----- Original Message ----- From: "Brett Coster" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Brin-L" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, February 22, 2002 5:48 AM Subject: RE: SCOUTED: US and Europe
> Europe has no need to spend anything like what the US spends. But then, I've > argued that the US has no need to spend anywhere near what it currently > spends, let alone what it plans to. > > The sooner ALL nations start spending for their own border defence, and > limited (with a capital L) protection of external interests, the better. > So, I take it that you are opposed to the Clinton doctrine? If a dictator is practicing genocide, the world should keep hands off? The US should have told Europe to handle the Balkins by itself? If a million people died, that would have been better than what happened? > Frankly, if not for the US being a democracy, I'd tend to worry about the US > military buildup even more as it absolutely reeks of Germany 1933-39: not > the philosophy, but the extent, and the intrinsic belief that whatever the > US wants to do should be done. > Why in the world are you comparing the US government to the Nazis. Who attacked Germany? Have we invaded Canada? Have we annexed Cuba? As I posted before, the spending on weapons for the US fell from about 9% of GDP in the '60s to about 3% last year. With the "massive buildup", I estimate it will go to 3.5%. My guess is that the Nazi buildup was in the 30% range. Also, it seems, from your arguement, that the US should stop protecting Europe's and Australia's interests. It would cut down the US's spending on the military if it assumed that Australia would be responsible for the SE Asia area, that it will not be responsible for any problems in Europe, etc. That is an option favored by part of the population of the US, BTW. What do you think would happen if the US returned to the philosophy it held between the world wars? Indeed, cut it down. Europe yelled and screamed when Bush suggested that we phase out of the Balkins. Why? According to your principals, thats exactly what should happen. Dan M.
