US politicians seem to love the term “war”…for expensive, ill-defined, indeterminate efforts…most of which have been of uncertain efficacy.
I have opened the thread to discuss some of the “wars”…I hope to learn how much these things have cost, as well. Here goes:
-The “War On Poverty” (1964-?). Possible cost-$11,000 Billion. Results: poverty remains in the USA (about 14% of the population adjudged poor). My guess is that this “war” was not worth the cost.
-The “War on Cancer” (1971-?). Richard Nixon decided that cancer could be conquered in a massive campaign. It seems like the effort yielded results…was it worth the cost?
-The “War on Terror” (2000-present). We have blown over $1 trillion on wars in Iraq, Afghanistan,Libya, and other places. We still have terror events-was it worth it?
-The “war on Smoking” (not sure about the dates). Seems to have had some success-but the government rakes in huge money in tobacco taxes-so no real success here.
-The “war on Drugs”(dates uncertain). Huge costs-hndreds of thousands in jail-drug use is higher than ever. I think this war was a failure.
Have I missed any wars?