This shows that you can be correct and missinformed at the same time.
While "defense" is clearly the responsibility of the government, I submit to you that it also (and primarily) means defense of our liberty.
Our personal liberty is spelled out in the "Bill of Rights".
The defense of our borders is also mandated. As well as defense of U.S. citizens.
So when you start talking about "defense", please include our personal liberties, and do not confuse it with "nation-building" all over the world.
I have found that those who refer “nation building” as the reason for the WOT have forgotten that 3000 of our fellow citizens were murdered by islamo-fascism on Sep 11, 2001.
It amazes me that they forget, but they forget.