German civilians give the Nazi salute.(German Federation archives photo)
When we think of a military environment, we think of soldiers training to fight and obey orders without question. It has to be that way, because in a conflict, decisions need to be made quick and soldiers must not think they must obey. It has to work this way in a military environment. There is no freedom in a military environment - only obedience to authority.
In America, there is the US military who for the large part consists of soldiers taught to obey orders of their superiors without question or risk repercussions. Then, we have the civilian population who for the most part if left alone to do what they wish. American civilians for the most part have freedom.
However, for much of human history, the freedom that Americans have today- have not always been granted to citizens by their government or rulers. In America, we feel that freedom is granted by God and is our right.
In other countries throughout history, there have been what is called militaristic communities. That is, military type obedience was not just restricted to members of the military. It was expected by its citizens as well. Let's take Nazi Germany from the 1930's through 1945. During that era, if you were a German citizen, it was your duty to obey Adolf Hitler and the Nazi doctrine. You were required to goto Nazi run schools, read Nazi books, attend and cheer at Nazi events, and even think pro-Nazi at every time. If you did not do so, anyone- even your neighbor, teacher, or even husband or wife, could turn you in to the state police and say you were anti-Nazi. If you were labeled that, you could be sent to a Concentration camp and die a slow death.
Nazi Germany is just one example- although an extreme one - of what the economist Joseph von Mises calls an omnipotent government;a country of total state.
America and much of the rest of the world is in a constant state of warfare. The battle that wages is not necessarily of the military. But of thought. The battle being waged is against those who want a more Omnipotent government versus those who want more individual freedom.
I will say that both sides are very passionate. The elections here in America in 3 days will go a long way in deciding which direction America heads towards. If the Democrats win, we will head towards a leadership that believes in a more omnipotent government. If the Republicans win, we will head more towards individual freedom.
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