Yeah. It isn't just troop levels, it's creating a leadership vacuum at the top AND trying to eliminate strategic assets that have no duplicate. I totally understand wanting to hold accountable the industry suppliers like General Atomics and others for contracts that bleed government dollars, but I don't see that happening. Despite the politicians saying they are cutting strategically to eliminate waste, they seem to be wanting to make cuts that achieve the opposite effect. It is very very chilling. Gut the BATFE and DHS, not the military. Hell, just eliminate both the BATFE & DHS and that'll be a step in the right direction.
I agree, can we toss the IRS into that pot as well.
The question is how at a point in time where, where Russia is flexing its power and is going to continue. China is increasing its military levels and stance. Iran will have a nuclear weapon ( probably during this administration), and then there is North Korea, who will wait till we are in over our heads. We just gave the middle east back to the terrorist organizations we went over there and spilled blood over. No to mention the leadership vacuum of last count, I think 13 top generals eliminated by Obama. Why would we cut our military? Hmmm..........
Something seems a little off. I would be more concerned if our government was trying to control the media and we were trying to eliminate the 2nd amendment.
Its a good thing Eric Holder is our Attorney General , and Obama has a pen and a phone. Here's to a third Obama term.
It is awesome that you posted this. I just now read this article and went to Gentlemint right away to post it. Looks like you beat me to it. Great post.
Of course, do not consider cutting the civilian government, e.g., any of your personal servants. This is what we get with an Affirmative Action president.
No no no....... and lets give away more money and spread the wealth. This is what we get with a socialist president. 2016 Putin for President, a step away from socialism.
I believe you are referring to 1990 to 1993 approximately. I also believe those cuts took affect after the Gulf War and after Regan succeeded with Gorbachev. The entire military was cut by a little over 19%. We were not facing a new threat from Russia and Putin daring Obama, China growing its military and making challenges with Japan, Iran with growing its nuke capabilities and , and North Korea testing long range missiles. If you are comparing a post Cold War and pre 9/11 world to a post 9/11 world you are comparing apples to oranges. How about we get rid of Obama Care, BATF, and DHS (like a fellow poster mentioned)just for starters? Plenty of money spent on useless and corrupt organizations right there.
Even with the cuts our military spending is more than the next 10 largest armed forces combined. So there is PLENTY of money. We need to quit building planes that go straight to the graveyard, quit building equipment we don't need, make a more streamlined, agile military. Too much waste.
I agree we can reallocate some of our defense spending on equipment that goes straight to moth balls. Those are some of the contracts mentioned earlier. How about pay for the soldiers who need government assistance to live.
Again why should we cut our military first, in the world we live in? Yes we spend more than other nations combined. That's if China and Russia is reporting accurate numbers. Which I doubt.
Maybe we should become a isolationist country like we were in the early 1900's. But that did not work in our favor or the worlds favor for that matter. Two world wars and Korea.
Let's cut a very unpopular program and save a good chunk of money. Obama Care. I'd rather spend too much on our military then on useless programs the American people don't even favor. America at least supports our military. All be it the spending is not perfect but then again any machine of this size and capability will always have areas that are wasteful.
But that is not the way these cuts are happening. Trust me. Cutting the U-2 is NOT in our strategic interests. It is giving up the high ground. It is a platform that has been around for decades, still performs a valuable function and it's mission/capabilities are not duplicated by another aircraft. With all due respect, I don't think you have a good understanding about how the military has already been cut and is about to be cut some more. I appreciate your perspective but it isn't as informed as you might believe it to be. There is a great deal of dissonance between what the leadership says and how the cuts are actually coming down.
Let me clarify, I don't know what will be cut but merely used an example of a poorly designed cut. I do know that cutting the personnel they want to cut is not a good idea and doesn't help anyone.
Hypothetically. I don't think Putin would have been so brazen. At least Romney had his eye on the ball. More than we can say for Obama. Obviously with the video Obama didn't see Putin as a problem. Not my words, Obamas.
