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Military stance excessive
President Eisenhower (1961) warned us against a military industrial complex. We have become just that.
He also warned against “misplaced power,” i.e., having “wanted or unwanted” influence in foreign lands. We are doing just that.
The U.S. is the military occupier of two countries and has formidable military bases in over 100 countries. It is now a world super power with a military expenditure (2009) of over $1.5 trillion. That accounts for 46 percent of the entire world’s total military expenditures (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Yearbook, 2010).
Our nation has gone from being the largest world creditor to the largest debtor. It is essentially bankrupt and is leaving undeniable problems to coming generations.
James Madison (1795) warned that “war is the greatest enemy of public liberty.” What awaits us today?
Hopefully it is not too late to change course and to think and act rationally. Political inanity must cease. We cannot and should not attempt to be the world’s policeman, guardian and ethical adviser. Such nonsense!
David Groenig
Spokane