The grand grotesquery of the U.S. military - By Mark Morford

[madokie]

This is the chart that blows away all other charts, that makes babies melt and flowers scream, that equally intoxicates and befuddles all viewpoints along the political spectrum; it’s the meta-, mega-, uber-chart that you rarely hear anyone in the corridors of power fight much about, not in the normal sense anyway, largely due to its stupendous insanity, imposing wastefulness, open-palmed insult to all you ever cared about.

Really, how can you not be sort of amazed, in a gross-all-over kind of way, when you see how the US military budget is so vast, so grotesquely outsized that, at upwards of $600 billion, it not only dwarfs all other expenditures in our economy, it’s actually larger than the military budgets of the next 10 major world powers on the planet, combined?

Whenever I hear that factoid, I just can’t make it scale. It just sits there, like a lump, a massive tumor on the face of the nation that no one dares mention, even though it’s the size of Mars. Even today, after many post-Cold War budget cutbacks, we still spend 10 times more than Russia, five times more than China, and so on. No one else even comes close. Is this not viciously surreal? Insane?

It’s not exactly something to be proud of.

http://blog.sfgate.com/morford/2015/02/18/the-grand-grotesquery-of-the-u-s-military/

[madokie]

1. kick

strange that this OP doesn't show up on my monitor unless I click on my post.

What did I do wrong I wonder

[truebluegreen]

2. And of course the situation is even worse than the chart,

since it doesn't include the Dept of Veteran Affairs, or Energy Dept expenditures for the nuclear stuff. I also like to show my wingnutty relatives (I don't have any wingnutty friends) that pie chart that shows how 57 cents of every dollar of the discretionary budget goes to Defense, and ask them to point out the welfare expenditures....

[malaise]

3. K & R for truth

[Pooka Fey]

4. The 2 penny answer is FRAUD.

Thanks for posting. Bookmarked.

[madokie]

5. Morford is required reading around here

in my household that is

I remember when he used to be here on DU too. When there would be many rec's and lots of replies but lately sometimes there won't be either. I'll keep posting what his take is no matter what.

Strange though that this op does not show up on my monitor unless I click on my post

[Scuba]

6. If we can't afford to educate our children, to heal our sick or care for our elderly ...

... just what is it this defense budget is defending?

[madokie]

7. The same people who are making a killing off our defense spending

are the same assholes who determine whats on the nightly news, for the most part

If we don't get this shit straightened out we're totally and royally fucked.
If we're not already fucked that is

[Fred Sanders]

11. All the military might has to be used or some may take notice of the obscene waste.

"So it is with the US military. Endless paranoia, overspending, interventionism and military-industrial complex lobbying have led us to have so much excess military, we’re sort of compelled to put it to use, somehow."

Endless paranoia ginned up by an endlessly paranoid media.

The enemy uses Nutella to recruit? Arm the cruise missiles! Fire up the drones...we is outraged!

[stillwaiting]

24. The defense budget is defending the wealth and income and growing the wealth and...

... income of the .1%.

Isn't that precious?

[think]

8. Wouldn't it be awesome if we paid those military contractors to do GOOD in the world

Like building water systems, schools, hospitals, and other important infrastructure projects that would allow a middle class to be created and create true stability in a region.

If people can make a decent living, take care of their family, and feel their govt is trustworthy, the world would be a much more peaceful place.

JMO...

[madokie]

9. No doubt about that

our money could be better spent

[think]

10. Someday they may see the logic in it /nt

[Adrahil]

19. I'm a contractor....

How I'd love to be working on the space
program instead of a military project.

[think]

20. While it may be pie in the sky I truly hope you get the chance someday. Thank you for the response!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

12. "Prussia is not a state that has an army, but an army that has a state." Mirabeau

[niyad]

13. k and r + a gazillion for this disgusting, obscene truth.

[zeemike]

14. We have created a beast that must always be fed more.

Ike tried to warn us but when his successor was killed that ended it.
The MIC crossed the Rubicon.

[ffr]

15. Meh. We're at war with those countries.

What's the big deal?

[99th_Monkey]

18. Did you forget your sarcasm smilie?

Or do you really think we're at war with the UK, France, Germany, Japan & India?

[ffr]

23. ? Really? You're not sure? n/t

[JEB]

16. Tumor indeed.

"It just sits there, like a lump, a massive tumor on the face of the nation that no one dares mention...." A tumor that will suck the life out of our nation.

