Military

Offense or defense? I was raised with military matters mainly framed as defensive strength to protect our nation. I still view the military this way. Of course, in times of military action during war, offense becomes a proper objective but only in the sense of preserving safety and peace for our nation.

Others may view the military as offensive in the main, but then they would be at odds with the name of the Federal department in charge of the military, the Department of Defense. DOD. Defense Department.

Having said this, I wish to praise our military for its defensive posture and public service. Think of the national disasters and how often the military arrives on the scene to rescue people from harm. They restore order in such instances and help local authorities get back to business.

We rely on the military for many things. Security and safety are the primary identities, but others exist, too. Think of NASA and many other departments of the federal government and how military personnel are used to staff their activities.

International posturing based on the military is another aspect to discuss. That is the prime topic for today’s blog.

I am distressed at the warlike activities of Russia and China. For the latter, recall their activities in the north and south China Sea. Creating islands for defense installations. The constant harping on returning Taiwan to Mainland China’s political control. Manipulation of North Korea for strategic and military purposes, these and other actions by China paint a picture of hostility. They want us to think we are on the brink of war so they can win concessions from us on the foreign relations front.

Same with Russia. They took over the Crimea and now wage war against all of Ukraine. They echo these actions in other lands formerly part of the USSR. They make no secret of wanting to reinstitute the USSR. They do so to increase their image of power and might. They iterate continuously their opposition to the USA and its power and influence on the world stage.

What both China and Russia do not state, however, is why the USA does what it does. No, we do not seek power and wealth over other peoples in the global community. Rather, we seek to help them do for themselves. We help weak societies solve some of their problems out of humanitarian interests. We also take these positions to strengthen peace among all nations. War is not in our interest. Military action is not the objective. Only if called on to do so in defense of our nation, does the military take hostile action.

The question is, why do Russia and China engage in hostile acts? Threatening actions to destabilize situations? Do either of these countries actually open their hearts and purses to help others solve problems? Do they seek opportunities to serve? Or do they always stress opposition in most things?

Why do they do this? What power do they seek? What wealth do they want? What do they want to do with either or both of them? To what end is power and wealth? Are they only seeking these things to improve their citizens lives? If so, I might understand that, selfish as it is.

America is not perfect. We have acted belligerent and selfish at times. We have made international mistakes. Our history is not pristine. But in our defense, I think Americans truly want to be good citizens in the global village. We go out of our way to help those in need beyond our shores. Much of our international policy is based on this value structure. What then are the values of Russia and China? Are these things as bald as they appear?

Questions in need of answers. Is peace in any of the answers?

February 26, 2024

 

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