The War in Afghanistan - Think Ethically not Economically

For many families, having a soldier participating in the war in Afghanistan is unimaginably stressful, concerning, fearful and emotionally taxing, whether it be a mother, father, brother or sister. In the event of a soldiers death, the American government pays a sum of 500 000$ to the family of the deceased soldier. In these tragic circumstances many would argue that this sum of money is not nearly sufficient in supporting a family; in their lifetime, a soldier would make far more than 500 000$ in the accumulation of yearly income. However, the prominent issue here is not the future financial stability of the family, but the implications of this money given to each family. What purpose does this money serve and how does it comfort the family’s loses? How false is this sense of comfort and stability?

The main concern here is not the sufficiency of this payment, but the legitimacy of this kind of compensation. This money could be considered a payoff, a way to keep people comfortable, quiet and well accommodated – an act of generosity - in times of emotional distress, and more subtly unethical pursuits. If people weren’t compensated in the death of a family member as a result of the war in Afghanistan, would people so honourably and patriotically support this conflict? I doubt it. Pragmatically, it makes sense for the American government to provide this type of payment; however it cannot mask the fact that dollars will not vanish these kinds of atrocities. Money cannot legitimize this type of conflict.

Examining this conflict narrowly, this 500 000$ compensation is seen as generous and even a compassionate response, but in the larger international picture it cannot defend the demoralizing nature of this conflict. What is concerning here is not the economics, but the ethics and emotional implications of this “cash settlement”.