k, I can agree with that......that might save us $100billion. Just $500billion to go.
Seriously, a 90% cut would bring us in line with other big military spenders worldwide, which seems more appropriate given that we are not particularly likely to be invaded en masse at any point in the foreseeable future. I'm not really seeing the point of the nearly $700 billion budget other than "it's the way it is currently".
And why is their spending so low? Because we are their major ally, and they depend on us to protect them. Being the sole (Western) Super Power places a large burden of responsibility on our shoulders to protect others. This is why I've been such a strong proponent for a "real" EU. Abolish the old country borders and incorporate the European nations into a single country of unified states. That way, the EU could build up their own standing army and protect their region of the world, taking some of the military burden off of us, and in turn, trim back our defense spending. Of course, hitting Congressmen who keep legacy defense projects on the books because it funds their states, especially when the equipment being built is one or two generations obsolete, has to come to an end as well. That would save you billions right there.
