WHERE'S THE BUTTER?

During the Vietnam War President Johnson boasted that American economic might could supply both guns and butter, meaning he could prosecute the Vietnam War and ambitious social programs to lift up tens of millions from poverty. Johnson’s foolish war policies failed the poor, divided the country, drove him from office and broke him personally.

The current President suffers no such similar ambition or self doubt. His new 3,1 trillion dollar 2009 budget, simply funnels money from domestic and social programs to his failed wars in the Middle East, and every new weapons program the Military Industrial Complex can conger up.

Fond of nicknames, the President has christened it his “Guns and Guns” budget.

Originally published in Chicago Sun Times, February 10, 2008
Also published in Wheaton Sun, March 7, 2008
Also published in Glen Ellyn Sun, March 7, 2008