How the War Party Won

"Everyone from the Founders to George Orwell thought (and hoped) that the massive societal costs which war imposes would be a deterrent to their being fought," says Glenn Greenwald, "but most Americans who express their 'support' for these wars bear absolutely no cost whatsoever" — The Absence of Debate over War.

"Worse, many who cheer for our wars enjoy that most intoxicating and distorting reward: cost-free benefits, in the form of vicarious feelings of strength, purpose, nobility and the like, all from a safe distance," he continues. "It's very difficult to generate attention for political issues that do not personally and tangibly affect most Americans -- that's why the failing economy receives so much attention and our various wars (and civil liberties erosions) do not."