Military overspending

In last Sunday’s Democrat-Gazette under the heading “How Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation Voted,” it was reported that the House of Representatives passed a bill that would fund the military for 2018 to the tune of $696 billion. It was noted in the report that

$64.6 billion was allocated for “war-fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria and other theaters.”

The U.S. military budget is the largest by far of any country in the world. In fact, ours is larger than the next seven countries combined. We have over 800 military bases scattered around the world. President Eisenhower warned us about the military-industrial complex when he left office. Well, it’s here in spades.

How much of our wealth have we poured down that rat-hole known as the Middle East? It’s well into the trillions, I’m sure, and there seems no end in sight. As long as we continue to be the policemen for the world and stick our nose into places and things that don’t concern or in any way threaten the country, we will have to live with the budget that saps our economy and drains money from programs that benefit our citizens.

By the way, the bill passed by a vote of 344 to 81, so both parties are responsible. But the question must be asked: When is enough enough?

JON McQUIRTER

Hot Springs