[rbg81]

I still think a lot of the “recovery” is simply due to Government spending period. At least with defense, when the $$ is spent, you get something of value (planes, ships, etc) and keep factory workers, engineer, and scientists employed. When you spend the $$ on disability and welfare, you keep the supermarkets, liquor stores and strip clubs humming.

Which is better for America’s future?

[SkyPilot]

Defense always has a multiplying affect on the economy. One reason is what you pointed out, it produces something of value in terms of aircraft, ships, etc. Another reason the high tech nature of the business. If it were not for Defense research, a whole host of our modern tech industry never would have accomplished what they accomplished.

Moreover, many who work in Defense are highly educated. Highly educated people generally do not blow their money on drugs, strip clubs, and liquor stores. Oh, some of them do, but not to the degree of the folks who collect welfare.

Another factor not generally considered is Foreign Military Sales (FMS), which pumps billions into our economy.

Washington DC is "giving" money away hand over fist through entitlements, but is going to choke the life out of our economy through Sequestration. It is akin to being led off a cliff by a madman.

[indthkr]

"Which is better for America’s future?"

If you're talking about Democrat America's future, it's definitely the entertainment industry (including strip clubs), liquor stores, trial lawyers (for profit income redistribution), pay-for-play public works projects / roads-to-nowhere, and large unionized police forces to keep the wheels from flying-off.