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President Trump has proposed a $54 billion increase in defense spending, which he said would be "one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history."
Past administrations have increased military spending, but typically to fulfil a specific mission. Jimmy Carter expanded operations in the Persian Gulf. Ronald Reagan pursued an arms race with the Soviet Union, and George W. Bush waged wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mr. Trump has not articulated a new mission that would require a military spending increase. This has left analysts wondering what goals he has in mind. Erin M. Simpson, a national security consultant, called Mr. Trump's plans "a budget in search of a strategy."
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/03/22/us/is-americas-military-big-enough.html
Donald J. Trump - Military Readiness Remarks
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What do you think about the proposed increase in military spending ? Does USA really need more weapons ?
(Score: 5, Insightful) by bob_super on Saturday March 25 2017, @12:40AM (3 children)
"I've got the support of all the generals, folks! Hundreds of generals! The military's a disaster, and we're gonna fix that!"
That's his campaign promise, and he nominated many generals in his administration.
What happens, when many generals take key positions in the executive of a president with African-dictator ego and tendencies, is an exercise in speculation and/or preparedness...
(Score: 2) by Snotnose on Saturday March 25 2017, @01:51AM (2 children)
Don't see that happening. He's got less then 50% support of the general population. Assuming the odds that means he's got less then 50% support among those who control planes, trains, and artillery, A coup with our military isn't going to happen with an asshole like Trump.
When the dust settled America realized it was saved by a porn star.
(Score: 2) by Immerman on Saturday March 25 2017, @04:52AM
We can hope, but I'm not sure the demographics and psychology of those who choose to join the military necessarily coincide with those of the general population well enough to assume that will be the case.
(Score: 1) by anubi on Saturday March 25 2017, @05:39AM
My fear is that the buildup of the military is not to counter the Communist Threat.
Rather, its my belief its to counter the insurgence of millions of displaced Americans when the bankers again pull the rug out from everyone with rate hikes, then can't magically fix the problem by lowering them again after a helluva lotta people lose their house.
Google the "Federal Funds Rate chart", look at it, and you tell me how the banks are gonna pull another rabbit out of the hat when this thing collapses again.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]