The Price of Patriotism

In his book Empire of Indifference: American War and the Fiscal Logic of Risk Management, Randy Martin explores the financial logic that dominated/s the war on terror in the United States.  While Martin discusses a number of instances in American history during which the thinly veiled motives of imperialists were made apparent through the act of war, I found his discussion of 9/11 and the “War on Terror” in general to be of particular interest.  Early on in the text, Martin suggests that the war in the United States ultimately results in a sentiment of indifference among citizens.  He states, “[During war time] the world is presented with another perverse form of domination, an empire of indifference.  Far from being accidental neglect, this indifference is a reaction to the diversity of experience and capacity that people have made for themselves, and an unwitting invitation on the part of the imperium to create more” (Martin 5).  Martin’s quote here immediately reminded me of George W. Bush’s economically underscored imperative to the American people to “shop more” following the attacks of 9/11.  In his post 9/11 and declaration of war speech, Bush attempts to enact this sense of indifference among the American people.

In his post 9/11 speech Bush is quick to remind viewers that, “America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world.  And no one will keep that light from shining.”  He assures us that the freedom and opportunity that America represents will be well protected because, “Our military is powerful, and it is prepared,” a promise that is in intended to lull us into a [false] sense of security.  Viewers are praised for their bravery and their strength, and are reassured above all else that, “Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well.”  Even without a critical stance on the speech, Bush’s comment seems jarring.  Why would/should it matter if the economy is open for business tomorrow?  Well, for all those American’s who want to know how they can personally contribute to the war effort without actually enlisting, visiting ground zero, donating blood, joining relief effort, or even leaving their homes, President Bush has the answer—shop!

“This work begins with keeping our economy growing—and I encourage you all to go shopping more.”

It doesn’t take much of an in depth analysis to grasp Bush’s motives not only in his speech, but for the duration of the “War on Terror.”  The empire of indifference (i.e. America) is made susceptible to imperialist domination more and more with each “threat” to the nation’s safety/security/etc. and manipulated into endorsing capitalist interests in a way that, upon reflection—blood spilled, lives lost—is rather horrific.  However, Martin seems to suggest throughout the book that we are moving closer to this model, rather than further from it.