Thanks. I just have to go with my gut on these things.
I remember when Russia had a firm grip on nations around the Mediterranean. We played hell ridding the region of that.
Now we’re just going to walk out and allow Russia and China to take over.
This WILL cost us. > IMO
Thanks for the comments and clarity on the national debt.
Our tax receipts are increasing. We should be able to run a surplus if Congress plays along.
Trump needs to start vetoing based on this premise too.
Well your gut is leading you in the right direction.
If we don’t forward base then we can’t react quickly.
If you want to give the Norks or China or Iran or Russia ideas about doing something aggressive then set up a situation where they know that no one can do anything to stop them. This is still a dangerous world, contra the libertarian illusions of the Ayn Rand fanclub.
Armor is very heavy to move. So is ammunition and the supplies to support a field army. If you have to waste time and energy simply moving stuff you aren’t much of a deterrent to bad actors.
So you weigh what is cheaper. Paying the costs of forward basing for a deterrent, or paying what a regional war would cost in bodies as well as money.