Should military spending be increased?
The military should be increased to help protect us in this fast evolving world.
The world around us is always changing and other countries aren't going to wait up for us just because we are in a "budget crisis." The us being in a crisis only makes other countries want to advance even faster because they want to surplus and they know that its possible to do if we cut budgets to the military. Also we are in a budget crisis because of all the other dumb things that our government spends money on. For example relief in Haiti. Not needed, we spent millions of dollars in a country that doesn't even matter. Another reason is that Africa relief is pointless we give them food and clean water and what do they do, they go off into the jungle and fight third civil wars with their parents and tribes, we could being using that money to fund the military and be advancing technologically, but no we have to spend all of our money on pointless things in the world.
Posted by: AnonymousWe need better technologies.
Many other countries are getting better technologies, and if we don't spend more money, then we won't have better technologies. We would even fall back,, and many other countries would be more powerful than us. Every country has a nuclear bomb, and any country that’s against the U.S. could launch a nuclear attack. If we don’t have an anti-nuclear defense mechanism, then we would be vulnerable to attack.
Posted by: Rahil159Increase, not decrease, our defense spending.
It is now clear, for all to see, that the world is a more dangerous place than it was even five years ago. The United States military doctrine has been that we needed the ability to fight a two-front war. Under Obama that doctrine has been abandoned. We can't afford guns and the chief responsibility of the Federal government is to defend our borders. It clearly fails in that mission along our Southern border and is now failing that mission worldwide.
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary spending should be increased.
Military spending should be increased because the best defense is a better offense. Mutually assured destruction prevented war during the Cold War. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the USSR removed missiles from Cuba because they knew that the United States had nuclear missiles deployed around the world. If the USSR could launch enough missiles to destroy the continental United States, the United States still had enough missiles to destroy the USSR even after the continental United States was gone.
Posted by: JamieMProtection
Funds to the American military should be increased for global security. Look at all the wars that the U.S. has been in, all of them started because one person thought that we (America) were too weak and that they could get away with it. If Hitler had thought that he couldn't get away with invading Poland without us doing anything, would he have done it? Of course not. Then there is China's military which is rapidly growing. If we do nothing about it, then in three or four years everyone will be taking advantage of the U.S. of A. or we might all be speaking Chinese. We also need to increase the military spending so that we can provide our armed forces with new cutting edge equipment and more reliable technology. The U.S. may not be able to correct all of this with the economy as it is now with the huge taxes increase for the middle class, but we could enlist more protection to all areas of our defenses. That is why the citizens of the United States of America should provide more money for the military to use for our health and well-being.
Posted by: kgaldaProtection against terrorist attacks
America has gotten its self in a huge dilemma with the Middle East and therefore the Middle East have been trying to terrorize America more often. This requires us to have a better military to protect ourselves. We have learned from the past that simple agreements aren't enough to decide whether a country will not turn on America. When it comes to power and revenge the Middle East is hasty, and we have humiliated them multiples times therefore we should expect them to lash out.
Posted by: tyt70Its a dangerous world
Many many many MANY times throughout history, entire populations of people of been slain and/or enslaved because they didn't spend enough money on Defence.
Don't think it'll never happen again. I know what humanity is like. In the main humans are good and virtuous, but occasionally, humanity is capable of great great evil.
The day will come again when the choice will have to be made between liberty and slavery, between freedom and death, between war and extermination.
And it will come again sooner than you think. Just because the world has been relatively peaceful for the last 67-odd years, don't take it for granted that it will indefinately be peaceful for the foreseable future. Europe enjoyed 99 years of relative peace post the Napoleonic period, but then war broke out again, on a scale hithero unheard of.
It will happen again, humankind has inherent tendencies that play out over and over and over every few generations. There's nothing that can be done, don't think the UN or the EU or anything will stop the inevitable from happening.
No. The only option is ETERNAL VIGILANCE. Never lay down our guard. Never leave ourselves vulnerable. Like Sun Tzu in the Art of War says, first make ourselves invulnerable, THEN look to our options.
The world is getting much much more dangerous now as we move deeper into the 21st century. Totalitarian Communist China is consumed with hyper-nationalist fervour and expansionist thirst. It is bullying its neighbours and it intends to grow its Naval spending at three times the rate of its GDP growth per year (and it's GDP growth per year is already very high).
There can be no question about it. Yes Government spending needs to be cut, but it needs to be cut in areas of health, education and welfare spending.
Military spending must not be cut, it must be increased, because complacency is death. It has been death to entire populations time and time again throughout history.
Learn from history. Don't let America become yet another example in the textbook. Heed my warnings and support increased Defence spedning.Posted by: AnonymousBeing attacked again
If we decide to cut the military spending and keep it to a minimal what happens when North Korea actually does what they have been threatening for the years past. We will be hit on the blind side. Other country's will see use at our weakest and no longer find us as the over ridding power in this world. We will be that bully that has been stood up to and is now crying in the corner of the room dyeing.
