Re:Blame Economists for the Mess We’re In
by trentnix on Sunday August 25, 2019 @09:27AM
(#20792825)
The issue you identify is a good reason why our system of government, which places an elected, term-limited civilian as the commander of the military, is extremely clever. We end up with an effective military, but have a counterbalance to a military acting as a hammer constantly looking for nails.
The people involved are certainly imperfect (and some are more imperfect than others), but we're always just a few years away from a course correction if the electorate sees fit.
Re:Blame Economists for the Mess We’re In
by goatinaboat on Sunday August 25, 2019 @09:29AM
(#20792833)
a voluntary military is more prone to prefer war over diplomacy.
The military gets no say - wars are declared, or not, by elected politicians. What you say is only true in countries where the military runs the government.
I never saw it as „the military“ being more prone. But rather the general public. As in a voluntary military, they (their families) are likely not involved with the military personally. While having the draft ensures most everyone will be - on a family level - impacted by a war or peace decision.
Re:Blame Economists for the Mess We’re In
by naasking on Sunday August 25, 2019 @09:35AM
(#20792871)
Military officers advise politicians. It seems silly to believe they have zero sway over political opinions.
> but feel it misses people who join the military to obtain gainful employment, get education, or numerous other reasons.
You're right. But I wonder what kind of "politics" they would adopt when needed if they didn't feel the rest of the army has one way of thinking.
I see the margin the parent commentator is trying to make, but feel it misses people who join the military to obtain gainful employment, get education, or numerous other reasons.