I can't say I agree, I think Russia has been waiting for this situation in Ukraine. After all, there was the situation with Russia and Georgia in 2008.
Whether you agree or not, Obama obviously thought Putin was of little or no concern and mocked Romney. If Georgia is your example then Obama should have had a different view point on Putin. Not one of ridicule. He should have considered him self warned. Its clear Obama is of no concern to Putin.
I think you might be right when considering the timing. I do believe Putin might have gone about things differently if we had a different president but to quote a former sec. of state, "at this point, what does it matter?"
I think our presidents problem is that he doesn't project strength, even when in Libya. Other leaders notice the lead from behind approach. He also doesn't seem to empathize well. He does victim good very well but he seems to lack the ability to see Putin for the type of leader he seems to be. I believe out president projects his own value system on people like Putin and then is caught off guard when Putin acts like Putin. Sorry for the lack of brevity. I sincerely appreciate the exchange of ideas. Thanks, all!
Is it me or has the USA lost a lot of respect it once had? Those post WWII eras we read about where our country was so strong, our leaders had character integrity and self worth. Nowadays it seems we give everyone an open invitation to challenge our "Authority". Before hand, that wouldn't be done on a dare. I don't know who will succeed Obama, but I pray and hope they hold and cherish these foundations
We have certainly lost respect. It doesn't take the internet or research to figure that one out.
Judging from all of my historical reading there has always been political bickering and posturing, and probably always will be.
I believe some of the biggest differences in the last 50 years has been technology. From TV to Internet, to running the country off of polls. You can't sneeze in congress without it becoming news. It has coward the people running this country if you feel the news is going to crucify you. Granted we have a few who don't care and unfortunately the media has either made heroes or villains out of them, depending on their political leanings.
Hopefully the next president can run this country based off of the premises our founding fathers set forward, return us to the basics of our constitution. Return us to the intent. Then take that thought and those notions with us globally. Just maybe we can become respectable again.
"Just maybe we can become respectable again." That is a topic I find myself constantly pondering over...& I don't seem to be able to shake it since human behavior/politics and the search for truth in it all has become my hobby over the last 8-10 years. It is nice (though not surprising based on your comments) to see that others are so actively engaged in this as well.
I am very surprised at the feed back and postings on this topic as well. I posted it in hopes that it would wake some people up and pay attention to the current events. It has achieved more then that. It gives me hope to know that some people do pay attention and can bring reason and thought to this conversation.
I truly believe that if our Founding Fathers had seen the country we have become as of present day they would be disheartened to say the least, some would probably even send out the cries for revolution. This country of ours was founded on such thought out and solid principles almost seemingly simplistic, that it fit into 10 Basic rights. Unless of course you know the history and how we got to them.
I take personal pride in this country because every generation of my family has served in some capacity at one time or another for this country all the way back to the Revolutionary War. My family has spilled it's blood on battlefield's here in this country and over seas. I expect nothing less from the future of my family.
I truly hope we can see the error of our ways before it is too late. Rome fell and so can we. I have a fear though that Rome will have lasted longer then the United States.
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32 comments
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OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
Hey I have a idea, lets cut our military to pre 1940's levels and issue the remainder of the troops bayonets and horses.
Reply
Chet_Manly 10 years, 8 months ago
Yeah. It isn't just troop levels, it's creating a leadership vacuum at the top AND trying to eliminate strategic assets that have no duplicate.
I totally understand wanting to hold accountable the industry suppliers like General Atomics and others for contracts that bleed government dollars, but I don't see that happening. Despite the politicians saying they are cutting strategically to eliminate waste, they seem to be wanting to make cuts that achieve the opposite effect. It is very very chilling. Gut the BATFE and DHS, not the military. Hell, just eliminate both the BATFE & DHS and that'll be a step in the right direction.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
I agree, can we toss the IRS into that pot as well.
