With US debt skyrocketing to $13.5 trillion, the rallying cry from
Washington is to cut spending. But many politicians refuse to address
defense spending.
Defense spending accounts for 58 percent of the discretionary pie,
more than a trillion dollars a year all-in, or almost half of what the
entire rest of the world spends combined.With the US relying on
countries like China to fund its wars and military bases around the
world, even members of the Washington establishment are saying the US is
bringing on its own demise as an imperial power through excessive
spending it can no longer afford. With US debt in the trillions
and the economy still in the toilet, it is no surprise politicians in
Washington are calling for spending cuts.[file]