Posted by: AnonymousFinding more cost effective ways
Cutting inflation, would be a start, but military spending, along with education and to a certain extent health care are areas which should never have its funding reduced. China and North Korea are currently the greatest threats to world peace, china is mainly a threat, in regards to Tibet, and the south china sea. America, is the sole capitalist super power, India is growing, but still has major poverty like china and the then USSR. Defense is critical to trade, foreign affairs and global peace progress.
Posted by: TheAmericanPatriotIt's fine where it is.
The military is one of the few things our Congress is justified making a budget for. And it's not as if 80% of our budget goes to the military; it's in fact the exact opposite of that, and the rest of our money goes towards failing welfare programs. Plus you would be taking away many of the benefits soldiers receive from the military, to include the GI Bill and TRICARE (albeit being a terrible health insurance plan, but soldiers are generally healthy) from lowering the budget.
Posted by: AnonymousWe need to prioritize!
Our economy needs to be better, our education needs reform, we need to bring industry back to the United States, and many more things need to happen. However, all of these improvements are meaningless if all of America is dead because we were invaded/attacked.
The Roman Empire cut military spending and was invaded by the Germanic tribes shortly afterward. The Song Empire of China put its military funding into the arts and was conquered by the Mongols. The Tang empire, the empire preceding the Song, put a large portion of its revenue into the military and became extremely powerful because it increased relations with the Koreans and Japanese.
Many people may ask, "Where will the money from the military come from?" The answer is simple, cut spending elsewhere. If everything were to take a ten to fifteen percent cut, excluding military, in revenue, just as most Americans have in this current economic state, America would see a dramatic increase in profit. Yes, this includes the Environmental Protection Agency, which kills jobs anyway; the Internal Revenue Service, which needs reform anyway; Social Security, which should be reformed into an optional government funded retirement fund anyway; and unemployment and welfare, which encourages general laziness anyway. If America does this, the government would be smaller and America would be better protected.
America also needs to prioritize what the military does. For one, they can stop going over and fighting so that other nations can have democracy and food, and instead, do the job the founding fathers gave the government to protect the people.
Furthermore, America's military needs to increase efficiency. Every war since Vietnam has lasted far too long. America needs to get to the country, flatten what needs flattening, and leave. Staying too long costs us not just money, but the lives of America's soldiers.
It is clear that history shows that military is needed, that America has the money, and America needs to adjust the cause and the actions taken. When America does this, the lives of Americans are better protected and the government can do its main job, to maintain the freedom of the residents.
Posted by: Cowboy0108Military spending should be increased!
In order to maintain our military force, they must be given a budget that they can work with - therefore, they can have the proper machines they need, firearms, ammunition, equipment, vehicles, food, clothing, and medical supplies. And for what they go through to defend our country, they also deserve decent facilities in which to relax, and if necessary, recuperate.
Posted by: AnonymousAmerica is Weak Without Defense
If the funds are stopped for battling terrorists, it will not stop the other countries from attacking us. Unfortunately there are many places in the world that want to see America burn. Take North Korea for example. This Communist country has been threatening the United States of America for quite some time now. This is a little country. They are not dumb enough to attack America where we are right now. With all of our weapons and soldiers, it would be suicide. If we were to stop and cut funds, it would only make us weak. People always say the best time to strike your enemy is when they are down. If we are open and unarmed, of course other countries are going to take advantage of that. It does not matter how many times we apologize, there are always going to be those people who want to hurt us. Spending money on the war against terrorism is very important, now and forever.
There have been countless soldiers who died on the battlefield to help make the beautiful country America free. If the government stops spending money on this project, all of those lives will have gone to waste. The United States of America is known for the freedom of its citizens. Freedom of speech, freedom to wear certain clothes, everything was fought for. You have to fight to get what you want. We live in a world where things do not just come easily to you. In school, we are fighting to be the best student. In work, we are fighting to do the best job. Everywhere around us, we are at war. And it is because of war that we are able to be free and have human rights. I personally cannot think of a better way to spend government money than on protecting America’s freedom.
People argue that government spending needs to be cut. Many agree that war is a terrible act and this country should not promote it. Yes, it is true that the government spending needs to be cut. However, their funds should be cut in places such as health, education, and welfare. Those three things are extremely important, but the safety of this country should always come first. If we put all of our money towards health, what good is it when countries like North Korea nuke us? If we spend it on education, what good is intelligence if we do not use it to protect ourselves? Spending money towards welfare is just about as pointless as making a sandwich with toothpaste. It certainly is important to help each other out, but again, what good is it if our country is being destroyed in the process? War is not a good thing, do not get me wrong. Although, fighting against terrorism is very necessary. It does not matter what we do in life. Nothing will matter if we are not armed. Countries will come and destroy us any possible chance that theyget
---Kylie BeckerlePosted by: AnonymousMoney that is cut from millitary expenditures can be used to solve world problems.
