WE STILL LIKE IKE

As America’s reputation and credibility around the world lies in tatters and its economy drifts into recession, one need only look at our defense budget to find the reasons.

According to Global Security.Org, the widely respected source of military, intelligence and national security matters, the U.S. spends approximately 625 billion dollars on military might, 55 % of the annual world wide total of 1,125 billion. We spend significantly more than the rest of the world combined.

Every year that is 625 billion dollars that doesn’t rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.

That is 625 billion dollars that doesn’t educate our next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs and teachers.

That is 625 billion dollars not used to reduce global warming.

That is 625 billion dollars that isn’t invested in creating a sustained, vibrant economy.

It is, however, 625 billion dollars that is used to launch senseless wars of choice.

It is, however, 625 billion dollars that is used to scatter depleted uranium around the Middle East like so much death dust.

It is, however, 625 billion dollars that is used to send smart bombs launched by fools upon innocent civilian populations.

Forty-seven years ago a great wartime general who avoided war during his eight years as President, left office with an admonition to fear and restrain the biggest threat to our future – the unbridled power of the Military Industrial Complex.

The soul of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower does not rest well in 2008.

Originally published in Naperville Sun, January 16, 2008