By: James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
There have been several positions taken regarding war. Obviously, it depends upon the perspective that you have. If you are a senior citizen, you have observed a lot of them. Some have served this country with honor, and we thank them for their service.
When I was coming of age and maturity, I didn’t really understand war and the effect that it had on the country. However, I did hear men and women talking about it, so I did know that it was an important topic.
We have had family and friends who have served in the war efforts over the years. We know families whose members have paid the ultimate price for battles that have made us safer. We know that freedom is not free.
America is now at war. The opponent is the country of Iran. Israel is a co-partner with us against Iran. This engagement is almost a month old, and the number of casualties is staggering.
Reports say there have been over 3,230 deaths in total. Lives have been lost and families are in mourning. Currently, there is no end date to this conflict.
While the lives lost is the most important factor, there is also some collateral damage that has occurred.
Prior to this war, the prices for goods and services were high. Now they are higher. Going to stores with these higher prices brings on a new shopping experience. We must be more cautious about what to buy and how much to spend.
The war is also affecting the price of gasoline. The national cost for a gallon of gas has reached $3.94. If you live in California, you are paying over $5.00 a gallon. Plainly stated, there are pitfalls and problems associated with being in a war. We must accept them as a condition for our freedom.
However, the American people are also troubled by this war. First off, Congress didn’t formally declare war yet that is another matter. According to a recent Reuters poll conducted this month only 27% of Americans are in support of this war.
The war with Iran is a political challenge for those in elective office. Now, 77% of Republicans support the war effort while only 6% of Democrats support it. Politicians on both sides are wondering about the fallouts of it.
The U.S. President has ordered thousands of troops deployed to the Middle East. We will have to see where they are going and how long they will stay. Boots on the ground, once talked about is now being actualized.
The Strait of Hormuz is the central area where oil ships come and go. At this time, the area is not functioning as it should because of this war. The U.S. President has made threats to deactivate this body of water. We will see if his threats turn into action.
What is happening now in the Middle East will affect this country for months after the war is over. For example, gas prices will not immediately drop to pre-war prices. The stock market will also suffer some losses as well.
This is what some Americans don’t realize. The aftermath of this encounter will be with us for the foreseeable future. There will not be much that we can do about it except just take a wait and see posture.
What we purchase will remain at a high cost. Interest rates will continue to be problematic. The economy will be stagnant for working Americans. Unemployment will remain between 4% and 5% according to some reports. Healthcare costs will be comprised. Seniors will feel the pinch in their prescription medications. The Democrats and the Republicans will continue to tussle with one another, and the American people will be the victims. It is abundantly clear that all these circumstances both at home and abroad will be deleterious to Americans.
Dr. James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D. is a long-time educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
