To this Luther College professor and author, "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" has a lot to say about modern issues

Luther College professor Derek Sweet will be signing copies of his new book, "Star Wars in the Public Square: The Clone Wars as Political Dialogue," from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Luther Book Shop.

It's part of a "Star Wars party" from 9:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. at the Book Shop.  ("May the 4th be with you!")

Sweet tells decorahnews.com the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" is a "meditation on living life in a continual war"--something that modern America is confronting.

For instance, the animated series offers critical commentary on torture.  Just when should an ethical society permit torture--if at all?  And what does it do to society even if torture is done in the name of "good?"

But it's not just torture the Star Wars series discussed, but war theory, peace and drone warfare.  In "Clone Wars," one of the armies was made up entirely of robots.  Does that make it easier to declare war?  And what about drones--do they make it easier to pull the trigger?

Sweet examines these issues and others in his book.  He raises these questions because he wants to make sure people's humanity doesn't get lost in the midst of a continual war.