Peace dividend from Afghan war end? Congress says 'Faggedaboudit’

One of the first thing sensible folks desire when a war ends is the Peace Dividend. Those billions, indeed trillions squandered on senseless war can be redirected to critical domestic needs such as infrastructure, health care for all, combating climate change, promotion of education and rehabilitation for released felons.

For many in Congress those needs are subservient to ever expanding military expenditures. President Biden’s modest 1.6% increase to $753 billion in Fiscal ’22 wasn’t enough for bi-partisan spending sprees on weaponry and military wherewithal. The House Armed Services Committee kicked in an extra $24 billion onto Biden’s proposed budget. The Senate Armed Services Committee was a tad more extravagant, adding $25 billion. That amounts to an obscene $777 or $778 for Fiscal '22 for defense depending upon which branch's budget prevails.

Peace dividend from the Afghan withdrawal? Congress ignores domestic issues to focus laser like on Russia, China, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea and other countries America must meddle in. Congress reminds me of the shoemaker who takes care of all his customers….while his kids go barefoot.