Graphic Design and the War

I was reading an article on the future of Catholic Higher Education, over at the National Review. Now, though I imagine that the National Review is wildly unpopular in my generation (it is probably not much of an overstatement that all of the readers are probably over 40 and either work for defense contractors or make over $100,000 a year—and very educated), but I tend to fall into more of the conservative camp, at least on issues of religion and public life, and the magazine has thoughtful things to say here. However, I was bit turned off this afternoon when I gazed to the right of the text of said article and saw this add:

Of course, the people over at NRO are in favor of the war. But the design of this advertisement smacks of delight in war. And I don't even say "the war," as in the war going on now, but war in general. The stencil lettering above a tank shooting fire out of its barrel—its the sort of thing I might expect on the cover of a tank commander game.

I'm not wholly against the Iraqi war, but I do think that war, in general, is to be looked on with disgust, as a viable option but also as the last option. That is to say that it is perhaps necessary, at times, though it is never to be delighted in.

I understand that the graphic is mirroring the site's web address, but perhaps something a bit more tasteful is in order. It is the responsibility of the country, if it is to be in this war, to at least acknowledge the tragedy of war.