It's not the defense budget, it's the war budget.

[GoneOffShore]

Up until 1949 it was the War Department.

Perhaps if we started calling it the War Department and the military war budget there would less chance of allowing some of the more egregious aspects to make it through.

Personally, that's the name I'm going back to whenever I'm in a discussion about the budget.

It's the War department. It's not the defense budget, it's the war budget.

[IndyPragmatist]

1. We create a department of defense and department of war....

We should separate our offensive and defensive military. I wouldn't mind paying for a strong national defense, but I do mind paying for these wars on the other side of the world.

[GoneOffShore]

2. I disagree - if it's military, it's war.

And they should be held back and, as the old bumper sticker used to say, have to hold a bake sale to buy bombers.

If you have a strong military, they look for adventures.

[ladjf]

3. Good point. nt