The top priority is poverty! The money cut from military expenses can be used to build facilities to feed and shelter the poor, provide for their education, and end their tragic lifestyles. Why do people care so much about weapons? The less weapons countries have and buy, the less wars we will be able to be in due to not having a sufficient amount of weapons. It's just sad to know that the government cares more about machinery than they do about humanity.
Posted by: AnonymousSafety
The military should get more funding because it can use that money to research and create better armor that is lighter and more versatile yet protects them more than what they now wear. My father is in the military and I would like to know he is safe in the field and has armor that can stop a bullet.
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary spending needs to be increased because a strong military is needed for national security.
It is very important for a nation to have the proper national security especially in the type of world we now live in. There are threats from all over for us. The only way to attain this is through a strong military. Through government investment in the military we will be able to have the security that we need.
Posted by: eyeslikethatI think military spending should be increased, because our military deserves cutting edge technology and the safest equipment.
Our military fights in a new kind of war, one where roadside bombs and suicide attacks are the norm. Our military equipment has not kept pace with the needs of our soldiers. All military vehicles should be as bomb-proof as technology can provide. Their equipment must, in all cases, be state-of-the-art and appropriate for the kind of fighting being done. Street fighting and house-to-house searches require different weaponry than jungle or desert fighting. All scenarios should be accounted for in the weaponry, clothing and equipment that each soldier carries. Our soldiers deserve the absolute best.
Posted by: LovelyKellyBecause they need it
The army needs to have a certain amount of money otherwise in the event of a war New Zealand would be useless and ..Yes it would be great if there were no wars but that is a very naive concept and because of the nature of the world and for the best interests of the country it is a necessity to keep the defence force weaponry as up to date as we can.
Posted by: AnonymousThe World is a Dangerous Place
Humanity will always go to war, it is human nature. We must not be complacent. Eternal vigilance is the only thing that keeps us safe.
Totalitarian Communist China is consumed with nationalist fervor and expansionist thirst. It is aiming to increase its Naval spending at a rate of three times its rate of GDP growth (its GDP growth is already very high).
America must NOT become complacent. Yes Government spending needs to be cut, but it needs to be cut in the areas of the health, education and welfare. Yet the very survival of the American Nation depends on the Military, and the world is becoming more dangerous, so Military spending MUST be increased.
Don't think war will never happen again. Countless times throughout history entire populations have been slain and/or enslaved, because they neglected to spend enough money on their Defence capabilities.
The world is not staying still. Those people on the No side who think America could stop spending on Defence for thirty years and still be safe are delusional. The world is changing RAPIDLY, and its a DANGEROUS world.
The ONLY way to be safe is ETERNAL VIGILANCE. We must INCREASE our Defence spending, because war is inevitable and we must be prepared for it when that day comes.
You know, Neville Chamberlain wanted to cut Defence spending in Britain. "Appease Hitler" he said, "there will be peace in our time" he cried. He was sure of it.
That was in 1938.
The world is a dangerous place, and getting more dangerous with every year. Economic turmoil ALWAYS leads to wars. ALWAYS. And the world is in economic turmoil NOW. There can be no doubt that the next major war will be upon us within a few years.
WE MUST BE PREPARED. Its a life or death matter. I really think those people on the No side are traitors. They would rather waste tax payers money on health, education and welfare rather than fund what is the only really legitimate role of the Government in the first place, i.e. Defence!
Health, education and welfare spending is Socialism. Its Communism. History shows that Socialism and Communism don't work! We need to stop spending money on health, education and welfare, and INCREASE MILITARY SPENDING.
It is the only way to ensure that the Great Nation of America continues to exist and stays strong.Posted by: dickmojoThe defense budget is just not enough.
The new defense budget proposed by the Obama Administration has been under scrutiny by experts and the general public. The total amount set aside to secure this nation for 2013 is $525.4 billion – “a decrease of $5.1 billion from last year” (budget.Senate.Gov). While this may seem like a lot of money, the total defense budget divided by the total number of American citizens (2012 estimate of 313,941,040) only yields about $1673.7 to be spent on each person (census.Gov). During a terrorist attack or a national security threat, the cost of a VIZIO flat screen TV is not enough to defend a human being. In 2009, a man without insurance fell off a roof during a job in Los Angeles. He was charged nearly $6000 a day in the intensive care unit and he did not even receive surgery.
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary spending should definitely be increased as the world becomes more and more hostile.
Enemies of the USA will always try to challenge us on the world stage in order to gain clout. If the USA shows any sign of weakness, countries like Iran, North Korea and Venezuela will flex their military might on their weaker neighbors. The USA must increase military spending for the sake of our freedom and the freedom of our friends.
