Meaning: The quote by journalist Bob Schieffer highlights the disconnect between the vast majority of the American population and the small percentage of individuals who were directly involved in the Iraq war. Schieffer draws attention to the fact that for most people, life continued as usual during the war, with no personal impact in terms of military service, financial burden, or significant lifestyle changes. However, for the approximately one-half of one percent of the population who were directly involved in the war, as well as their families, the experience was vastly different.

Schieffer's quote sheds light on the societal implications of modern warfare, particularly in the context of an all-volunteer military. Unlike past conflicts such as the Vietnam War, which saw a significant portion of the population directly affected by the military draft, the Iraq war was fought by a relatively small, volunteer force. This created a situation where the burden of military service and its associated challenges fell on a tiny fraction of the population, while the vast majority remained largely unaffected.

The absence of a draft during the Iraq war meant that the decision to serve in the military was made voluntarily by a select few, leading to a sense of detachment for the rest of the population. This voluntary nature of military service has both positive and negative implications. On one hand, it allows individuals to make a conscious choice to serve their country, and it reduces the risk of conscripting individuals who may not be suited for military service. On the other hand, it can lead to a sense of disconnection and disengagement from the realities of war for those not directly involved.

Schieffer's observation about the lack of new taxes or major changes for the general population during the Iraq war points to the economic and societal disparities in the experiences of war. Unlike previous conflicts, where the government implemented measures such as tax increases or rationing to support the war effort, the financial burden of the Iraq war was not widely felt by the American public. This further contributed to the sense of detachment and lack of personal sacrifice experienced by the majority of the population.

The quote also highlights the often overlooked impact on the families of those who served in the war. While the broader population may have carried on with their daily lives unaffected, the families of service members faced unique challenges and sacrifices. From coping with the absence of their loved ones to dealing with the emotional toll of deployment and potential loss, the families of service members bore a significant burden that was largely unseen by the wider society.

In addition to the emotional and personal toll, the aftermath of war often brings about practical challenges for veterans and their families, such as accessing healthcare, reintegration into civilian life, and coping with the long-term effects of combat experiences. These challenges further emphasize the disparities in the experiences of those directly involved in the war and the rest of the population.

Schieffer's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the unequal distribution of the burdens and sacrifices associated with war. It prompts reflection on the societal implications of an all-volunteer military, the impact of war on the families of service members, and the disconnect between the experiences of those directly involved in conflict and the broader population. While the quote specifically references the Iraq war, its underlying message is relevant to broader discussions about the societal costs and consequences of modern warfare.