Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing In the twenty or so years after the end of World War Two, popular culture abounded with adulation of the military and glorification of war. Movies and books with WW2 themes came out in large numbers and celebrated the Great Event from the lowly private to the Read More …
Brian M Downing In recent weeks we’ve seen numerous supporters of the war point confidently to positive indicators and to benchmarks being met or neared. And we’ve also seen numerous critics of the war assert just as confidently that there’s been little if any progress. It all makes me think Read More …
Brian M Downing Over the last few decades, the image of the veteran has undergone numerous pendulum-like changes. The changes reflect the public’s unfamiliarity with military service and war. Even when positive, the mythic images are more often than not harmful, to both the soldiers and the nation. When Read More …
Brian M Downing Every war draws upon myths of past conflicts. World War One drew upon the myths of the Civil War. Vietnam did the same with the myths of World War Two, at least until they lost their vitality. And during the present war in Iraq, our first war Read More …
Brian M Downing But we in it shall be remembered – We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. – William Shakespeare, Henry V We’re stuck over here God knows how long, just waiting and sweating it out, and finding out things about yourself that, by God, it don’t pay Read More …
Brian M Downing The Iraq war is the first in American history to steadily worsen our national security. Our generals, through action and acquiescence, despite their sworn duty to protect the nation, have played no small role in endangering America. This is all the more paradoxical and alarming because Read More …