by Scott Horton

AntiWar.Com

04/05/05

It is easy to be a cheerleader for empire. 'We're winning the War on Terror!' Many Americans apparently believe that the military will keep the rest of the world (which they see as inexplicably perturbed at us) at bay, and that we may continue pretending our choice of direction secures our long-term security. In the past, it may have been easy to imagine America and its Constitution lasting many more lifetimes, but it is becoming harder to suspend disbelief as the body count, price tag, and growing resentment wrought by our current adventures continue to mount. More Americans seem to be catching on. Empire weakens us. By definition, empire means overextension, dependence on the conquered, debt, taxes, and highly centralized power. None of these things are conducive to a lasting, limited republic. The 'father of the Constitution,' James Madison, said as much...

http://www.antiwar.com/orig/horton.php?articleid=5455


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp