But big government's friends can disguise this by using military language as a metaphor. Following FDR's lead, politicians would later declare a War on Poverty, a War on Drugs, and a Moral Equivalent of War on energy shortages. Such language is supposed to be inspirational, but its implications are disturbing. During wartime, combatants obey orders and civilians set aside their personal misgivings in support of the national effort. Armies and navies are strict hierarchies that administer rewards and punishments based on bureaucratic rules, not marketplace demands.
Khaki can be an attractive color.
So can green, gray, and baby blue. But once the paint wears off, you might be stuck with something very ugly indeed. Contributing Editor John J. Pitney Jr. is associate professor of government at Claremont McKenna College. Visit his Web page.