We Don't Need a Department of Peace - We Have the State Department for That

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
The other day, I was discussing with an acquaintance the potential to slightly modify US policy in the world when it comes to foreign affairs. I suppose there's always been a lot of talk along these lines especially when it comes to the political impasse which often leads to wars, perhaps out of political animosity, ego, pride, or a nation-state dictator who is hostile from the word go. Still, does that mean the US should oblige and go to war?
Indeed, perhaps like you, I hate war, I hate it with a passion, still, sometimes wars happen and we cannot expect, at least in the present period, to assume that we can always maintain the peace. After all, there are some things that we just cannot stomach, and thus, we decide that action is prudent. I often joke with friends that we don't just need a Department of Defense, we also need a Department of Offense, as often a good offense is the best defense. Still, my more liberal leaning friends will tell me we need a "Department of Peace!"
Well, okay, but let's never forget the policy of "Peace through Strength" has served us well, and we must have the strongest military in the solar system if we are to maintain the greatest nation in human history. Remember we are dealing with humans in this dialogue, they are predictable, and although mostly harmless, they cannot always be trusted, thus, a strong defense/offence is needed.
Now then, is it really the US Military's job to promote peace in the world? No, not really, that would be the job for the State Department and the policies of the Administration in charge at the time, working hard to work through differences, working hard to prevent political impasse, continue open dialogue and foster trade and positive relations globally, after all, that is in our best interests in the end.
So, what is the job of the military, well to win wars, protect our nation, work with our allies' militaries, and watch over our strategic interests as outlined by the civilian administration's policies. Okay so, if we ask our military to wage peace, and foster good will, perhaps through military diplomacy, fighting common causes like pirates, or serving in natural disaster aide, that's fine. But our military must remain able to fight and to win wars when necessary, and maintain operational ability at all times. That's their main job, everything else is nothing more than an extension of political expediency. Please consider all this.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?We-Dont-Need-a-Department-of-Peace---We-Have-the-State-Department-for-That&id=6629059] We Don't Need a Department of Peace - We Have the State Department for That