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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI'm Guessing: Ron Paul will say Obama's military cuts don't go far enough.
Normally, Republicans would put up a united front against cuts in military spending. But maybe not this time. One old school isolationist has a national stage, passionate supporters, and several more debates to argue the case for less spending.
If you were President Obama, announcing cuts when one prominent republican is likely to back you, looks like good timing.
The question is, how, if at all, will Ron Paul attack Obama on this announcement.
think
(11,641 posts)denem
(11,045 posts)The $450 cut reduces spending to plus 1% per year, less than the rate of inflation, and certainly less than the rate of military cost inflation.
IF the $500 'automatic' cut also goes through in 2013, then the nominal amount spent will also be cut.
earthside
(6,960 posts)"Over the next 10 years, the growth in the defense budget will slow, but the fact of the matter is this: It will still grow, because we have global responsibilities that demand our leadership."
http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/05/politics/pentagon-strategy-shift/index.html
And, yes, we need real, genuine cuts in the Pentagon budget. The idea that we have thousands and thousands of troops and multiple bases in countries like Germany, Italy, Japan, England, etc., while our bridges are crumbling is revolting.
denem
(11,045 posts)They are, but no as much as the cost of living.
IT ALSO LEAVES OUT the $500m 'automatic' cuts due in 2013.
think
(11,641 posts)adjustments for inflation then yes I'd agree with that. If we are talking about the actual physical amount we are spending on the military then I would think we'd agree this amount will increase.
Fair enough?
ProSense
(116,464 posts)the size of the military by nearly 500,000 troops is huge.
Cutting nearly a trillion from the budget, eliminating weapons systems and other initiatives are real cuts.
Any budget not elimated entirely grows. Cutting $1 trillion from a bloated budget is a real cut.
think
(11,641 posts)silence is deafening.
I mean, he jumped on the recess appointments.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002124972
denem
(11,045 posts)Last edited Fri Jan 6, 2012, 12:25 PM - Edit history (1)
Unless he turns a complete 180, he will have to argue it's a move in the right direction - and with some passion, if the past is anything to go by.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)interesting that he hasn't said a word about the announcement.
What has everyone been cheering him on about? Isn't he supposed to embarrass Democrats with his alleged "progressive" opinions?
Here's a major opportunity, and nothing.
NorthCarolina
(11,197 posts)out of sight and out of mind.