I read the Freakonomics blog on the NYTimes.com website frequently, and recently came across this posting by Steven Dubner. In it, he recites some of the responses given by West Point cadets to the opening phrase, “war is…”:

• Unfortunately war is necessary and has been for thousands of years.
• War is a tragic and hopefully unnecessary part of life. I pray that militaries may become deterrent forces only.
• War is a necessary evil.
• While war may appear to be the least beneficial thing to mankind and society in general, there are numerous aspects of it which further our development. Whether it be the liberation of oppressed people or simply the cooperation of two very different peoples, which results in new friendships between cultures, many positives are found amongst the tragedies.
• War is the most effective way to get things done.
• War is about protecting the innocent and fighting so others don’t have to.
• Fear leads to hatred and hatred leads to war.
• It is a horrible and necessary thing. We may as well be the best at it.
• I believe war is a necessary evil if there is a good enough reason (e.g., World War II).
• War is that in which humans grow most.
• I think war is a way to strengthen our country. It shows other countries that our country will not be stepped on and we will defend our country.
• War is a failure of diplomacy. As soldiers and officers we will manage and control the application of violence in order to protect the United States.

He goes on to say:

The 12 answers reflect the thoughtful, varied, and independent mindset that I have always encountered when dealing with folks at West Point, properly known as the United States Military Academy. It is a truly remarkable institution, and I wish the rest of the world knew more about it.

This echoes nicely the piece I wrote on John McCain’s views on war a while back. Both the speech that posting referred to and the quotes above do a good job of refuting this idea that soldiers and Republicans (presumably, especially Republican soldiers) are a bunch of warmongers. It’s refreshing to see this kind of accurate view of prospective officers’ sentiments on view out there in the open for people to see. Those who have fought or know they may be called upon to do so seem to develop a more nuanced view of war than those who sit on the sidelines, whether pacifists or warmongers. They realize the necessity of war but do not delight or glory in it. It’s ultimately a very realistic view of war and one more of us should adopt.