Why the euphemism "War of Choice" rather than the more accurate "Criminal War of Aggression"?

[pat_k]

Have Democrats learned nothing about how critical language and endless repetition of the truth is?

On this, AI (Gemini) gets it right:

"War of choice" is a euphemism used to reframe illegal, proactive conflicts (which are technically wars of aggression) as strategic, political, or necessary actions. This terminology avoids the immediate legal, moral, and criminal condemnation associated with violations of the UN Charter, allowing leaders to justify intervention, geopolitical goals, or preemption over necessary self-defense.

[leftstreet]

1. Yes! It suggests one could "choose better"

Have always hated that horrible phrase

We only like slaughtering, occupying and destroying places when we "choose" to do it !!

[pat_k]

11. For more on helping Democratic electeds be more effective see Post 10

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221176228#post10

[BannonsLiver]

2. I like choice because it's simpler and more relatable for low info dopes (the majority).

So in my view, it’s the better of the two.

[pat_k]

3. For me, "War of Choice" is clearly a euphemism that hides the truth

And the truth is that "choosing" to make war where there is no immediate threat is a war of aggression and a violation of the DoD law of war, and is therefore a Criminal War of Aggression.

Wars of aggression violate the principles of international law, which the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes as binding, often constituting the "supreme international crime" of aggression. Under DoD policy, the law of war—or law of armed conflict—strictly governs when and how force is used, limiting legal military actions to self-defense or authorized congressional mandate.

Bill Moyers
When Euphemism Disguises Truth: George Orwell’s Foresight
https://billmoyers.com/2014/12/21/george-orwell-foresight-torture/

While it doesn't address this particular euphemism, it addresses the purpose and consequences of such euphemisms.

And to me, like some of the euphemisms discussed the "war of choice" "euphemism is no longer a disguise for truth but an absolute enemy to it."

[BannonsLiver]

4. I think over complicating messaging has been a big problem over the years.

Last edited Wed Apr 15, 2026, 03:36 PM - Edit history (1)

NPCs really care about the criminal element of it. They care about everything being more expensive because of Trump’s choice. An unnecessary choice.

War of criminal aggression sounds like something that came out of a focus group, and knowing how we operate, it probably did!

[pat_k]

5. No focus group. Just truth.

And the refusal of so many of our electeds to go all out to condemn the corruption and criminal violations of our constitution, and now our laws of war, and instead focus solely on affordability is the sort of political lunacy that got us here IMO -- and in the opinion of long-time strategists like Simon Rosenberg and Joe Trippi.

[malaise]

6. Great question

Rec

[Kid Berwyn]

7. "Criminal War of Aggression" makes plain the truth.

Excellent suggestion, pat_k!

At every opportunity, we the Democrats need to make clear WHO did WHAT.

We can talk about “Affordability” and provide details on the continuing resolution and economic benefits of low inflation later.

[pat_k]

8. On the who front then, "Trump's Criminal War of Aggression"

[pat_k]

12. In re: messaging, you might want to check out post 10

The post includes links to Anat Shenker-Osorio's Freedom Over Fascism Toolkit.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221176228#post10

[themaguffin]

9. I don't think that "war of choice" makes the one making the choice look good. Yes language should be

stronger, but I don't see it as anything other than damning.

[pat_k]

10. For brevity, perhaps just reckless, criminal war, as per Anat Shenker Osorio

I would love to see more of us pushing our Democratic electeds to use stronger, more effective language. I think Anat Shenker-Osorio's Freedom Over Fascism Toolkit provides guidance that would make us more effective as a party if more of us followed it

And Anat is with you on also emphasizing that this is Trump's war -- his decision.

From Anat's Freedom over fascism toolkit: Messaging Guidance for Trump’s War on Iran (last updated 4/7/2026)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yO-xPRETaP5TGyMA4UfeMSVWLDNH6vEndCl3jH9Jho8

...
DO call this out for the evil it is and connect it to other harms of the regime, explicitly naming Epstein: “From Epstein to ICE to Iran, this regime commits crimes against humanity.”

DON’T talk about this as a “distraction,” as it belittles the horrific human toll. Further, messaging about messaging isn’t persuasive.

DO call these actions by Trump “criminal.”

DON’T call this action “illegal.” It is illegal to speed, it is criminal to murder. Our arguments should focus on life and liberty for all people
....

Talking points:
Trump’s war is a reckless, criminal move that puts millions of lives in danger: from American troops to everyday people in Iran, Israel and across the Middle East.

This is Trump’s war. Donald Trump decided to do this. Just as he chose to walk away from diplomacy with Iran over and over again.

See the link for more.

The entire freedom over fascism toolkit is a great, and frequently updated resource. The messaging is far more effective than what our electeds hear from the usual strategists. If you have Democratic electeds that aren't as effective as you'd like, the kit is worth pointing their staff to (and if you hear your Democratic Rep or Senator doing the "Don'ts" it is an expert resource on why they need to stop it).

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s0JbXhND7-1iqABNcUNL031NQLxkLfr-USkCKGZTidI

The main guide Include links to other "rapid response" topics like the one above on trump''s war on Iran.

Hands Off Our Vote: Protecting Our Vote in 2026
FBI Raid on Fulton Election Office
Messaging Guidance for Assault on Minnesotans and Funding Fight / En Español
Trump Regime’s Invasion of Venezuela
Responding to Trump’s Attacks against Somali Americans & Haitians
Redistricting Battle
MAGA Regime Sending Military and Law Enforcement into our Communities
Trump Executive Order to Silence Working People