William Astore

William Astore is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and history professor who blogs at Bracing Views.

US Soldiers Afghanistan

The American Military Is Truly Exceptional—at Spending Money The American Military Is Truly Exceptional—at Spending Money

Americans can certainly brag about one thing this country has beyond compare: the most expensive military around.

Aug 11, 2023 / William Astore

Donald Trump hugs the flag of the United States of America at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in 2020.

Is America Worth Saving? Is America Worth Saving?

Known as “the arsenal of democracy” during World War II, America has now simply become an arsenal.

Jun 9, 2023 / William Astore

A black-and-white photo with a mushroom-shaped explosion.

The Best Years of My Country Are Behind Me The Best Years of My Country Are Behind Me

Thirty years ago, I caught a fleeting glimpse out of the corner of my eye of a better future, a better America, a better world. It was not to be.

May 11, 2023 / William Astore

US Military

More Guns Won’t Serve the Cause of Peace More Guns Won’t Serve the Cause of Peace

The Pentagon’s soaring war budget broadcast a clear and shocking message to the world: Blessed are the war makers.

Mar 24, 2023 / William Astore

US special forces group conducting weapons training

War Racketeers Won’t Reform Themselves War Racketeers Won’t Reform Themselves

Isn’t it time to hold Congress truly responsible for enabling ever more war by voting out military sycophants?

Feb 2, 2023 / William Astore

Hagel speaks with Afghanistan troops

When It Comes to the US Military, Nothing Succeeds Like Failure When It Comes to the US Military, Nothing Succeeds Like Failure

Constant warfare and preparations for more of it overseas have led only to costly defeats, and the budget just keeps getting bigger.

Jan 19, 2023 / William Astore

B-52 releases MOP

Defense Contractors Are Escorting Us Down the Path to Armageddon Defense Contractors Are Escorting Us Down the Path to Armageddon

It’s hard to think of a system more filthy or rotten than one that threatens to destroy most life on our planet, so that this country could in some fashion “win” World War III.

Dec 19, 2022 / William Astore

Afghanistan helicopter takes off

Is There Any Honor In War? Is There Any Honor In War?

It’s time for us to begin seeing war not as our making but our unmaking—as democracy’s undoing as well as the brutal thing it truly is.

Oct 7, 2022 / William Astore

Police line at the Capitol Building

This Is Life in Paranoid America This Is Life in Paranoid America

American leaders have driven this society to be ever less trusting and more fearful, in the name of protecting and advancing their wealth, power, and security.

Aug 2, 2022 / William Astore

March for Our Lives

Militarizing Schools Isn’t the Answer to Gun Violence Militarizing Schools Isn’t the Answer to Gun Violence

We’ll soon graduate a generation of young people who may have trouble reading and writing and adding but will be experts at ducking and covering.

Jul 1, 2022 / StudentNation / William Astore

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