The question is how at a point in time where, where Russia is flexing its power and is going to continue. China is increasing its military levels and stance. Iran will have a nuclear weapon ( probably during this administration), and then there is North Korea, who will wait till we are in over our heads. We just gave the middle east back to the terrorist organizations we went over there and spilled blood over. No to mention the leadership vacuum of last count, I think 13 top generals eliminated by Obama. Why would we cut our military? Hmmm..........
Something seems a little off. I would be more concerned if our government was trying to control the media and we were trying to eliminate the 2nd amendment.
Its a good thing Eric Holder is our Attorney General , and Obama has a pen and a phone. Here's to a third Obama term.
Reply
Bradleyd16 10 years, 8 months ago
It is awesome that you posted this. I just now read this article and went to Gentlemint right away to post it. Looks like you beat me to it. Great post.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
Its nice to know that other people are paying attention. Its a shame hindsight can't be foresight.
Reply
Nickolas 10 years, 8 months ago
Awesome. Thank you for posting
Reply
Paladin 10 years, 8 months ago
Of course, do not consider cutting the civilian government, e.g., any of your personal servants. This is what we get with an Affirmative Action president.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
No no no....... and lets give away more money and spread the wealth. This is what we get with a socialist president. 2016 Putin for President, a step away from socialism.
Reply
elsueco 10 years, 8 months ago
Ain't incompetent foreign policy a bitch?
Reply
nsyrax 10 years, 8 months ago
You know who else gutted the military, but by 25%? Dick Cheney.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
I believe you are referring to 1990 to 1993 approximately. I also believe those cuts took affect after the Gulf War and after Regan succeeded with Gorbachev. The entire military was cut by a little over 19%. We were not facing a new threat from Russia and Putin daring Obama, China growing its military and making challenges with Japan, Iran with growing its nuke capabilities and , and North Korea testing long range missiles. If you are comparing a post Cold War and pre 9/11 world to a post 9/11 world you are comparing apples to oranges. How about we get rid of Obama Care, BATF, and DHS (like a fellow poster mentioned)just for starters? Plenty of money spent on useless and corrupt organizations right there.
Reply
nsyrax 10 years, 8 months ago
Even with the cuts our military spending is more than the next 10 largest armed forces combined. So there is PLENTY of money. We need to quit building planes that go straight to the graveyard, quit building equipment we don't need, make a more streamlined, agile military. Too much waste.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
I agree we can reallocate some of our defense spending on equipment that goes straight to moth balls. Those are some of the contracts mentioned earlier. How about pay for the soldiers who need government assistance to live.
Again why should we cut our military first, in the world we live in? Yes we spend more than other nations combined. That's if China and Russia is reporting accurate numbers. Which I doubt.
Maybe we should become a isolationist country like we were in the early 1900's. But that did not work in our favor or the worlds favor for that matter. Two world wars and Korea.
Let's cut a very unpopular program and save a good chunk of money. Obama Care. I'd rather spend too much on our military then on useless programs the American people don't even favor. America at least supports our military. All be it the spending is not perfect but then again any machine of this size and capability will always have areas that are wasteful.
Reply
Chet_Manly 10 years, 8 months ago
But that is not the way these cuts are happening. Trust me. Cutting the U-2 is NOT in our strategic interests. It is giving up the high ground. It is a platform that has been around for decades, still performs a valuable function and it's mission/capabilities are not duplicated by another aircraft.
With all due respect, I don't think you have a good understanding about how the military has already been cut and is about to be cut some more. I appreciate your perspective but it isn't as informed as you might believe it to be. There is a great deal of dissonance between what the leadership says and how the cuts are actually coming down.
Reply
Chet_Manly 10 years, 8 months ago
Let me clarify, I don't know what will be cut but merely used an example of a poorly designed cut. I do know that cutting the personnel they want to cut is not a good idea and doesn't help anyone.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
Thank you, Chet. I was waiting for your input.
Reply
Chet_Manly 10 years, 8 months ago
Happy to oblige but there wasn't much to add after your comments. Nice topics you dig up here.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
Thank you, like wise.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
It appears Obama still has his supporters.
