Blowback essays

Blowback essays Chalmers Johnson presents a provocative analysis of the consequences of American political and military policy abroad in his progressive book, Blowback. The term blowback was first invented by the CIA to describe the effect that Americas operations in foreign countries could potentially result in retaliation. The book was published in 2000, eighteen months prior to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but clearly outlined the likelihood of such an event occurring. The first two chapters in the book alone serve up a strong cautionary case warning us about the negative impact US foreign policy has overseas. The following quote sums up the main premise of the book, Although most Americans may be largely ignorant of what was, and still is, being done in their names, all are likely to pay a steep price-individually and collectively-for their nation's continued efforts to dominate the global scene. Johnson p.33 Johnson argues that America has become an empire that has placed its military presence all over the globe, and uses American dollars to shape the economic climate in many foreign countries. He goes a bit far though in his prediction that our countrys political overreach ultimately spells disaster for the empire. He draws the simple conclusion that since America is an empire, and all empires fall, so America will fall. The fact that we have military bases abroad does not equate America to the Roman Empire. However, some of the events that occur as a byproduct of our presence overseas have long lasting tragic consequences, and the appalling manner that our government responds to US inflicted atrocities bring shame and dishonor upon all of us. An accident caused by a Marine Corps pilot that resulted in the deaths of 20 Italians when a ski-lift cable was cut seems to be gross negligence in light of the facts that the altitude and speed parameters were both violated. Yet the ...