Militarization of Daily Life II

In my original response to the question "In what ways is your daily life militarized?" I answered with only a handful of responses. Including civilians wearing camouflage, Army/Navy stores that allow civilians the opportunity to buy military goods, and Air Force shows that showcase fighter jets performing tricks. I really didn't have any idea what militarization was or entailed. Now when I think about my daily life I'm overwhelmed by how militarized it is. Army commercials during popular television, the effects of base closure in my hometown, my Dad's own military history, recruitment centers all over the country, seeing people wearing camouflage, dog tags and military style combat boots, toys, movies. Just trying to list everything in my life that is militarized overwhelms me. 

I also thought about the first paper we wrote. I spent time in Wal-Mart trying to find militarized items. I think if I went back to Wal-Mart with the information I'v learned this semester I could come out with an even bigger list. At the beginning of the semester I just looked at things like camouflage clothing and military movies and toys and thought I had found everything that was militarized... think back however, I don't think I even scratched the surface of militarized items in my daily life. 

I'm glad now to at least be aware of militarization, it's something that I think a lot of people never stop and consider. Militarization seems natural to the American public and seemed completely normal to me, now however I think I'm armed with the tools to recognize and interpret militarization. 

New Air Force Command to Fight in Cyberspace

I think it's good to be aware of the threats that cyberspace can pose to a countries security. However, in the case of the United States my biggest fear is that the government and the Air Force will begin overstepping their boundaries in looking for terrorists and instead begin targeting the American public. Just because the government has the power to look into cyberspace doesn't mean they should abuse that power. I feel like Air Force control over cyberspace just adds to the big brother syndrome much of America is already feeling. The government is widening their powers so that soon enough no where will be safe to have a private conversation. Don't get me wrong, I think the idea of cyberspace protection is a good one in theory but in practice I'm not sure how great it will actually be. It certainly feels a little big brother to me.