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>>Citizenship has historically been defined by military service, in that you are not merely subject to the security apparatus of the state, but a part of it. I
by enraged_camel 8y ago
>>Citizenship has historically been defined by military service, in that you are not merely subject to the security apparatus of the state, but a part of it.
I don't know where you got this idea. Most of the largest empires in history - Romans, Sassanids, Ottomans, British, you name it - had a professional warrior class. It wasn't all voluntary, but ideas like draft only applied to non-citizens.
- yontherubicon 8y agoWas referring to the Romans. Perhaps I'm exaggerating. My point is that military service is a responsibility, not a chore foisted upon us. If it were, we would be subjects. But we are not subjects, we are citizens.
- enraged_camel 8y ago>>My point is that military service is a responsibility Maybe when the country is being invaded. For offensive wars however I don’t know how you can argue this.
- yontherubicon 8y agoIs your country not sharing in the spoils? I'm not saying that offensive wars are moral, but it is in keeping with your duties to the group. And certain offensive wars are for the common defense, usually against neighboring countries over scarce resources, or against other imperial powers.
- enraged_camel 8y agoWhat spoils? I think it would be rather difficult to claim that the general US population has come out on top as a result of Middle East adventurism over the past two decades.