Realign spending patterns

In response to the Nov. 13 letter, “Mixed messages,” how tragic that we believe that we have to make the choice between spending tax dollars building shelters for animals or helping children and families in need. The irony is that we could very easily do both if our priorities were socio-economic justice rather than aggression, military might and $70 billion in tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent of the population.

Our military spending consumes 59 percent of our nation’s discretionary spending. Compare that to 6 percent for health and human services, 4 percent for education and 3 percent for housing. We spend more on our military than the next largest 25 countries combined. How can we continue on this path (military spending of $1.98 million every minute) while so many people are losing jobs, homes and health care benefits?

The Republican Party says it wants to erase the federal deficit, but they do not want to cut Defense Department spending or allow the expiration of temporary tax cuts for the rich. Why don’t people find this outrageous, absurd and hypocritical?

Bob Anderlik

Liberty Lake