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Book Review: Addicted To War

By Louise Hiken

ADDICTED TO WAR: WHY THE U.S. CAN'T KICK MILITARISM
(New Society Publishers, 1993,64 pp, 8 x11, $5.95)

In the early 1970's Joel Andreas published an illustrated "comic book" which described the way in which Rockefeller dynasty had accumulated its wealth. That satirical expose remains one of the highlights of that period of unrest and rebellion. It's biting wit and historical accuracy made the book a must for readers between the ages of 11 and 90.

Now Andreas has duplicated that feat with the publication of "Addicted to War: Why the U.S. Can't Kick Militarism." Why our country is moving towards an ever more aggressive and bellicose foreign policy in a new era which many thought would be characterized by peace and a reduction of international tensions is hardly a subject to be taken lightly; yet Andreas is able to gently and laughingly lead the reader through a detailed analysis of the causes of militarism as well as its results. The impact of our forays abroad not only creats havoc in the war zones, but at home, as well.

With chapters such as "The High Price of Militarism," "Manifest Destiny," "Exploits of the Self-Proclaimed World Policeman," "The New World Order," and "Militarism and the Media," the author covers the why's and wherefore's of our nation's dependency upon killing as a national pastime. With annotations detailing the sources for information presented throughout the comic, the reader is aware that the matter being discussed is a deadly serious one, albeit humorously presented.

For example, in one seat of cartoons, Andreas describes the impact our military budget has on human resources.

"The Pentagon budget represents a huge diversion of resources away from the basic needs of the people. Between 1948 and 1988 the U.S. spent more than $9.2 trillion building up its military might. Just how much is $9,200,000,000,000 worth?"

"It adds up to more than the cumulative monetary value of all human-made wealth in the U.S.! In other words, the government has spent more on the military over the last four decades than the value of all the factories, machinery, roads, bridges, water and sewage systems, airport, railroads, power plants, office building, shopping centers, schools, hospitals, hotels, houses, etc, in this country put together!"

The cartoon figures, with their caustic comments about the story being told, enhance the otherwise troubling information immeasurably.

The final chapter, entitled "resisting Militarism," is geared more towards provoking thought about the question of opposing the current agenda than it is towards providing a list or outline for proposed anti-militarism activities. For the latter programs, one should contact CCCO,WRL, the NLG Military Law Task Force, NISBICO, or the other organizations actively engaged in combatting our nation's use of military force throughout the world. But as a precursor to such action," Addicted to War" is a wonderful exercise in enjoyable education.

Individual copies of Addicted to War can be ordered from Illustrated Exposes, 2019 W. Ohio #3, Chicago, IL 60612, for $6.00 plus $2.00 shipping. Please inquire about bulk rates.