Jun 22, 2025
—
by
Tom Raquer
in Uncategorized
By Tom Raquer
DEAR ESSENTIAL AMERICAN CITIZEN,
My name is Tom Raquer. I am a retired United States Air Force Foreign Area Officer. I had long— and short-term assignments in Southeast Asia. My assignments included Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, and East Timor. Today, I advocate for the restoration of our American Constitutional Republic. I demand an end to rule by an oligarchy of elite HEGEMONISTS. Since the end of the Cold War, these interests have focused on their ambitions and profits. They have placed their ambitions above the national interests of our Republic.
We won the election, but it is painfully clear that we did not win control of foreign policy. The HEGEMONISTS still rule! Just last night, President Trump took us to war against Iran. He launched bombs without the consent or knowledge of the American people who put him into office. What does this say about our democracy? It exposes an unsettling truth: elections mean nothing if elite agendas trample the people’s will. The urgency of this situation can’t be overstated.
Let me be clear: this is not merely about whether the decision to engage in military action is correct. It is fundamentally about who decides on war or peace. In a true republic, empowered and engaged citizens should wield the authority to decide their nation’s course. Citizens must be allowed to voice their concerns. They should influence policy. This ensures that the government remains accountable to the people it serves.
The military action against Iran is a glaring reminder. There is a disconnect between the ruling elite and the American citizenry. A populist wave was fueled by dissatisfaction with the political establishment. This wish for change propelled Trump into office. He aimed to dismantle the entrenched oligarchy. Yet, his administration continues to silence our voices in matters of war and peace.
This is not merely a failure of leadership but a betrayal of our Republic! The citizens who rallied for change demanded that their voices be heard. Yet, they are again dismissed, left to bear the burdens of decisions far from their eyes and ears. The ‘spectra of oligarchy’ loom large as those in power dictate terms to the world without consequence. This ‘spectra’ signifies the shadowy influence of a select few on our foreign policy. It is a reality that must be confronted and dismantled.
THE POST-COLD WAR PURSUIT OF GLOBAL HEGEMONY
The post-Cold War era has been marked by the United States’ relentless pursuit of global dominance. The United States has intervened militarily in various regions. It has also experienced many diplomatic blunders. Military actions, ranging from the Gulf War to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, have not met their stated objectives. These actions have left behind a trail of instability and destruction.
Globalization’s economic policies have resulted in job losses, deepened inequality, and torn apart the very fabric of our society. Diplomatic strategies, like NATO’s eastward expansion, have strained international relations and incited tensions with Russia and China.
CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT
We, the citizens, must rise. We must recognise that the decisions made by this small elite have profound implications for our collective future. It is time to reclaim our sovereignty and demand a foreign policy that genuinely reflects the will of the people. We have the power to make a difference and shape our future.
Reinstating the draft can guarantee that the burdens of military service are shared among all citizens. It also ensures that the consequences of military decisions affect everyone. This fosters accountability among our leaders, encourages civic engagement, and reminds us that military choices profoundly impact families and communities. Your engagement is crucial in shaping our nation’s future.
The Constitution mandates that the government supply for the common defence. Yet, this noble duty has been twisted. This twist justifies a global policing role. It strains our military and erodes our freedoms. It is time to confront this reality and advocate for a renewed focus on our national interests. By reinstating the draft, we can foster shared sacrifice. It promotes civic engagement. Military service will show the diverse fabric of our nation. More importantly, the draft is crucial in defending our Republic. It provides a strong and capable military force ready to protect our sovereignty.
This essay stands as a clarion call to restore the draft. It is not a relic of the past but a vital measure that will hold our leaders accountable. We must reassess our foreign policy and encourage citizens to join actively in the democratic process. They must focus on the defence of our Republic over global ambitions. Together, we can reclaim our sovereignty and create a future that honours the principles upon which our nation was founded.
THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN A REPUBLIC AND AN OLIGARCHY
Let’s be unequivocal: the difference between a republic and an oligarchy is stark. It is undeniable!
A. REPUBLIC
In a republic, power resides with the people and their elected representatives. We hold the divine right to join in decision-making through voting and civic engagement. Elected officials are accountable to us, and checks and balances guarantee that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. Our rights and freedoms are protected in a true republic, ensuring that every voice matters.
B. OLIGARCHY
In contrast, an oligarchy is a cancer that festers in the shadows—a cadre of elites hoarding power. This elite makes decisions that primarily serve their interests, often trampling the rights of the broader population. In an oligarchy, political power is concentrated in a select few. The general populace has limited to no say in governance. The ruling elite is not accountable to anyone; their policies favor the wealthy while ignoring the needs of ordinary citizens. This is how the majority becomes nothing more than serfs under their rule.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF MILITARY ACTION
When did you last feel you had a say in our foreign policy? When were you last consulted about the reasons for going to war? Our leaders have consistently ignored our concerns, pacifying us with empty promises. They engage in military actions that serve their interests, not ours, while we bear the brunt of their reckless strategies.