Posted by: F ClaytonNot super but super super
Many people think this is stupid however more money needs to be going into reaserch. So we can prepare are selfs for the future. We might get into a war with North Korea. China economy is bursting. And as of right now we are very slowly fallen behind china. At this past America won't be number one by 2050. So we need more reaserch.
Posted by: USA1Military programs are good
If education is your argument then the military is the way to go through its use of programs like ROTC to allow for people to go to college. The militry also creates jobs, unlike most military programs that waste all there money on crap the military creates hundreds of thousands of jobs and further cuts will kill these jobs. Not just in the US and states such as New Mexico who is dependant of Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs but in many other states and countries where we have military bases throughout the world. Furthermore, dont argue that they spend too much money becuase Medicare spends $800 billion per year and does that provide for the common defense of our nation? No. Does that create jobs? No. So if you want to cut spending like me cut it other worthless government programs and give the DoD its funding back.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, we need to be ready.
Military spending should be increased because we need to be ready at a moments notice, so if this spending gets lower we will be ill prepared. Then other counties will see that we are not that advanced and they would come and knock us off the top of the pole.
Posted by: AnonymousWe have a job to do!
If people expect the military to continue to fight for our country the military needs to have the means to do so. It doesn't matter if people believe in what we are fighting for or not, the reality is that we are fighting for something and we always will be. The military needs to be able to get what they need to protect themselves and our nation.
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary spending should be increased in light of the simple fact that our world is increasingly hostile, and our country must be protected.
History tells us that the strongest and safest nations have always had a strong military. Consider the Romans, who existed for centuries. Historians agree that the Roman empire never would have existed for so long, without an exceptional military presence. It simply stands to reason that the security of a nation is the primary concern of a nation. While any country must carefully choose what it spends money on, increasing money on military investment is a must.
Posted by: SquealingSeymourYes
There should be an increase in the United States military so we don't become slaves to another country, to keep us important and a world power, and to decrease instability in the world. Terrorists take advantage of instability which will only leas to more deaths. In third world countries we are all they have to stay fed and alive. Think of the children. If we cease to be a world power, our trade will fail, we will lose jobs in that business, and our economy will fail. Also, more positions in the military means more jobs will be available.
Posted by: AnonymousWe have an advanced military, and they need the money.
The argument "We spend more than the next 14 countries combined" has many flaws. Look at China for example. They just launched there first air craft carrier. They didn't actually build it but instead refurbished the ship which was used by the USSR. We Americans build all of our ships and we have 11 air craft carriers. This goes for all of our military systems. We spend a lot because the quality is better.
Posted by: Anonymousvoice of education?
im a high school student as well and i don't see the military budget as something that draws away from my education. The military budget is a crucial part of the U.S economy because without it that precious schooling you speak so highly of wouldn't exist. My mom is also a teacher and she has experienced first hand the downsides of budget cuts and what not. However, maybe if the low lives of america such as those who have 12 kids and live on welfare would go out and get a job to support the society they lived in then schools could afford more. So don't steal money from those protecting your right to go to school and point fingers at those whose daily heroin shoot up is paid for by the tax payers.
Posted by: AnonymousThe Best Welfare Program in America
If allocated properly military spending should be increased because of the social good it does through education, job training, and high pay. Additionally, U.S. organizations get relief when there are large numbers of individuals in the military. This relief comes from the benefits that service men and women receive such as education, healthcare, VA loans, pensions, and tax benefits to companies that hire veterans.
Posted by: AnonymousYes military spending should be increased so that we are ready for anything.
Military spending should be increased because we need to be ready in a moments notice. So if this spending gets lower we will be ill prepared. Then other counties will see that we are not that advanced and they would come and knock us off the top of the pole.
Posted by: AnonymousThey protect us.
If we have all of these cuts keep going up and don't start going down our military is going to go down the drain. People are going to want to stop joining because they are not getting the benefits that they are getting right now. We really need to stop cutting; if anything we need to start spending more. These are the people that are protecting us, the people that are giving you the right to even be on this website.
Posted by: militarymanThe Military is America's number one employeer
The American military is actually at its weakest point in history and needs to spend a lot more. We are not just some random military this is the American military and the worlds police officer. America creates freedom and democracy in the worst countries in the world like Afghanistan and Iraq, both of which are not democratic countries that have for the first time their own constitution. What other country in the world can say that they have done that for another country. America also has to arm up against China as China is quickly becoming an economic superpower and they very much plan on replacing America as the world superpower. This creates for a dangerous new cold war that could heat up if we don't use our military as a deterrence. Another thing would be that the American military employees close to two million people not to mention all the jobs created off of companies like Lockheed Martin that create the weapons used by the military. War has done nothing but benefit economies, hell it pulled us out of the great depression in 1939 with World War Two starting up. America needs a strong, stable, large, and capable military to hold its weight and flex its muscle. It has and always will keep world peace.
