A response to this article:

 

I agree that government spending is largely excessive and often for selfish gain. With the national debt so high we cannot afford the current spending rate. Also, as you pointed out, many Americans are in need and could benefit from those federal dollars. However, your more specified critique on military spending seems extreme. I agree that military spending is often unnecessary and for selfish gain. Yet I would not go so far to say that the government spends so much on national defense purely, “to gain power and violate the citizens’ rights.” Historically, a country without military power quickly falls. In our safe bubble of relative American peace, we often don’t see the necessity of national defense. As a prosperous and large country, as well as a global political leader, it is vital that the United States maintains a sufficient military. Of course, at what point does the military reach “sufficient,” is the real question. Regardless, when addressing the topic of military spending we much keep in mind and speak of its essentiality.