What If They Held a War

In the annals of history, countless wars have been waged, each leaving behind a trail of devastation and loss. But what if, one day, they held a war, and nobody came? What if the soldiers, the real people who bear the brunt of conflict, simply refused to fight?

The idea isn't as far-fetched as it may seem. Those who make up the fighting forces of the world—the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines—often have more in common with one another than with the leaders who send them into battle. These men and women come from diverse backgrounds, yet they share common aspirations: to live in peace, to care for their families, to build a better future. When they look across the battlefield, they might see someone who, in another life, could be a friend rather than a foe.

The question then arises: who truly benefits from war? The answer often lies not with the soldiers, but with those in power. Smedley Butler, a highly decorated Marine Corps General, once famously said, "War is a racket." In his book of the same name, Butler argued that war is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the very many. He highlighted how industries profit from the chaos and destruction of war, reaping vast financial rewards while the common soldier suffers.

This sentiment was echoed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his farewell address to the nation, where he warned of the dangers posed by the "military-industrial complex." Eisenhower, himself a former general, understood the profound implications of a powerful defense industry intertwined with government policy. He cautioned that this alliance could lead to a situation where the pursuit of profit drives nations into unnecessary and endless conflicts. Are we not already there now?

The military-industrial complex, as Eisenhower described it, thrives on the continuation of war – “the forever war.” Defense contractors, lobbyists, and politicians can become entangled in a web of mutual benefit, where the perpetuation of conflict ensures continuous business. This dynamic often leads to an escalation in arms races and a reluctance to pursue diplomatic solutions. Why did the U.S. and Britain force Ukraine away from the bargaining table early on in the current conflict?

In contrast, the individuals who serve in the armed forces often seek nothing more than to return home safely. Their interests lie in peace and stability, not in the profiteering and power plays that fuel wars. If these individuals, united by their common humanity and shared desires, chose to lay down their arms and refuse to fight, the very foundation of war would be shaken.

However, this sunny optimism is unrealistic. The fact is that the powers that be know all too well their precarious state, but they are not prepared to give up. For this reason, they seek to control the minds of their subjects – to propagandize them into believing that the enemy is evil instead of attempting to relate to them. Usually this is done by comparing them to Hitler. It generally works too. Just ask Americans how bad Putin is. To be effective, however, dissident voices must be silenced. Have you noticed the increased push to censor “disinformation” and “mal-information” (which is a completely made-up term)? They must keep us all brainwashed to go along with their murderous war-plans.

Finally, if the efforts to control the hearts and minds of the regular people fail, the leaders have an emerging option. If the people refuse to fight, they will use A.I. operated drones, tanks, and bombers. Our A.I. operated war machine will kill the regular people of the enemy, and the enemies’ A.I. operated war machine will kill us.

Or, I could be wrong. We can hope.