Posted by: AnonymousThe best offense is a good defense.
The military has been taking cuts and budget decreases for the longest time. Take a look at all the major attacks on our nations and look at the military budget before the event. Pearl Harbor and 9-11 for example. In both cases our military budget was low. In order to stop people from attacking our nation and trying to get in the way of our rights and liberties, we need a strong force to repel such enemies.
Posted by: AnonymousWhere is Freedom
After yesterdays events in Boston, I am angry to be an American, We (Americans ) have allowed the people on the Hill to cut our Defense spending so much that ; whats next we are afraid to take our children to a large event. Why is the youth of today not rising up and screaming to our goverment. Our youth the (20 something ) people are so pampered that they need to be shaken, and told tomorrow it could be you. Tell your President and representatives in Washington to wake up and stop hiding behind there protected gates. The terrrorists should attack them, not the innocent people, who don't have a voice anymore, Where is America
Posted by: whitehavenSafety of Americans
It is vital for the safety and security of the United States to have a high defense budget. With a big budget it allows us to keep our equipment up to date and to spend money on research and development to make sure we always have the greatest and best to protect the ones we love.
Posted by: AnonymousBigger Target
Over the world most countries spend barely anything on Defense Spending. That is because most other countries are less of a target then the United States. Our budget for 2013 is Approximately $870 Billion with about $675 billion going to military. The United States Marines Corps gets about $30 Billion a year while the United States Army gets about $240 Billion a year. I'm sorry but Marines have less support roles then the other branches. Shouldn't the Marines have more money then what it gets so their troops are well supplied and ready for anything? With a possible cut coming up of about $500 billion for defense spending, that would leave the branches with barely anything to work with. I know our defense spending has increased drastically since Vietnam and LBJ's Presidential time. But due to increased Terrorist attacks and a large target on Uncle Sams back. We need more not less security & protection. I feel safe knowing that our defense is doing good with more money. Don't you?
Posted by: Jeff_KohlYes, It should.
Simply put, I agree with the statement made, and I think it should be spent the way it is now but with another 300 billion towards innovation and research because I think we need to keep China at a fraction of our spending. We all know that America is a warmonger country, sooner or later we are going to go to war with China, because peace and prosperity is not how China plays it's game and is definitely not going to stop them from overtaking the U.S. And history shows them as an Imperialistic country. How would you like to see Chinese Soldiers patrolling the streets of America? If we dont keep at least five times ahead of them we will be left behind...
Posted by: Anonymous
Military spending should not be increased.
We can not spend anymore money because we can not aford it!So if we get it other armys will attack us and we will not win the war!If we do spend and spend we will be in dept witch we are by 16 trillion dollars so we should save are money.
Posted by: AnonymousDefense
First of all, why is it called defense if were on the opponents side? We are on the offense. The fact that you people believe that terrorist can take away your freedom should be an indication that too much money is being spent on the military instead of education. The last time we were attacked was on 9/11 and how come a military with a $553 billion budget couldn’t stop a couple of hijackers from attacking one of the most populated cities in the country. That was their moment to prove to us that they are worth our education and they failed. It is true that we are in danger from many countries that appose us but it is because of this, our militarism. Maybe if we invested in brighter minds our next generation can figure new ways of communication between countries that don’t end in a missile being launched. We are the global super power but countries that are deemed lower than us rank higher on intelligence. I know that if we had brighter minds, they would think of all possible negotiations before jumping to war. These men in charge of our country that head to war are proof that our education system has been sucked dry by the military budget.
Posted by: ericlup145Our Military is a Monetary Sinkhole
The ridiculous portion of our budget that is spent on defense could be much better spent in areas such as social welfare, health, and education (which coincidentally receive a marginal portion of our budget as it is). We spend monumental sums of money preparing for wars that WE later create and ignore the needs of our own country. Do not forget the fact that the United States spends more on defense than the next 15 countries on that list. How is this excusable? What makes it a good idea for us to spend money on defending ourselves from imaginary enemies? We do not need such a massive, sprawling military policing the entire world to be safe. Pouring even 5% of the money we spend on defense into education and healthcare instead would give this country some lasting benefits that would help us achieve a brighter future. We need to invest in tomorrow, not paranoid self-preservation.
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary spending is bankrupting the US.
We are in a state of endless war and are paying a high price for it. The highest price is in the lives of the men and women who have died or been terribly injured by the war. The second part is the price tag in dollars. The US has an unjustifiably high rate of spending for killing machines. If we were able to put just a fraction of that into 1)diplomacy and international development programs and 2)developing the potential of our citizens through a strong education and medical system, we would have a much stronger country and better standing in the world.
