Hello this is John Kluepfel from John’s podcast. Today, we will be discussing the NPR story Dreams of A Peacetime U.S. Presidency. The podcast was hosted by Guy Raz and Micah Zenko. Micah Zenko of the Council on Foreign Relations believes that it is impossible for a U.S. President to not be involved in military operations. Zenko believes that America will go to war with Afghanistan. Zenko says that the last peacetime president was Warren G Harding. Zenko believes that the American public has gotten used to America participating in war. Zenko believes that because the American President is regarded with such power, he has more pressure than a leader of a smaller country to participate in war.
Chairmen of the chief joint of staff Martin Dempsey takes the other side. Dempsey believes that “We are now living in the most dangerous time”.
This topic is important because the assumption that war is a substitute for foreign policy is frightening. The manipulation of the media in making movies with Navy seals for profit or to make war seem more acceptable is also frightening. The article also talks about the change in perception with targeted killings. Zenko believes that it was highly accepted that targeted killing was wrong until September 11, 2001. Today, many people believe the 400 plus targeted killings outside of a battlefield setting are justified.
“To talk about this topic with me is Austin Olshefski.”
“How are you Austin?
“I’m feeling fresh Johnny Pod”
“Do you believe that it is possible for America to have a peacetime president?”
“Absolutely not. I believe that America will always be in war in any way shape or form whether it is supplying resources or physically engaging in battle.”
“Why do you feel that way Austin?”
“Because of Americas history.”
“Do you believe that America will go to war with Afganistan?”
“No but I believe America will be involved in another military operation”.
“If Zenko is correct, how does it feel for the last peacetime president (Warren G Harding) to be in the 1920s.”
“I feel like it supports my statement that America will always be in war somehow.”
“Do you believe that Americans have gotten used to America participating in war”
“Yes. We have always been in war so people don’t know how it feels to be in peacetime”.
“Do you agree with Zenko that it is alarming that America always participates in war or Martin Dempsey, Chairmen of the chief joint of staff who believes that America is living in the most dangerous time”,
“I agree with Dempsey. I believe there are so many threats out there and we are in more danger if we are not prepared”.
“Do you think America should just be prepared or always at war?”
“I believe that America should always be in war. Especially because we are America and are trying to be the world’s police.
“Do you think America takiing big stances on countries like Iraq and Afghanistan lowers these threats?”
“No because I think this creates more dislike towards America in the middle east which causes more of a threat.
“How do you feel about targeted killings?”
“I believe it is necessary to take down a leader like Sadaam Hussain because he is the leader of the operation.”
“Do you think the media takes advantage of war and profits from movies like Act of Valor?”
“Absolutely. If people are interested in the subject they will take every advantage to make a profit.”
“Do you believe that the media uses movies to make war seem more applicable?”
“No. I don’t think they are trying to intentionally make war seem more acceptable but are just trying to make a profit.”
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