Forever Wars
Our forefathers cautioned us against imperialism. They believed America's role was to be a well-wisher of freedom, not a foreign conqueror. Contrary to their wishes, the September 11 attacks were used as an excuse to implement a foreign policy of deceit, destruction, and domination instead of diplomacy. American politicians should heed the example set by our forefathers and refuse to deploy our troops in illegitimate conflicts.
While we caution against war, we are not adverse to a strong military and an armed citizenry. The world has changed a great deal since the founding of our country and we are under no illusion to the threats against our nation. However, engaging in conflicts in foreign nations is much different than protecting our own. Commanding the greatest fighting force known to man is essential to deterring those who wish to do us harm. But, having that power does not give us the justification to exercise it without restraint.
We believe in bringing the military-industrial system under national control. For decades, through targeted propaganda, our citizens have been tricked into supporting and fighting war on behalf of everyone but our countrymen. Our goal is a strong, sovereign republic that defends itself without policing the planet or enriching a permanent war establishment.
Foreign Alliances
In George Washington's farewell address, he cautioned us to "steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world." He explained that "the nation that indulges towards another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness is in some degree a slave." In a rebuke to the wisdom of our founders, America has occupied a position of servitude in our alliances. Another nation's errors in diplomacy is not a call for us to defend them or their honor. Instead, prudence should guide every decision on alliances. We must end our emotional attachment to other nations. This fondness has drawn our country into multiple unnecessary wars.
Before entering into an alliance, the executive branch must be able to clearly articulate how a partnership will directly benefit the American people. We support a public audit of every existing commitment to other countries or defense organizations, including NATO. Any alliance which no longer serves the American people must be terminated immediately. Any promise by a president which created a de-facto alliance without Congressional approval is null and void. Agreements which obligate future generations to die on behalf of foreign nations because of a "special relationship" or "shared values" is no longer a sufficient argument.
Military-Industrial Complex
In Dwight Eisenhower's farewell address, he cautioned that "we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex." This system has profited off of constant war for too long and must be brought under the control of the American people. All military production (munitions, shipyards, and aerospace systems) should be placed under government owned entities so that production remains in the US and decisions are made by elected officials. Any remaining private firms should operate only under national contracts which impose severe penalties for lack of performance.
The military-industrial system exists to serve the needs of our nation's defense and not the other way around. We must enact strict lifetime bans which prevent senior Pentagon, intelligence, and congressional staff from taking jobs with major defense contractors. Additionally, we must cap political contributions from these contractors so that elected officials are not incentivized to support war. There is no reason for our military budget to fund foreign conflicts when our needs border security, veterans' care and domestic infrastructure.
Global Police
The cynical name change from the Department of Defense to Department of War didn't intimidate our enemies, it previewed to the world that we planned to accelerate our hostility. It is critical that we prioritize defense of the homeland. We must finally abandon our role as the world’s policeman and moral referee. The use of the military to "spread democracy" through preemptive interventions must be prohibited unless Congress issues a formal declaration of war. America can no longer afford to be in the business of regime change.
Our overseas bases are invitations for endless entanglement. We need to withdraw our troops from these bases as soon as possible. Our military must defend our borders rather than engage in the border disputes of other nations. Foreign governments and populations need to take over responsibility for their own security. We display the American example best with success at home, not by lecturing or occupying foreign nations.
Moral Compensation
For decades, well-intentioned Americans have been tricked into supporting foreign conflicts. The first step in coming to terms with this deception is to admit we were fooled. We must demand accountability from our elected officials. Ultimately, it is our government which is responsible for unjustified American military operations. In order to make amends for these atrocities, we should issue formal apologies and compensation to the victims.
While we take ownership for our mistakes on foreign lands, we must prioritize our soldiers who were injured in these conflicts. Every American soldier deserves the best access to care (traditional and non-traditional forms) this country has to offer. We need to make every effort possible to rehabilitate and return the soldiers to meaningful work and a position of respect in our society.