[ModelBreaker]

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.

[fooman]

*In the long run, it will be much cheaper to prepare for war against China and, as a result, not have to fight one.*


Tell that to FDR in the 1930s