Thanks for your comments. I know lots of freepers feel we should boost defense spending. I'm one of those who doesn't favor much of a boost (nor do I favor cuts in our current level of 3-4% of GDP). This level of spending forces hard choices about which programs to build and which to cut -- I'm glad we're making the hard choices, though I know it's not always pleasant for those involved in the process.
In theory I agree with you. But our current strategic situation has a current enemy, against whom we must fight an assymetric war, and a probably future enemy (China), against whom we must be prepared to fight a high-technology but much more conventional war. Currently, we are sacrificing the later for the former. The result will be a much higher probability of war with China. I cannot justify NOT preparing for both.
We need to spend the money. In the long run, it will be much cheaper to prepare for war against China and, as a result, not have to fight one.
We are not making hard choices. We are making PC ones. China is ready to grab Formosa and much Asia and we are not concerned.
The cuts need to come from social programs and a more efficient homeland security. For example, airport sceeners do not need to be federal employees- they need good background checks.