Posted by: SayNic3War mongering and fear mongering at its best
As things stand right now, our defense budget is almost more than the rest of the world combined. In fact, even if we cut out defense budget by 20-30%, it would still be higher than the combined budget of the next 10 biggest spenders on the list. If this gargantuan budget isn't enough for us to counter the current threats we face then the problem lies with the structure, not the amount of the money itself. war mongers will keep telling us that the "war on terror?" Justify increased spending but does it really? Many nations before us have faced terrorism problems long before 9/11. The one thing the counter-terrorism officials in those nations will unequivocally tell us is that "human intelligence?" Is the best method to combat terrorism. Yet, here we are spending more and more money on high tech toys like the f-35, littoral combat ship or osprey which has nothing to do with increasing our capability to fight terrorists. Those types of equipment are for set piece, conventional battlefields which again has nothing to do with unconventional warfare such as terrorism. so who are we trying to prepare all these toys for? China, who is still decades behind us in weapons technology? Do they even have any incentive to invade any part of the u.s., whether it is Alaska, Guam or Hawaii? Frankly, there is no justification for increasing our defense budget or even maintaining it at the current levels, not with our current fiscal crisis to consider.
Posted by: AnonymousMoving into a new century
Military spending accounts for about 25% of the federal budget. The military does employ lots of people, but also... the military puts a good amount of money into experimental weapons that never even make it off the production line. I think that we can cut spending(by a substantial amount, in fact) and still stay safe from external threats. It saddens me that education takes up a small sliver of the federal budget: about 3%
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary spending is huge as it is, and the country is trillions in debt as it is.
Military spending should not be increased. America is already spending trillions of dollars that aren't even theirs to begin with on war that has very little meaning. They destroyed a country, and now they have to put it back together. No one asked them to go there, and now they're in a huge mess that the tax payers need to pay for. So no thank you, don't finance it any longer.
Posted by: 4uncLifeMilitary spending is the single most over-budgeted item - we have enough to kill the world many times over already.
Military spending is both wasteful and excessive. It is counter-productive since its escalation is historically only attended by escalated violence. They make the machines of war, then sit back and contrive a way and a reason to use them (911). We already have enough weapons to kill everyone many times over. Meanwhile the proliferation of weaponry only ensures that much of it will find its way into enemy hands.
Posted by: Th4FireThe US must focus on domestic priorities during the economic recovery.
The United States government has actually accomplished very little over the past few years with its military forces. Al-Qaeda continues to be an issue and Iraq is still in chaos. It is time to bring those soldiers home, decrease the military budget, and put that money into the American economy. The money spent in the military could make a huge impact on the current economic crisis.
Posted by: 5h4rdBevonReallocate the Spending
America spends an absolutely ridiculous amount of money per year on it's military. It is understandable that we want to have a strong military and that we want to protect ourselves, however, the war we are fighting isn't a war that can be fought with military strength. We need to reallocate our military spending, increasing our intelligence funding, increasing education in America, and abroad. We should be building schools in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. We need schools that teach people about their history, while attempting to instill values that we take for granted. Things like free speech, women's rights, and the power of one's voice.
Posted by: AnonymousNo
Already higher than next 1o countries combined by more than $100 billion. Don't have any real threat, spending not justified, only used to make bombs and kill innocent civilians. we're spending more than when we did in 2006 when we were actually at war. Should be cut in half for the 2013 budget.
Posted by: CristianoRonaldoThis is Rediculous.
Did you know, that the United States accounts for 41 percent of the global military expenditure. Everytime a dollar is spent on military, were putting in 41 cents. Now that Osama is dead, I can see no reasonable explanation other than lowering it. Don't you think that money should go to education, infrastructure, energy or healthcare?
Posted by: bluu413Military Funds should NOT be increased because they are spending already more than they should be.
Our economy is terrible, and the money they use can be spent on things that are needed in other peoples lives. I know they're fighting for our country but is it really necessary for that much to be thrown away to war that's just gonna blow up everything, and there goes your money, down the drain!
Posted by: AnonymousWe spend too much already and are too inefficient.
With 711 billion dollars spent on defense every year, we spend more than 50% of the world's defense expenditures (Lexington Institute). We spend the most and gain very little from defense spending. Decreasing the defense budget is not absurd. America could maintain its place in the world as the foremost Military power on half of the cost. Too much of the money spent on defense goes to wealthy business men, rather than maintaining the safety of the United States of America.
Posted by: AnonymousBetter Use
The American military is by far the most powerful one in the world and has the technology to beat any other military in the world. The country already spends more than most of the world combined on its military and that money could be put to far better use. It would take less than 10% of that amount each year to end world hunger or poverty.
Posted by: AnonymousDefense spending is the amount the sovereign of a country invests in weapons, weapon systems, and soldiers.