Now, with the recent military action against Iran, we face a crucial test: Who decides our fate? Was it the American citizen—empowered and engaged in the democratic process—or an oligarchy of elites dictating terms without accountability? If we allow these same oligarchs to make decisions without oversight, we risk enabling them to drag us into conflicts. These conflicts do not serve the interests of our Republic.
Their track record is a litany of failures, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and Syria. There is also the ongoing proxy war in Ukraine against Russia. They have pursued a long-term agenda to transform China into a liberal nation. This effort is a folly that has only resulted in what they now label our “pacing threat.”
Not surprisingly, this was foreseeable! Anyone with a modicum of understanding of human behavior would have known this. China would reject our attempts to hegemonise it under the guise of liberalism. Rather than embracing our vision, China has fortified its national identity and resisted our external pressures. We still endure the consequences of these elites’ misguided decisions. They offer neither accountability nor apology for the damage inflicted upon our Republic and the world.
This behavior is unacceptable—a betrayal of the principles upon which our nation was founded. Our leaders have prioritized their ambitions over the will of the American people. They believe they can dictate terms to the world without consequence. In the words of John Quincy Adams, America “goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy.” We must heed this wisdom. We should recognize this priority. Our focus should be on preserving our Republic. We must avoid entanglements in foreign conflicts that serve only the interests of the elite.
Critics will argue that these alliances and interventions are necessary for national security and global stability. Yet, we must ask: at what cost? Are we sacrificing our sovereignty? Are we trading away the well-being of our citizens for a strategy that favors the interests of a powerful few? Proper national security arises from a strong, self-reliant republic. The needs of the American people must be paramount.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REINSTATING THE DRAFT
We must tackle the vital issue of reinstating the draft. We need to consider this as we decide our path ahead. This is not merely a relic of the past. It is an essential measure to guarantee that all citizens share the burdens and responsibilities of military service. Here’s why this is crucial for restoring our Republic:
- Shared Sacrifice: A draft fosters a sense of shared sacrifice among citizens. When only a small segment bears the weight of military service, a disconnect is created. This gap exists between the government’s decisions and the realities faced by everyday Americans.
- Civic Engagement: A draft ignites civic engagement and deepens understanding of foreign policy. When citizens know they are called upon to serve, their interest in discussions around war increases. This makes them to engage actively in peace discussions.
- Constitutional Responsibility: The Constitution requires that the government supply the common defence of the United States. This does not mean we are obligated to dominate the world. We should not engage in conflicts that do not serve our interests.
- Limiting Entanglements: A draft would help limit our involvement in conflicts beyond our means. It would also prevent us from compromising our sovereignty. This allows us to focus on national security and the needs of our citizens. We would avoid being drawn into the ambitions of a global elite.
- Diversity in Service: A draft ensures that military service reflects the diversity of our nation. Now, the volunteer military does not adequately represent the broader population.
- Checks and Balances: Military service ties to a broader population segment. This approach implements an extra layer of checks on our leaders. It promotes accountability.
- National Responsibility: Reinstating the draft reinforces that defending our nation is a shared national responsibility.
We are advocating for the reinstatement of the draft. This calls for a system that promotes accountability in military decisions and fosters a more engaged and united citizenry. It’s a step toward ensuring our Republic remains true to its founding principles. The people’s voice is paramount. All governance burdens are shared.
WILL WE BE AN OLIGARCHY OR A REPUBLIC?
The decision to engage in military action against Iran stands as a critical test for our Republic. Can we continue to entrust war-making decisions to the oligarchy that has repeatedly led us into disastrous conflicts? If we allow these same oligarchs to make decisions without accountability, we risk losing our identity as a republic.
A FINAL CALL TO ACTION
We stand at a crossroads in our Republic’s history. It is a moral imperative to reclaim our sovereignty and restore accountability. The power to shape our future lies within us, the citizens. Restoring the draft is more than a policy proposal; it profoundly affirms our collective responsibility.
Imagine a nation where the burdens of military service are shared equally among all citizens. A draft would remind our leaders that military actions carry real consequences for families and communities. By taking this step, we hold our leaders accountable. We cultivate a generation of engaged citizens. They understand that their voices matter in foreign policy.
Let us heed the warnings of our forebears and recognize that complacency is the soil in which oligarchy thrives. Now is the time to call for renewed civic engagement, transparency, and shared sacrifice. We must advocate for policies prioritizing our citizens’ well-being over the interests of the elite.
Here’s what you can do: Advocate for the reinstatement of the draft to restore our Republic. Educate yourself and your community, engage politically, build solidarity, and promote peaceful resolutions. Empower the next generation to understand their civic duty and the importance of participation in democracy.
Together, let us rise as stewards of our Republic. We must reclaim our rightful place. Let us shape a future honing the principles of liberty, equality, and justice. The time for action is now. Let us choose wisely and decisively. Our ideals depend on it. The future of our nation relies on our collective will. We must reclaim our sovereignty and uphold the democratic values that define us.
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