle East. Worse may be to come here at home. I think the Mennonites are on the right track.
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