Micheal Mullen, Jount Chiefs of Staff Chairman, August, 2010.
The defense budget in 2010--$664 billion (not counting the Iraq and Afghanistan wars)--equalled that of the rest of the world combined. One dollar of every five spent by the U.S. Government was for defense. The amount spent represents 80% growth since 2000. Why? One reason: the big weapon systems oriented to fighting other empires (e.g., Russia and China). For example, $600 million for the littoral combat ship and $13 billion for amphibious landing vehicles (whose purpose has even been questioned by Sec. of Defense William Gates). It would seem that the military contractors--the military industrial complex, moreover--are firmly entrenched and in control. That is to say, the defense spending is indicative of the influence of big business over government in the United States. That this influence goes unhampered may tell us something about the leanings of our societal norms.
The full essay is at "Military Sacred Cows."
