[ClearCase_guy]

Times being what they are, I expect the military budgets to be cut. I don't like it, but I figure if I want a lot of programs to be cut (Education, Energy, etc. etc. etc) then I have to put my sacred cows on the block as well.

My problem is that when politicians (of both parties) make of a list of 10 places to cut, nine of those 10 places tend to be Defense. That's not right. That sort of cutting isn't done because anyone wants to be fiscally responsible; that sort of cutting is done because some folks hate the military.

I'd swallow defense cuts if other programs are also deeply cut. But Rumsfeld is right -- we are likely to regret such defense cutting, and the Left better be ready for a giant "I told you so".

[sanjuanbob]

I agree with most of your posts, but do you really feel that all expenditures should be weighted equally? Our national security should be given more consideration than every item in the budget in my opinion.

[Clairity]

“My problem is that when politicians (of both parties) make of a list of 10 places to cut, nine of those 10 places tend to be Defense. That’s not right. That sort of cutting isn’t done because anyone wants to be fiscally responsible; that sort of cutting is done because some folks hate the military.”

You are absolutely right. That’s why Obama won’t tell us where the money is coming from for his “jobs program”, until after it’s passed, and then Congress will be pushed into a corner to cut defense, now that the spending plan is already passed.