Crutsinger's Crud, Part 2: AP Reporter Erroneously Cites Cost of Wars As 'Major' Deficit Factor

Newsbusters ^ | August 12, 2009 - 23:38 | Tom Blumer

[chuck_the_tv_out]

Does the Associated Press's Martin Crutsinger moonlight as a Code Pink operative?

There has to be something that explains what I'll call his Iraqnaphobia.

Last month (at NewsBusters; at BizzyBlog), the AP reporter erroneously cited the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as a "major factor" explaining why "the deficit has widened." In a quick review of the related June 2009 Monthly Treasury Statement, I cited three examples of higher spending in other areas of government that were larger than last year, both in dollar and percentage terms, than the $33 billion, 7% increase in total defense spending. NB commenter Arminius further pointed out that "Our military spending amounts to 5 percent of GDP. Iraq and Afghanistan amount to 15 percent of that 5 percent. Obviously, as Tom notes, larger culprits are responsible for the massive deficit."

[chuck_the_tv_out]

Where have all the anti-war Ronpaulians gone? They were everywhere around the election, & you never hear a peep from them now

[4Speed]

ping

[ForeignDude]

I agree with the article.

So, I say we reduce the deficit by pulling out completely from Europe. Let them pay for their own defense, for a change. I say we also get rid of the National Guard, and re-generate the militia system of the early Republic.

Hey, every penny counts...