The government spends billions of dollars more on it every year, and per person costs are increasing even faster. The results are mixed, but there's no slowing down. No, it's not health care or social security. It's defense. It is impossible (today) to get perfect exposure to increases in defense spending because not all beneficiaries of increases are private companies - i.e., increases in defense spending could be used for increases in soldiers' salaries.
Posted by: SGuthrieThe military budget should not be increased, as it is already too large and the U.S. is in a budget crisis.
The U.S. military currently receives a massive amount of funding. This is due in part to the War on Terror. With Osama bin Laden dead and the War in Iraq coming to a close, it is difficult to see why the military's budget should be increased yet further. In addition, the U.S. is faced with a budget crisis and, thus, cannot afford it either.
Posted by: EminentBennett93Spending Too much
The US spends approximately 2 billion dollars per day. That is more than the next 14 in line. We need more protection? The US is spending 41% of the world's GDP in terms of military spending. The US's economy is falling because of high military spending. Instead of using 2 billion dollars a day, maybe we could use for other neccesities, such as education and building infrastructural.
Posted by: AnonymousDecrease it please!
We can't afford it. We are in debt like never before ($16 trillion and rising). If we were to go to war we are ready for it. Most nations that are a threat to the US do not have nuclear weapons and lack funds to create such weapons. We have allies.
Posted by: AnonymousReally? C'monnn
We've already spent enough on our military to keep us the strongest country in he world for the next 20 years if we stop now. We should be reallocating that money to other more pressing problems on the home front. Not to bombing some pakistani village for the thousandth time in a drone strike. Let the world solve it's own problems.
Posted by: AnonymousWhat about peace?
We are guided by the UN which encourages and administers international peace and security. Increasing the budget simply shows that countries are insecure and aggressive, not ready to trust other nations. This sows the seeds of suspicion and betrayal. Moreover a part of this budget could be spent for the welfare of citizens and put to industrial use to boost the economy.
GIVE PEACE A CHANCEPosted by: AnonymousMilitary spending takes away from other essentials
Over one trillion dollars are spent on the military globally. All this money could be used to cure world hunger, and extreme poverty! 40 billion dollars can cure world hunger for over ten years. Also, around two trillion dollars a year could cure global warming. The military spending number is halfway there, the world just needs to work together in unison to make mankind the best race in the universe. We just need to work together.
Posted by: AnonymousI think the US should spend less on national defense.
The US spends too much on national defense. The US already spends a lot on national defense, we owe a plethora of money in debt, and the bureaucracy is inefficient. The US spends too much on military. We've only lost one war in history. We're already powerful enough. Also, because of this large amount of money we spend--$710 billion--we owe a lot of money. $22 trillion. That's more than we spend! Lastly, the bureaucracy is inefficient. They raise the price of government contracts, making the amount of money spent increase over and over again. So, most importantly, if the US spends too much, what will be left of it for the younger generation?
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary spending is becoming a burden on the rest of us.
The U.S. spends more on military defense than the rest of the world combined. Meanwhile, the government proposes to cut spending on education, social security, health care, and other welfare programs that are significantly important to the citizens of this country. The continuous investment in arms and weapons for our military will only add more debt to the country when the logical thing to do is to use money going towards national security and shift it to other programs that can directly make progress in our economy. Why exactly does the U.S. want to show off its latest military technology when there are people looking for jobs? There are students struggling to pay for post-secondary education. There are people living without healthcare. It is evident that military spending should not be increased.
Posted by: AnonymousWe need to.
I think we need to decrease military spending, but we cannot do it all at once. We need to gradually decrease spending. With the U.S.A spending 41% of all military spending in the world, even if we cut our spending in half, we will still be way above the rest of the world.
Posted by: DelverdudeThe Private Defense Industry Is Robbing Us Blind
They are overcharging us for their services and getting away with it because of their lobbyists. We could increase the military yet decrease spending, a fact that is ignored in political speech by politicians whose real objective is to line the fat pockets of the defense industry. The defense industry should be brought under the control of the government to put a stop to this.
Posted by: MasturDbtorOur allies account for most of the world's military spending.
Around 50% of the world's military spending comes from the U.S. Half of what remains is spent by our close allies, especially in NATO. Of the remaining, most are at the very least not our enemies, having allied themselves with us both officially and unofficially in the past. Those few countries that could be construed as enemies, whether economically or ideologically, are hardly playing on our level. Take China - it's recent budgeted increase of spending only puts them at $100 billion U.S. Dollars, just over 10% of our massive $1.030–$1.415 trillion budget.
Posted by: AnonymousWho needs the military?
The military was started as a way to show other nations who is better. No one needs another way to argue and fight. An example would be the Cold War, a stupid arms race between US an USSR. The Cold War was pointless. Who cares what happens to other nations. If we need a military, it is to protect the US not fight injustices only we can see.
