The article makes a good presentation of an alternative viewpoint. As long as warfare and genocide are initiated around the world, a competent military remains a necessary evil. But if mankind is to survive and evolve socially, me might need other "rites of passage" than ones which equate socially approved killing with manhood. MLK said warfare must become extinct, or mankind will become extinct. Why cannot a rite of passage be a constructive act? I am, however, truly in awe of both the volunteering for duty and the ethical courage of some in the service, especially Lt. Watada and General Taguba.

The author provides an insight that offers to bridge understanding between disparate viewpoints while informing the allure of military service for some and the linkage between equations of considering such not desirable and 'volunteerism' in other government endeavors.

Little voiced truism.....many join the military to do something good...a devotion to the dream of our freedom....life on the line. Small wonder citizens want to give them support. Reminds me of an old bumper sticker, 'guns don't kill people,,,people do'. Some part of waste and excess are not mentioned....they are a burden to our creditability as a freedom loving country.

Although I am no fan of American military adventurism, and know that many politicians can't resist using our military improperly, this article is a welcome voice in our way to a "deeper understanding of our post-9/11 world," to quote the tomdispatch.com mission. As the father of a son who wants to go into the Marines, Astore has helped my understanding of why that might be. It's perhaps that same pursuit of authenticity that caused me to backpack Europe for five months after working a year in a mill during my college years. Progressives do need to embrace the democratic opportunity the military provides now, to outflank the charge of being weak on national defense, but more important, to have a credible role in preserving our ... More »