30 Oct 15
Originally posted by twhiteheadDoesn't that last paragraph apply equally to all "first world" countries?
The US is in relative decline ie its power relative to other nations is declining. Mostly because former 3rd world nations are growing economically at a rapid pace and gaining appropriate power, but also partly because military power is no-longer as important as it was in the past.
I have to point out though that the US was never a world empire and is ve ...[text shortened]... y because of where they live and the influence they wield (partly through those military bases).
30 Oct 15
Originally posted by bill718The conservatives here (who seem hellbent on starting another war) would disagree of course.
My short answer would be "yes". I've been saying for years that America does not have the duty to police the globe. It's time other countries take greater responsibility for their own defense, rather than relying on America (and it's taxpayers) to protect them. That money could be better spent to pay down our national debt, and repair our crumbling infrastru ...[text shortened]... re. The conservatives here (who seem hellbent on starting another war) would disagree of course.
I consider myself conservative, and at the heart of conservatism is less reliance on government. Military force is a function of government. It ought to be just enough for self defense.
30 Oct 15
Originally posted by sh76Brings up questions like why are we supporting welfare of Germany?
US military bases around the globe are a bit of an anachronism, sure. But their main effect is to stimulate the local economy. I don't see why the local countries would be so worried. But if they don't want them then, sure, remove them. Who cares? Military bases on allied countries don't serve much purpose in 2015.
30 Oct 15
Originally posted by twhiteheadI do know that we could balance our budget without the military. An unanswered question is what all those young people would do for jobs, if not the military. Maybe something domestically productive, we can only hope.
The only problem is that you judgement is based on ignorance. You obviously have no idea what their real purpose is and therefore cannot make a genuine estimate of their benefits. Not really surprising you think they are a waste of money.
30 Oct 15
Originally posted by normbenignYou should tell that to all the current republican lawmakers who want to "beef up" our military machine even further.
[b]The conservatives here (who seem hellbent on starting another war) would disagree of course.
I consider myself conservative, and at the heart of conservatism is less reliance on government. Military force is a function of government. It ought to be just enough for self defense.[/b]
30 Oct 15
Originally posted by bill718Depending on the State, I think you'll find support for the military in both parties. You see a lot of it has to do with the economic impact of military bases, and industries that support it like ship and plane building.
You should tell that to all the current republican lawmakers who want to "beef up" our military machine even further.
The real challenge lies in re-purposing the millions of people whose jobs are either directly or indirectly supported by the military. Every domestic and foreign base heavily influences the economic well being of that neighborhood.
30 Oct 15
The post that was quoted here has been removedWhy do you keep making the baseless accusation, "The nearly illiterate Normbenign fails to comprehend..."
Clearly, I can read even your bad writing.
"But their (US military bases) main effect is to stimulate the local economy. I don't see why the local countries would be so worried."
As I have already posted, this is axiomatic and true even in the contiguous US. If you lived here you would know. The political flack is always about closing a military base, and its effect on the local economy. It isn't so different from the effect in the Philippines. Personnel from the bases support local bars, restaurants, use hookers, buy groceries, drive cars, all adding to the local economics. Left unsaid, is that they also impose social costs as well.