I don't understand why we don't reduce our defense spending. It is far more than anyone else spends, and is it far more than what we spend on anything else.
Our engineers don't need 3X the money to stay ahead of the Chinese. Plus, with global economies, first world nations can't afford to fight.
You don't understand why? Consider for a moment our current terrorism threat to the US civilian population and how little it takes to bring down a building or cause mass hysteria and casualties. Now, think about how much we spend or it costs to defend the civilian population by all of our combined agencies, FBI, SS, HL, CIA, Postal Inspectors, etc........................ Those agencies are all mostly defensive in nature.
Now consider the military forces and all of their different threats they must defend against, all the while being prepared to become offensive in nature at the President's call. Look at the cost of naval assets, what's a sub or carrier cost to maintain or build. A lot of our ships are aging you know. What's a new F35 fighter cost or a new bomber? How about all those "smart weapons" that help defend and protect our soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen. What's a drone strike cost? Let's also consider Veteran benefits and taking care of those who gave to protect your and my freedom.
If you don't understand, you really haven't considered what other's have done and are doing to keep you and your's safe and free. Being on the receiving end of such a gift often leaves a lack of appreciation for what it takes to keep your and my asses free.
Oh, BTW those poor folks who can't afford to fight also get weaponry given to them by those who are not our friends and it does not take an flotilla to do huge damage to a ship. Remember the terrorists who motorboated up to one of our ships a couple of years ago with a load of explosives and blew themselves up and took out one of our ships? The list of ways to attack our military is longer that I can put down. Consider the threat and then remember, it's not your or my ass hanging out there, it's most likely the parent of one of those kids you school. Tell that kid how mom or dad don't deserve a few bucks spent to ensure they can do their mission (job) and come home safe. ------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun....
You can't do much about the length of your life, so focus on the width and depth. When Life throws you a curve, lean into it and roll that throttle!!
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Liberal, tell them the truth.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 03-02-2017).]
They could certainly withdraw from NATO. I can't say I see Canada leaching off the U.S., what exactly do you mean? Neglecting our defense spending?? I suppose we could spend more but to what end?
I mean that Canada is shirking is financial obligations. NATO has called for it's member nations to contribute 2% of their GDP towards defense spending. One of the first things Trump did when elected, was call out the countries that are not paying their fair share. Canada currently allocated just .99% of it's GDP towards defense ($15 billion), whereas the US contributed 3.62% ($650 billion) towards NATO. If we didn't have a neighbor as generous or as well armed as the United States as neighbors, do you think Canada could continue to get away with such an underfunded military? Part of being a sovereign nation is having the ability to defend yourselves. Currently we have a non-existent Navy, a small Airforce consisting of aircraft on their last legs, and small underfunded Army unit. Couple this morale and recruitment levels at an all time low. Not exactly what I would call ideal, something I'm sure we can agree on.
I mean that Canada is shirking is financial obligations. NATO has called for it's member nations to contribute 2% of their GDP towards defense spending. One of the first things Trump did when elected, was call out the countries that are not paying their fair share. Canada currently allocated just .99% of it's GDP towards defense ($15 billion), whereas the US contributed 3.62% ($650 billion) towards NATO. If we didn't have a neighbor as generous or as well armed as the United States as neighbors, do you think Canada could continue to get away with such an underfunded military? Part of being a sovereign nation is having the ability to defend yourselves. Currently we have a non-existent Navy, a small Airforce consisting of aircraft on their last legs, and small underfunded Army unit. Couple this morale and recruitment levels at an all time low. Not exactly what I would call ideal, something I'm sure we can agree on.
Sure the Canadian Military is underfunded I agree but as I said the U.S. gleefully overspends IMO on their military and as close neighbour and ally we benefit from that. If the U.S. spent a more reasoned amount on their military I could see a more pressing need for Canada to up their spending. Canadians have shown themselves to be willing and formidable fighters when called upon, I don't see that changing.
[This message has been edited by newf (edited 03-02-2017).]
You're so peace loving, that's why you recommend shooting people all the time?
None of this has anything to do with this thread. You're an angry old white guy. We get it. You have made it so very abundantly clear.
So why don't you do the shutting the hell up.
Yes i AM peace loving. Criminals all should be shot, preferably on the spot. Yes Ive been getting angrier and angrier since Obuma got in and you liberals fell in love with democrats. Everytime I see more crimes and more criminals also gets me madder. So im sure everyone else here wishes YOU would shut the hell up and find a hole to crawl into.
Yes i AM peace loving. Criminals all should be shot, preferably on the spot. Yes Ive been getting angrier and angrier since Obuma got in and you liberals fell in love with democrats. Everytime I see more crimes and more criminals also gets me madder. So im sure everyone else here wishes YOU would shut the hell up and find a hole to crawl into.
So you ignore facts, call for the murder of others, and you're not racist. You think black people are just fine, as long as they all stay on their side of the line. Crime has been on a decline over the past few decades, not a rise, as you and other wild eyed conservatives like to claim.
Sounds like you're the one that needs to find a hole to crawl into, or rather, you need to crawl out of the one you are stuck in. Go away you un-sanctimonious hypocrite.
So you ignore facts, call for the murder of others, and you're not racist? You think white people are just fine, as long as they all stay on their side of the line. Crime has been on a rise over the past few decades, not a decline, as you and other wild eyed liberals like to claim.
Sounds like you're the one that needs to find a hole to crawl into, or rather, you need to crawl out of the one you are stuck in. Go away you un-sanctimonious hypocrite.
So you ignore facts, call for the murder of others, and you're not racist? You think white people are just fine, as long as they all stay on their side of the line. Crime has been on a rise over the past few decades, not a decline, as you and other wild eyed liberals like to claim.
Sounds like you're the one that needs to find a hole to crawl into, or rather, you need to crawl out of the one you are stuck in. Go away you un-sanctimonious hypocrite.
I don't have enough data to suggest I disagree with reducing the funds for the State Dept. but, I do disagree with reducing the Coast Guards funding. That service does a lot to protect our ports, keep our waterways safe and most of the drug interdiction. As far as I'm concerned, they should get more funding.
------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun....
You can't do much about the length of your life, so focus on the width and depth. When Life throws you a curve, lean into it and roll that throttle!!
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Liberal, tell them the truth.
Originally posted by dobey: Why do my tax dollars have to go toward something which I think is egregious and unnecessary?
Oh ye of little intelligence or great ignorance ... I will tell you why. It is because of that old crusty piece of paper called the United States Constitution.
Oh ye of little intelligence or great ignorance ... I will tell you why. It is because of that old crusty piece of paper called the United States Constitution.
Oh ye of little intelligence or great ignorance ... it's called sarcasm. You obviously didn't get the point.
When the moon is just right. And the stars are aligned. I frolic gleefully through the fields in a cheetah print onesie. My feet never touching the ground. The cool night air freely taking control of my inner self. I am free...
