The United States goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy. She is a well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own. If the United States took up all foreign affairs, it would become entangled in all the wars of interest and intrigue, which assume the colors and usurp the standard of freedom. She might become the dictatress of the world. She would be no longer the ruler of her own soul.
–President John Quincy Adams, Independence Day Address, 1821

It always seemed curious to me that some of the
loudest voices clamoring for war come from people who’ve
never been in combat or even served in the military.
And many people who’ve seen combat are often loathe to
commit to war. Why is that? Ilana Mercer has an
interesting take on these armchair warriors.