"Drill, baby, drill!" in the US?

Well, even the definition of war is murky, though you might not expect it to be so. We have definitely been in a lot of conflicts that were for all intents and purposes wars, even though they weren't called that.

Maybe the definition should be narrow: a military conflict between or among two or more nations, formally declared as such by all governments that are involved. So we could think up some other term for such things as Trump blowing up Venezuela, though "assholery" will do for now.

Also, where in the hierarchy of deeds is joining in on an existing conflict, like in Korea, Vietnam, or Kuwait?

Generally when referring to United States involvement after 1789  I try to use the term "War" when referring the wars declared by The Congress and "military conflict" or similar for the undeclared wars.

Certainly isn't a perfect definition but it's kind of how I think of it. 

Since a war is almost always a military conflict, you have to go with "military conflict that isn't a war " Too unwieldy, perhaps.

Interestingly, and perhaps unsurprisingly considering history, most European languages have a term for undeclared war, and some of those terms are slang.

It gets even fuzzier when one or more of the antagonists isn't a nation. That's why "the war on terrorism" is an oxymoron.

I did see a sign the other day that proclaimed "GAS WAR!" because two across-the-street stations are trying to low-ball each other. Though in reality, gas won the war long ago. And we lost.

What does the Vietnam military action have to do with the current situation concerning the drilling of oil?

Trump is starting a Vietnam-style conflict out of his ridiculous thirst for oil. "Drlll baby drill" is a slogan born out of the same thirst, as expressed by MAGA.

 That is your opinion, which you are entitled to have. What really happens remains to be seen.

It's not even my opinion. It's simply what's happening. Vietnam was an unlawful military action by the US that turned out to be a fiasco and a disaster. MAGA/Trump thirst for oil has sparked yet another unlawful military incursion. It can't possibly end well if Trump does what he says he's going to do.

  We will see.

Obviously. But the last three times the US became involved militarily in the affairs of another country, it was a disaster. Thinking it might be different this time around is like poking a balloon with a needle and saying "We shall see if it pops."

Even some Republicans, who remember those almost inextricable messes, are expressing grave doubts about Trump's planned conquest and looting of Venezuela. And expressing the slightest doubt or uttering a word of criticism of Trump is regarded by him as a crime punishable by death.

I personally don't want to see Americans die to make Trump even richer and fulfill his emperor fantasies. And I think most of the country feels the same way.

The other 3 times America did not have a peace President like America has now. President Trump knows what he is doing . All of this hand wringing and naysaying is nothing more than fear mongering - without justification.