“America doesn’t really have a main export anymore. You ever notice that? We send all our manufacturing jobs overseas. As a country, we suck at business.”
“Oh, our country’s great at business, it’s just that you and I aren’t in it. Our main export is conflict. We sell weapons and training to our customers, and those goods and services are only valuable when they’re used.
“So our main export in conflict. Foreign military bases are our storefronts, and fear is our advertising – which is brilliant, because it’s so damn universal. Not everybody needs your blender, or your specific bladder medicine, or needs to see your new movie. But everyone – EVERYONE – gets scared. So, sell the cure to that fear.
“Side effects may include violence, which leads to more fear, and sooner or later you’re dependent on this business. You can’t get off the drug you were dealt. And it’s just as well if your neighbor is on it, because that just means you’ve seen the commercial, and you’ll be a customer soon.
“Or that’s just my two cents, anyway.”
The Light of Day 