Time To Be Strong

The year end is approaching rapidly.  Our Country is faced with a dysfunctional Congress trying to deal with an out of control deficit and a dangerously large debt.   It is, also, time to get out of Iraq and it is time to begin a steady reduction in troop strength in Afghanistan.  While Iran represents a threat to both regional and international peace, keeping troops at its front doors is not the answer.  It is not in our national best interest.

The war hawks and the even more numerous chicken hawks (remember them from the Iraq invasion and occupation) think otherwise.  They are chanting for maintaining a strong visible presence in the Middle East.  Some even call for a preemptive strike.  These voices were wrong before and they are wrong now.

Striking Iran without taking control with occupation will be too little too late.  This invasion option, regardless, is off the table given the lack of world support.  The second reason this approach is a non-starter is the supporters are unwilling (again) to pay for it, plain and simple.

This is a time for America to be strong.  Strong does not mean putting fighting men and women on the ground.  Strong means ensuring the Country has the financial strength and resolve to deal with issues that impact the entire country.  Feeding the Defense Industry is not a strategy of national purpose given what other tough sacrifices are facing Americans.

There is $200 billion a year that can come out of the Defense Budget without breaking a sweat.  To be sure the problem is not just defense spending.  It also includes what foreign and domestic policies the country wishes to follow.  Not often mention openly are strategic economic policies.  Goals such as access to oil or other precious raw materials, or keeping the seas open so American exports can reach foreign markets are important goals too.

While there is probably a good for the general population within these goals, we must not overlook that there is a “greater good” for the top 2% of America’s earners from these policies.  If the top 2% do not want to pay higher taxes, then another set of foreign policies, requiring less Defense Department spending will be necessary.

Don’t bite for the Iran threat.  This is a time to be really strong.

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Tags: Afghanistan, congress, debt, defense spending, deficit, Iran, Iraq, taxes

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