It seems like a simple question, but I still haven’t found a persuasive answer. Over the last day or so, I’ve been thinking a lot about the war and what it says about contemporary American society. A poll released today reveals that more than 70% of Americans support the war and Bush’s approval ratings continue to rise. This despite overwhelming international opposition to the invasion. The Administration has not justified its chosen course of action with anything more than lies, more lies, and vague assertions. I have been trying to find someone on the proverbial “other side of the fence” who could defend this invasion… so far, I haven’t had any luck.

It appears that this simulated conversation between a Warmonger and a Peacenik is incredibly accurate. The Administration’s double-talk has been coupled with diversionary tactics and vague references to “classified information” to effectively stifle any meaningful criticism of the war. Now that the “shock and awe” phase of our invasion has begun, we are asked to rally around our troops and wave the flag. But why? Because there is a war. But why is there a war? It doesn’t matter now, because there is and we should stand behind our troops.

Incredible. And what’s more incredible, and more indicative of the American peoples’ collective lack of critical thinking skills, is that no one in any position of power is willing to (as they say) call a spade a spade. Want to put the current invasion into the larger context of American imperialism? Noam Chomsky does an excellent job of doing just that in an article posted at ZNet.

Finally, if you haven’t done so yet, read Senator Robert Byrd’s moving speech to Congress before the war began. His eloquence has done much to restore my faith in the possibility of democratic governance… kudos, Senator Byrd.