A New War Would NOT Help the Economy

George Washington’s Blog
Wednesday, Dec 03, 2008

Maybe you’ve heard it . . . people whispering that we need a good war to rescue our economy.

You know that the hawks are whispering it into Obama and Bush’s ears. Someone I’ve known for years even said it to me the other day.

But would a war really help the economy?

A War Would Devastate What is Left of the Economy

A war would actually devastate what is left of our economy.

(ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW)

Initially, the Iraq war will end up costing at least $3 trillion. That didn’t help the economy, did it? We’re still in that war, but our economy has tanked.

Moreover, the bailout is costing more (even after adjusting for inflation) than the Marshall Plan, Louisiana Purchase, moonshot, S&L bailout, Korean War, New Deal, Iraq war, Vietnam war, and NASA’s lifetime budget combined. We just don’t have the money to start another war.

In addition, contrary to popular belief, the reason that WWII stimulated the U.S. economy was not because of America fighting the war. Instead, America producing arms for the British before the U.S. entered the war was the thing which stimluated our economy.

Finally, wars which do not produce a quick victory actually devestate the economy. As a PhD economist explains:

“War always causes recession. Well, if it is a very short war, then it may stimulate the economy in the short-run. But if there is not a quick victory and it drags on, then wars always put the nation waging war into a recession and hurt its economy.”

Can America go beat up some poorly-armed country to get a quick war?

Its unlikely. Given that the entire world knows that the U.S. started the Iraq war based on false pretenses, and that the U.S. has tried to expand its empire at the expense of everyone else, even a war against a small, poorly-armed and resource-poor country would be considered a proxy war. Therefore, the other heavily-armed countries would fight the U.S. through local proxies, and the war would drag on.

For all of the above-described regions, a new war would NOT help the economy. It would finish it off.

• 
• Social bookmarks
• 
• Email this article
• 
• Print this page

Comment Terms Of Use

7 Responses to “A New War Would NOT Help the Economy”

1. caleb Says:
   December 3rd, 2008 at 7:28 am

   if any russians are reading, hope to see you soon. there is no way im fighting for american nazis(australian). To all american posters on this site, WTF are you doing? grab your guns, head to washington and have a revolution already!!!! before the rest of us are blown away from your cowardly incompetence…

2. Claudia Says:
   December 3rd, 2008 at 8:33 am

   We don’t need a war, if people would get rid of their GREED and live like God told us to then there wouldn’t be this DEPRESSION! and everyone fighting and hating each other.

3. global plantation serf Says:
   December 3rd, 2008 at 9:06 am

   Maybe, if everyone was “employed” as a conscript. Why not just blow up and take over the whole world? Then the economy would be hopping!

   What rubbish. How does that make any sense? Why are we still ruled by Republicans and Democrats who caused all of this mess I wonder? Do we live in a One-Party State?

4. Bob Says:
   December 3rd, 2008 at 12:51 pm

   Caleb,

   We aren’t going to start the revolution now since Idol starts next month.

5. NEUTRINO Says:
   December 3rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm

   Our authorities are increasingly basing their economies on War – It makes money – but only for the WAR MONGERS ! They don’t share their takings – not that ordinary people want a wage based on killing ! Both the UK and US went to war with Iraq based on false pretenses – our Governments lied to us – Iran is next in line – who knows which country is next???? I’m based in the UK….. Republicans and Democrats in the US….. Conservatives (Tories) and Labour in the UK all talk the same talk….. greed, corruption and war ! Email me….. TMI@inbox.com……Tony

6. bootroll Says:
   December 4th, 2008 at 12:09 am

   Oh they’re going to get their war! On the streets – for food!

7. NEUTRINO Says:
   December 4th, 2008 at 7:39 am

   The US Military machine looks increasingly like it is angling to attack Pakistan at some point – yet another Islamic country so clearly readily able to be assigned to the ever increasing ‘Axis Of Evil’ and clearly a potential harbour for Terrorists. I just hope the US doesn’t at some point attack the UK as many UK cities have large Pakistani contingencies !! Any comments – email me at TMI@inbox.com