Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
the only thing that counts is % of GDP, not absolute dollars. That figure should be around 2% for a normal army.
Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
the only thing that counts is % of GDP, not absolute dollars. That figure should be around 2% for a normal army.
Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
the only thing that counts is % of GDP, not absolute dollars. That figure should be around 2% for a normal army.
The United States now spends at least 3 times as much on defense as China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Cuba, Libya, and Sudan combined.
Originally posted by: DaveSohmer
Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
the only thing that counts is % of GDP, not absolute dollars. That figure should be around 2% for a normal army.
Where did you come up with that number?
Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
Originally posted by: DaveSohmer
Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
the only thing that counts is % of GDP, not absolute dollars. That figure should be around 2% for a normal army.
Where did you come up with that number?
From what I've read, 2-2.5% seems to be the average. Canada spends about 1.3% or so, hence why our military is so underfunded right now.
Of course then you'd have one country blow everything by ignoring the rules of the UN and going and starting a war. Ring a bell, anyone?
What is the big threat that we're defending against, anyways?
Originally posted by: Morph
Of course we spend too much on defense. With half of that money we could feed all the starving people in the world. Cure some diseases too, while we're at it. What is the big threat that we're defending against, anyways?
Imagine if all countries of the world got together and said, 'ok, let's agree to work all our problems out with diplomatic means and not have any more wars, and just spend all this defense money on improving the lives of people'. Everyone would agree that all conflicts would have to be worked out peacefully by arbitration of an international committee, like the United Nations. Ok, it's a pipe dream, but it's a nice one. Of course then you'd have one country blow everything by ignoring the rules of the UN and going and starting a war. Ring a bell, anyone?
Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt
It's not what you spend, it's return on investment. Spending 100 billion on a bunch of conscripts waving AK-47's is a far cry from spending 100 billion on a carrier battle group that can project power anywhere in the world. Looking at that chart, the countries that should question their defense budgets are Russia, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and France. They're getting little return on investment and none of them have a military that can handle anything beyond a border skirmish. Hell, what does France even spend the money on, white flags and double escargot rations for any soldier who can say "Welcome to Paris, have a nice day" in fluent German? The countries on that chart that seem to be spending wisely are us, the UK and Israel. We have modern forces capable of standing up to anyone in the world, the rest just have glorified militia and a few nukes.
Originally posted by: Morph
Of course we spend too much on defense. With half of that money we could feed all the starving people in the world. Cure some diseases too, while we're at it. What is the big threat that we're defending against, anyways?
Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak Canada spends about 1.3% or so, hence why our military is so underfunded right now.
Originally posted by: Morph
Of course we spend too much on defense. With half of that money we could feed all the starving people in the world. Cure some diseases too, while we're at it. What is the big threat that we're defending against, anyways?
Imagine if all countries of the world got together and said, 'ok, let's agree to work all our problems out with diplomatic means and not have any more wars, and just spend all this defense money on improving the lives of people'. Everyone would agree that all conflicts would have to be worked out peacefully by arbitration of an international committee, like the United Nations. Ok, it's a pipe dream, but it's a nice one. Of course then you'd have one country blow everything by ignoring the rules of the UN and going and starting a war. Ring a bell, anyone?
Originally posted by: Jmman
Originally posted by: Morph
Of course we spend too much on defense. With half of that money we could feed all the starving people in the world. Cure some diseases too, while we're at it. What is the big threat that we're defending against, anyways?
Imagine if all countries of the world got together and said, 'ok, let's agree to work all our problems out with diplomatic means and not have any more wars, and just spend all this defense money on improving the lives of people'. Everyone would agree that all conflicts would have to be worked out peacefully by arbitration of an international committee, like the United Nations. Ok, it's a pipe dream, but it's a nice one. Of course then you'd have one country blow everything by ignoring the rules of the UN and going and starting a war. Ring a bell, anyone?
Are we on the same planet? You don't get out much, do you? Speaking as someone who has travelled all over the world, the money for our military is well spent. There are way too many crazy ass bastards out there that relish power and destruction and would put a bullet in your head just for looking at them the wrong way. All I have to say, is thank goodness we have the most powerful military in the world. I think most of you guys are way too comfortable in your little suburbia to appreciate the freedoms that a strong military has afforded us.
Originally posted by: Morph
Of course we spend too much on defense. With half of that money we could feed all the starving people in the world. Cure some diseases too, while we're at it. What is the big threat that we're defending against, anyways?
Originally posted by: SuperTool
That's all it takes. You have nukes and missiles, you are set. Look at the difference between Iraq and NK.
CPA didn't you get the memo? The constitution is dying a slow death. Government is the answer to all problems and should be looked to first for solutions. Anything can and should be socialized if it feels right.Originally posted by: CPA
It's funny how some of you people argue against spending in the one category that the Constitution squarely puts on our Federal Government. If you ever read it, you will find it says nothing about afterschool programs, school lunches, schools, endangered species (actualy the right to property should be the sayso on this issue, unfortunately it is not), and highways. But how much money does the Federal Government waste on all of these state issues?
Originally posted by: ReiAyanami
for those saying you can feed the world with our military bux, you don't understand