Are We Giant Suckers? While the U.S. Blows Money on the Military, Europe Spends Dough on Social

[BridgeTheGap]

Programs.

Last week, during his final European visit before retiring, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates blasted our NATO allies for spending too little on their militaries.

“The blunt reality,” he told an audience in Brussels, “is that there will be dwindling appetite” in the U.S. “to expend increasingly precious funds on behalf of nations that are apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources … to be serious and capable partners in their own defense.’’

It's not uncommon for American hawks to whine about those soft Europeans not shelling out enough dough on weapons systems. But let's take a look at what "defense" actually means in this context.

On average, wealthy countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development spend 2.5 percent of their economic output on their militaries. That's not peanuts with very large economies. Europe is shielded by nuclear arms in the hands of the UK and France (not counting the nukes we “lend” to Germany, Italy, Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands under a NATO agreement). There are no nation-states likely to attack the continent anytime soon.

http://www.alternet.org/world/151337/are_we_giant_suckers_while_the_us_blows_money_on_the_military,_europe_spends_dough_on_social_programs/

[Autumn]

1. We need to replace these people in power

they have no intention of taking care of the American people, it is of no benefit to them.

[dkf]

2. Europe's social programs are being cut.

Everyone is cutting spending...except for the Saudis and Kuwaitis, but you know where that money will be coming from.

[mrdmk]

6. With you on that one Sister!

Most everyone is doing the, 'cut-cut-cut waltz-toos-see...'

k & r

[CrossChris]

3. I think we're suckers for thinking the US determines where US money goes.

Multinational companies that represent the interests of the top 1% determine where "US money" for the other 99% goes.

[razorman]

4. For decades, the Europeans have been able to rely on Uncle Sugar for their defense.

That has left them with funds to use for other things, while we carry the load(as usual).

[sinkingfeeling]

5. I have always wondered why we have bases in England.