The sad truth about war is

[Just_Vote_Dem]

For most, it is immensely devastating.

But for a few, it is incredibly profitable-including the inevitable rebuilding.

We must always do everything we can not to be manipulated into hate by those who live to destroy decency.

[hueymahl]

1. Preach

ALL of our modern wars have been expanded and encouraged by the companies making war weapons. Without exception. And they are some of the most active lobbyists and contributors to campaign coffers. Add in the employment and huge salaries for ex military and generals, and you have corruption down to the bone.

This is the number one crisis facing government and world safety today. And like you said, simple decency.

[CommonHumanity]

2. So true, so basic, so well put.

So true, so basic, so well put. Since childhood I've been amazed and appalled that we don't get it.

[Happy Hoosier]

3. That's Hamas' entire business model NT

[hueymahl]

4. That is arguably our business model too

Which was the point of the OP. Yes, we do it for self defense, protect allies, etc. But we are the largest exporter of military arms in the world, by a long shot. We literally export death. Cold hard reality.

If we did not allow lobbying and the revolving door between the military, government and the arms producers, we would not be in this situation nearly as bad.

[Happy Hoosier]

5. I get it, but it's a harsh world.

I'm not as cynical about it as some here. I understand the cynicism. But with people like Putin and Xi in the world, I am more a realpolitik guy, I guess. We should always embrace peace, but unfortunately, much of the world embraces war. We need to be ready for it.

[hueymahl]

8. Oh, absolutely

We mostly need to end the defense industry's ability to lobby and influence those that pay them. Citizen's united is a big problem, but something that can be done with an executive order is barring former military above a certain rank from ever being paid by the defense industry for any reason.

[yagotme]

6. Yup.

Few actually profit, even the ones that start it, as it usually goes a different way than they expect. Profiteers are gonna profiteer.

[Tomconroy]

7. The sad truth about peace is:

Link to tweet

[William769]

9. "The sad truth about war is"

Someone always strarts it,

[brooklynite]

10. Are you suggestion munitions companies are manipulating opinions on Israel/Gaza?

I’d say Hamas is doing a pretty good job on their own.

[Just_Vote_Dem]

11. No

While Israel/Gaza is on my mind, this was a general observation how some people can be manipulated to do things against their own interests, sometimes because of someone else's thirst for profit.