Assignment 9- Nick Joseph

War has always been a controversial issue.  With this being said, it has shaped the world as we know it today.  Without war, many things may have evolved differently.  I believe that their is a time for war.  The war after the terrorist attacks on 9/11 is a perfect example.  When someone harms you or those you care about, you have not only the right, but also the responsibility to retaliate in order to preserve justice and order.  Often times, this is the morally right option.  If a group of people has caused substantial harm to another group, they deserve to pay the price.  With this being said, it is not always the right decision to wage war.  The United States is not (and should not be) the policemen of the world.  We need to protect our own interests first, and only then should we move to help others.  Countless dollars have been wasted on these "non-important" wars over the years.  We are responsible to go to war when justice is needed.  Again, my mind jumps back to 9/11.  There are alternatives.  One example is peaceful negotiations.  This takes longer however and is not always effective.  As is obvious, the entire concept of war is a tough issue to address.