U.S.A. U.S.A. We're an Oligarchy, A-OK

[TurkeyOnRye]

I notice that tis governments which wage war. If privateers are hired, their role is smaller, & still with permission of government.
Look at the debate over drafting women. Companies cannot do anything approaching such a deadly abridgment of civil liberty.
I can refuse to do business with a particular company whose policies I find unfair. Can't avoid the fed without emigrating.

I'd wield the accusation of false equivalency, but that old thing reeks.
And it would be particularly inappropriate to use on a sammich (ie, you).

Given that private powers are largely responsible for the flow and direction of government, to say that government alone is responsible for war is patently false. This is the basic premise of the so-called "military industrial complex." Governments depend on private powers for resource extraction, and private powers depend on government to expand its reach and protect said resource extraction. It's a synergistic relationship, and therefore wars are only officially waged by governments. You can blame the sword, but it might be wise to consider who's wielding the sword. Concentration of power in either group is undesirable. So I return to my original premise, which is that public and private power should ideally be unconcentrated and balanced.

 

[Revoltingest]

Given that private powers are largely responsible for the flow and direction of government, to say that government alone is responsible for war is patently false.

Evidence for this claim?
I blame the voters, & have solid proof.
When Bush & Obama were first elected, no one knew the former would start wars, nor that the latter would continue them.
But both were re-elected after demonstrating their pro-war inclination.
Hillary voted to start the Iraq war, & to continue both wars.
She has since threatened to "obliterate Iran".
Now, she is the Democratic front runner.
Voters like war, & politicians like delivering what gets them elected.

How is this proof?
If voters disliked our violent & spendy foreign adventurism, they'd have voted out the bums.

This is the basic premise of the so-called "military industrial complex." Governments depend on private powers for resource extraction, and private powers depend on government to expand its reach and protect said resource extraction. It's a synergistic relationship, and therefore wars are only officially waged by governments. You can blame the sword, but it might be wise to consider who's wielding the sword. Concentration of power in either group is undesirable. So I return to my original premise, which is that public and private power should ideally be unconcentrated and balanced.

What evidence is there for this conspiracy by the private sector to control the politicians, & how do the effect such puppetry?

 

[TurkeyOnRye]

Evidence for this claim?
What evidence is there for this conspiracy by the private sector to control the politicians, & how do the effect such puppetry?

If you're unable to recognize cronyism and the power of concentrated wealth to distort the political process, I see no reason to argue further. I find it unfathomable that anyone could object to the idea. But I will post this peer-reviewed study from Princeton University to make the case.

https://scholar.princeton.edu/sites...testing_theories_of_american_politics.doc.pdf

 

[Revoltingest]

If you're unable to recognize cronyism and the power of concentrated wealth to distort the political process, I see no reason to argue further.

You're invoking the "Argument Of Obviousness" against me?
Oh, dear!

I find it unfathomable that anyone could object to the idea.

I hear it often, but no one has yet presented me with convincing evidence.
Moreover, no one has ever explained away voter responsibility for electing hawks.
Think of it more as a challenge, ie, make your case.

But I will post this peer-reviewed study from Princeton University to make the case.
https://scholar.princeton.edu/sites...testing_theories_of_american_politics.doc.pdf

I'll check it out, & get back.

But in the meantime, I'm more interested in your reasoning.
To merely present a link isn't enuf.
Perhaps you could excerpt portions, & explain their importance to you.