Reply
Chet_Manly 10 years, 8 months ago
Boggles the mind
Reply
egro 10 years, 8 months ago
So hypothetically had Romney been elected, what would he be doing differently right now?
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
Hypothetically. I don't think Putin would have been so brazen. At least Romney had his eye on the ball. More than we can say for Obama. Obviously with the video Obama didn't see Putin as a problem. Not my words, Obamas.
Reply
egro 10 years, 8 months ago
I can't say I agree, I think Russia has been waiting for this situation in Ukraine. After all, there was the situation with Russia and Georgia in 2008.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
Whether you agree or not, Obama obviously thought Putin was of little or no concern and mocked Romney. If Georgia is your example then Obama should have had a different view point on Putin. Not one of ridicule. He should have considered him self warned. Its clear Obama is of no concern to Putin.
Reply
egro 10 years, 8 months ago
Fair enough
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
Thank you for your interest and comments.
Reply
Chet_Manly 10 years, 8 months ago
I think you might be right when considering the timing. I do believe Putin might have gone about things differently if we had a different president but to quote a former sec. of state, "at this point, what does it matter?"
I think our presidents problem is that he doesn't project strength, even when in Libya. Other leaders notice the lead from behind approach. He also doesn't seem to empathize well. He does victim good very well but he seems to lack the ability to see Putin for the type of leader he seems to be. I believe out president projects his own value system on people like Putin and then is caught off guard when Putin acts like Putin.
Sorry for the lack of brevity. I sincerely appreciate the exchange of ideas. Thanks, all!
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
So poetic. Yes and thank you all for the comments and replies. I did not expect this much feed back from this post.
Reply
CFCLUNA10 10 years, 8 months ago
Is it me or has the USA lost a lot of respect it once had? Those post WWII eras we read about where our country was so strong, our leaders had character integrity and self worth. Nowadays it seems we give everyone an open invitation to challenge our "Authority". Before hand, that wouldn't be done on a dare. I don't know who will succeed Obama, but I pray and hope they hold and cherish these foundations
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
We have certainly lost respect. It doesn't take the internet or research to figure that one out.
Judging from all of my historical reading there has always been political bickering and posturing, and probably always will be.
I believe some of the biggest differences in the last 50 years has been technology. From TV to Internet, to running the country off of polls. You can't sneeze in congress without it becoming news. It has coward the people running this country if you feel the news is going to crucify you. Granted we have a few who don't care and unfortunately the media has either made heroes or villains out of them, depending on their political leanings.
Hopefully the next president can run this country based off of the premises our founding fathers set forward, return us to the basics of our constitution. Return us to the intent. Then take that thought and those notions with us globally. Just maybe we can become respectable again.
Reply
Chet_Manly 10 years, 8 months ago
"Just maybe we can become respectable again."
That is a topic I find myself constantly pondering over...& I don't seem to be able to shake it since human behavior/politics and the search for truth in it all has become my hobby over the last 8-10 years. It is nice (though not surprising based on your comments) to see that others are so actively engaged in this as well.
Reply
OmecD 10 years, 8 months ago
I am very surprised at the feed back and postings on this topic as well. I posted it in hopes that it would wake some people up and pay attention to the current events. It has achieved more then that. It gives me hope to know that some people do pay attention and can bring reason and thought to this conversation.
I truly believe that if our Founding Fathers had seen the country we have become as of present day they would be disheartened to say the least, some would probably even send out the cries for revolution. This country of ours was founded on such thought out and solid principles almost seemingly simplistic, that it fit into 10 Basic rights. Unless of course you know the history and how we got to them.
I take personal pride in this country because every generation of my family has served in some capacity at one time or another for this country all the way back to the Revolutionary War. My family has spilled it's blood on battlefield's here in this country and over seas. I expect nothing less from the future of my family.
I truly hope we can see the error of our ways before it is too late. Rome fell and so can we. I have a fear though that Rome will have lasted longer then the United States.
Reply