The quote suggests that throughout different periods of time, society has been conditioned to fear specific groups or ideologies—firstly communists and now terrorists—as a means to justify military expansion and spending on defense. This implies that there's always an external threat identified by those in power to maintain public support for aggressive national security policies.
At its core, the quote critiques the cyclical nature of political rhetoric that continually identifies new enemies to sustain military industry growth and public fear. By shifting focus from one perceived enemy (communists) to another (terrorists), the message aims to highlight how such strategies can perpetuate a state of constant readiness for conflict. This not only fuels economic interests related to weapons manufacturing but also potentially undermines genuine peace efforts by maintaining a heightened sense of anxiety among citizens.
Cindy Sheehan is an American anti-war activist who gained prominence during her protests against former President George W. Bush in 2005, following the death of her son Casey in Iraq. Her activism has since focused on advocating for peaceful resolutions to international conflicts and critiquing what she views as the misuse of military power.