Posted by: AnonymousWe're in debt fighting a war for oil companies
We're fighting a war to defend ourselves against enemies we made invading Lebanon in '82 so that Bush and his oil pals could control oil being exported from the Middle East. This war isn't beneficial to our country as a whole. We need to withdrawal troops, say we're sorry, and cut military spending.
Posted by: AnonymousI oppose increased military spending because we are fighting two unnecessary wars, and because there is unnecessary equipment already being produced.
No one has shown appropriate reasons for continuing our wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, beyond nation re-building. Military equipment is already on order that is far too expensive, and many military personnel regard it as unneeded and even unwanted. Our spending is way out of line, and this flies under most people's radar while they argue about health care.
Posted by: baltuteI oppose military spending increases. It may be important for safety, but advances in technology will lead to greater destruction.
Yes, military spending ensures the safety of all the people, but when it gets out of hand, it can serve as an endangerment to the lives of the people as well. Advances in technology will only lead to more sophisticated weapons to be produced, and that will increase the level of hostility throughout the rest of the world where people will believe their own lives can become subject to threat. If military spending in one country is increased, it tends to show they are trying to attain a level of superiority and that may influence other countries to better their own military so that they too can become superior. It will lead to an arms race just as we have already encountered in the past with the USA and Soviets trying to outdo each other with technological power because that can be linked to military superiority.
Posted by: MyHierBombers bombing
In 2007 there were 60 "Bunker bombs" sent out to kill terrorists. None hit there targets, but killed civilian "casualties."
These civilians were not thought of as people with homes or families or lives to go back to. They were not thought of as a real person; they were thought of as a "casualty." This term was coined during the Vietnam war when The United States Began killing citizens who lived in the surrounding villages, not just the soldiers. The thought of someone killing a little Girl on her way from school is unheard of; but a casualty well that's just part of war.Posted by: BeerexxTerrorism is not as it seems and not everyone needs saving...
The only reason why U.S. Military spending has increased since the Bush administration is because of this spread of fear of terrorism. The other reason is that America still has the mentality of being the World Police. We need to lower the defense budget and put it to good use of health care formation and reforming public education--two of the top thing this country needs. We need to stop getting so paranoid of terrorism, and we need to stop getting involved with foreign affairs.
Posted by: AnonymousA nation at war everywhere in the world
The days since LBJ have shown a dramatic change in the way America uses it's military. In the good old days a war like WWII would be fought and once the war was over the military would dramatically reduce in size and funds would be diverted to domestic issues. This is no longer the case. The executive branch being most prone to war has taken most of the war making power away from congress. Along with the dramatic military change of hiring private military contractors that in some cases out number the US soldiers on the ground allows the military to do more with less accountability. A nation who sees a need to stick its noes into everyone else's business has something to fear. By reducing our military presents we will in fact reduce our need for military presents. No bullying means less fighting.
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary spending would leave us deeper in dept, which is a problem Americans already face to the nth degree.
Considering we are billions of dollars in the hole, spending money to fight the war on terrorism would be a ridiculous plan. Our security measures have been strengthened enough, so that any attack on U.S. soil could be prevented. Needless to say, utilizing the military for national campaigns would put a major dent on our economic infrastructure.
Posted by: NumberlessClemente63Government spending should be focused on other important issues.
Technically, the state of our economy is arriving closer to a depression. We are already living in what we've come to know as a "recession". And, without proper spending, we're bound to slip into a larger deficit. We should be spending money on the future, and the upcoming generations. Extra spending should go into their education, retirement, and social security. The next generations of individuals are the key to a economically sound country.
Posted by: OrangeForrest99The voice of education must be heard
I'm a high school student and using the money for war that was originally intended for my education can harm me and many other students. Before I went to high school, my teachers were cut off from work and there was lesser money for innovation and reform in my former middle school. Using our taxes on something not as vital as education can lead to greater destruction even compared to a war. Less money in our schools means there are less teachers, which also leads to crammed classrooms and less attention for students. We will not be able to be as great as we can be if the government keeps cutting back on our schools. It'll lead to more chaos and destruction if no one is educated with the very best materials that we know we can be provide.
Posted by: tapdfog1969Military already has a ton of weapons; Thus, military spendings should not be increased.
Militaries across the world have a lot of weapons. They are all very strong and are able to defend themselves. We have tanks, nuclear weapons, guns, aircrafts, and much more. Some countries don't have much money and those countries shouldn't be spending money on military. They should help the poor or people in need of money.
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary spending should not be increased.
Military spending should not be increased; instead, military action should be decreased. The United States is currently fighting two unnecessary wars. If anything, these wars have only served to lower the world's opinion of our country instead of raising our esteem among other nations. Ending these wars would not only save our country money, but do much to repair the damage done by them to our reputation.
Posted by: NatBIab