From: Back from the Compost Pile

by Tom Fox
Editor's Box
National Catholic Reporter, October 17, 2008

~~~~~
We live in the 21st century and allegedly in a “civilized” society. And yet ... the United States of America spends more than $750 billion a year (about half the world’s total military spending) to support our military and military adventures. The numbers defy the imagination and should shame us to our bones. And it’s not as if we have pulled back from this madness. Just back in 2001, U.S. military spending was $350 billion.

Read carefully what James Madison wrote in 1795 near the birth of our nation:

“Of all the enemies to public liberty, war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes ... known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. ... No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.”

All this is by way of recommitting ourselves to peace. We do this is in a modest way by offering to you this week our “Paths to Peace” special section. It reminds us we are not alone and not crazy for believing in another way. Peace.