We were just allowing Europe & Canada to do that (by absorbing their defense costs); there was no reason for that massive military after WWII (the last massive effort by our country’s military).
“there was no reason for that massive military after WWII”
Not real familiar with history, are you. Back when America was a force for good, there WERE reasons, many of them and good ones, for securing our place in the world. And we could easily afford it because we were not spending almost all of our capital buying votes for democrats by subsidizing the lazy and immoral.
Actually, it was necessary. Russia was intent on taking over Europe, precipitating the Cold War.
I am in complete agreement that European countries and South Korea need to pay a larger share of the burden. Back then, Europe was in shambles.