Search for Common Ground in Time of War

0.5% Served in Military Since 9/11- Pew Research

The Pew Research Center released a figure this week that only 0.5% of the US population has served in the military since 9/11. Pew points out the past 12+ years is the longest sustained period of conflict in US history. They also state that the connections between the military personnel and the broader population are growing more distant as the armed services grow smaller.

Something not mentioned in the report is how this equation would change if there was a draft. If more civilians were pressed into service, the public would become more involved in the implications of our political actions and the war on terror. During World War II 9% of the US population was on active duty. Add their families and the number becomes significant. A large percentage of the US population was involved in the military during the Vietnam War. Having a greater portion of the population involved in our country's conflicts informs the discussions around the conversations around US policy and political decisions.

I think a better informed and more engaged public involved in the issues that have great impact will make this country stronger. The process can be painful as with the Vietnam War, but, the process is important.
My parents were drawn together for the common good by two events that caused the paradigm shift, The Great Depression and World War II. There was a commonality to the issues that brought about a willingness to bring people together to work things out. We don't have that today. We have extremism brought about by partisan politics reinforced by the large amount of money being spent by super PACs.

There are organizations trying to do something to bring partisan politics under control. It is not going to be easy. If enough of us become active and speak out, change is possible.

There are others who think so too. Robert Reich has a new book called Beyond Outrage. In it he explains, what has gone wrong with our economy and our democracy, and how to fix it.  Robert Reich is also chairman of Common Cause.

Charles Ferguson in an interview with Tom Ashbrook on On-Point talked about how people rose up to change the balance of power away from the monied elite during the Progressive Era and during the Great Depression. Charles Ferguson has a new book, Predator Nation: Corporate Criminals, Political Corruption, and the Hijacking of America.  


Another organization who wants to put an end the gridlock in Washington is called CenterPolitics.org. Their Website will be ready soon. They want to actively support candidates who are willing to work across the aisle and end the gridlock.


The most important element is what you decide to do. We all need to be informed and involved.