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What would it take for the United States to enter this WW2-like total war after 9/11? I'll propose a few possibilities:

-- Less disastrous Vietnam, less successful Gulf War. This military history no doubt convinced Bush's defense crew that keeping the public distracted from daily military operations was a recipe for success, and that a quick war was a possibility.

-- No abolition of the draft by Nixon

-- More timely declaration of war, more pointed rhetoric by President Bush

-- More clearly articulated targets from the get-go. Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran.

Would this be able to inspire the following domestic effects:

-- Rationing?

-- Directors like Spielberg and Bay create patriotic pro-War films, bordering on propaganda?

-- A boost in productivity by creating demand for manufacturing jobs?

-- Higher personal savings rate?

-- Govt. endorsed Islamophobia?

-- Longer-lasting political unity?

-- Post-war Marshall plan-like effort for the Middle East?

Is this plausible? How long would this war last? Would the middle-east be more stable today? Would the American political parties be unified on matters of post-war domestic governance?
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