Politics and Lies

In another class I'm taking this semester we're discussing World War One and its consequences which parallel those of the Iraq War in our current time. In literature from that time it was clear that authors were disturbed by both the meaningless interpretation of the war by those who were fighting in it as well as the political cynicism that resulted. In Ernest Hemingway's novel A Farewell to Arms he focuses both on the soldier's battle to survive through a war they didn't believe in and the difficulties faced by those who realized that the political system was exploiting the vulnerability and ignorance of the people. When war becomes advertised on billboards and on television it seeks to sell a lie in order to convince people that their participation is necessary and noble. When words like "sacrifice" , "glory" and "strength" are associated with a particular war joining the military and fighting for the honor of the country (or the honor of another country's people) seems like a way to actively participate in this ideology of the great American savior. But when it is revealed that the justifications and the advertisements put forth by the government are false it leads to a sense of disillusionment on behalf of both civilians and soldiers. What does it mean when we find out that our own government has manipulated us? And what does it mean when we no longer trust politics to offer us the truth?
Clearly the similarities between Iraq and WWI are numerous in this respect. We have been coerced into believing certain "facts" that turned out to be falsehoods which has consequently led to a great deal of anger and cynicism. Not only this but how could we ignore the military commercials that air on television every night encouraging people to join the Army or the Marines in order to continue fighting this war we cannot end. In addition to this, politicians, including our president, have spent what seems like a great deal of time trying to convince us firstly to go to war and secondly to remain in it until we "win". Alot of people at this point in time are fed up with what seems like endless lies and persuasion by Washington and are ready for something to change. I think that this is the reason Obama has been so successful in his campaign thus far. In a political environment like the one we live in today, where people all across the country are questioning the validity of the political system as a whole, it is refreshing to have someone who seems removed from the lies. Whether or not Obama is trustworthy has yet to be seen but he offers a distinct change from what we have seen in the last eight years, especially considering the tragedies that have resulted from the war. Much like in WWI, the Iraq War has left a generation of young people that doesn't trust the word of their government in some of the most significant issues facing the American nation. Some people may disagree but ask yourself some questions about the issues. Did you believe President Bush when he claimed WMD's five years ago? How does it feel to realize that, regardless of intention, he was dead wrong? Pick your candidate of choice, the person you are going to vote for; Do you believe everything they say or are you cynical about some of their promises? What does this say about politics and the government? Do we not want to be proud and secure in our nation ?