[leadpenny]

Of course one person's nonessential spending is another person's essential spending.

In no way am I a budget expert, even though I like to play one on FR, but the supplemental requests for the War in Iraq alone make it look like we're spending like a drunken Sailor*. The bill for rebuilding and expanding the Army and the Marine Corps in the middle of a war is going to look like more binge drinking.

*not a reference to any current FReepers who happen to be Navy Vets.

[madconserv]

During WWII the Gov. sold war bonds to supplement the cost of war. Bring them back?

[Jim Robinson]

Well, we can start by cutting Pelosi's travel budget. Cut her jumbo jet and give her a first class ticket (one way preferably). I'm sure others will chime in with much better examples of cutting nonessential spending. It's a target rich environment.

[gpapa]

During the Cold War we spent billions on defense. During WW II we mobilized the entire country to protect out shores. We need to increase the size and effectiveness of our military. If you have any questions about whether or not we should expand our military talk to any line officer or NCO with 20 or more years experience and you will get an earful on that score. Heck, my brother, a Colonel would even be in favor of bringing back the draft. He would like to see more young folks who are brainwashed in their local schools and colleges with a liberal mindset grow up a little by putting their arses on the line for the country for once.