Bigger Defense Cuts Would Strengthen the US

I'm an Obama supporter, especially when compared to some of the yahoos running for the Republican nomination. But Obama needs to immediately step on his Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, regarding "defense" spending cuts. 

Panetta says that bigger cuts would weaken the U.S. How so, Mr. Panetta? Would we lose the ability to stick our noses in every little conflict that pops up? Would our ability to destroy the civilized world 50 times over be decreased to a mere 25 times? Would the Mexicans invade Texas and the Cubans Florida? Give me a break. 

The U.S. is as safe from attack now as it would be with half our current defense budget or with double it. Our country's military spending is so much higher than any other country's that deep cuts wouldn't even affect our ability to defend our borders. 

If we want increased security, we need to build our economy and our goodwill. The best way to improve our economy is to get our debt problems straightened out and to invest in infrastructure that provides a return on investment. Goodwill is built by modeling our faith in human rights, economic and social justice and democracy.  Imposing our values will not bring any long-term results, only resentment and revenge.

The dollar is now worth just 1/1,800th of an ounce of gold. The U.S. national debt is over $14 trillion. And for all the money we've spent protecting our "interests" around the world, there are very few countries that have our back. In fact lately, we usually have to pay other countries to pretend to support us. What kind of national security is that? Teddy Roosevelt said, "Walk softly and carry a big stick." Maybe if we'd start walking more softly, we wouldn't need such a big stick.

So, Mr. Panetta, you'd better change your tune. Tell the defense contractors and arms dealers that fear mongering is no longer going to work. The Republicans and Democrats have finally agreed on something meaningful—defense cuts will strengthen our nation, not weaken it.