[migsan]

17. other spending

I was in the Navy, when discussion always arises about the DOD budget, why is it that military dependents are never discussed, how much money is spent on military dependents, military wives, military children and even military pets. Relocation of these families, overseas schools, medical for military dependents. Even when I was in the military, early 80's, E-4 and below had to put a request chit in to obtain approval to get married. Point is, what is the main objectve of the DOD; To defend the United States of America. DOD is not supposed to be a huge welfare program. In my opinion, you are married to the military, you want to get married, get out find a job and get married. DOD spending should only be on the mission at hand. Back to the basics.

[nichomachus]

21. Just the opposite

What we need to do is require everyone to serve -- unless you are flat on your back. Everyone does two years of service. No deferments, no excuses, no cushy "general's aide" jobs, no country club assignments. You go when you're called, you get a weapon, and off you go.

This "war of the week" shit would stop tomorrow. The military budget would shrink dramatically.

[mrdmk]

22. Have to disagree with you on this point, although it sounds reasonable

The reason for the disagreement is more people will be indoctrinated into the military line of thinking.

Of course people by nature are into group activities, the military mentality uses this part of our nature to the fullest extent in their training of recruits.

Thus, the less people in the military, the fewer people will be prone to 'group think', and 'mob mentality!'

The Peace Corps was a much better idea...

[NM_Birder]

26. There are a lot more things involved in the military,

than "grab a gun and off you go". You either know that and choose to ignore for your anti US military propaganda , or you don't know that in which case you are extremely ill informed.

This "war of the week shit", should stop, I agree. Bring our military home and let the fucking world burn. All the countries and all the people that rely on the United States military to exist would change their tune pretty quick. And I would say that all the anti military comments would change to "why aren't we doing something" and "why has the United States abandoned us". Those comments would come from the very same people who make a hobby of insulting the United States military.


I realize that berating the military is the popular position to take on DU, and this thread supports your narrow view of the military influence in the world. I support the military, and most certainly see the need for a strong American military today and tomorrow.

[daleanime]

28. Yes, there is a lot more involved....

nothing is ever that easy, but a full service requirement would be a great start toward fixing many of the problems with, and in, our military.


It's not "anti US military propaganda" to say that we share the blame for the situations in many of the hot spots world wide. When people choose bloodshed over diplomacy peace is never the result.

[NM_Birder]

32. You think mandatory service, would not only improve the military operational capabilities,

but would somehow change the military operational objectives ?

the military is 100% volunteer, nobody serves who doesn't ask to serve. THAT is the way it should be, forcing someone into service is not the way to improve things. It is however a fantastic and very coy way of pretending that military service somehow entitles the individual a voice in the operational decision making of military objectives. Military objectives are not decided upon by a show of hands from the soldier collective.

When people believe that the military's only ability and objectives are bloodshed, ignorance wins. Remove the military influence around the world,........... then watch it burn.

[daleanime]

33. I think forcing people to be involved in the problem....

would make solutions possible. Right now too many live separated from the bloodshed.


You don't want to think of it in those terms, that you right. The fact that service is 'voluntary' means most never service, is that a good thing?

[NM_Birder]

35. I don't think "forcing" people into service is a good thing, no.

You need to understand that "forced service" does not equal decision making ability. Still not sure you get that.

Yes, I think the people that do not want to serve, should NOT be forced. Military service is not meant to be some sort of college experimentation phase, it's deadly serious, it is regimented, and it is playing for for keeps.

Here is a great example you should be on board with. How about forced police service ? How's that work in your idealistic dream ? make everyone work as a police officer,.....whether they want to or not. by your logic, THAT would improve the situation and adjust the operational goals of the police departments. Doesn't that sound like a great idea ? MAKE people who don't want to be a cop, BE A COP.

[daleanime]

36. Would be fewer people killed by police...

I could live with that. So give military service or police service, or a couple of years in some other community service.

With the large number of americans unemployed, or underemployed, I have no problem with that.

The problems we face are not going to be deal with easily.

[NM_Birder]

38. kind of a slippery isn't it ?

Now you advocate, military, police "or some other community service". you've already skipped off your own track. You wanted people to be forced to serve in the military to improve it, you seem to be recognizing that is a terrible idea.

Wait a minute, are you suggesting there are more people unemployed than that fantastic number of 5.8% suggests ? Are you cheering being lied to for love of political party, while at the same time recognizing that the economy is worse than you are being told ?

Stay on your original point, ...forced military service would go a long way to solve problems. YOU said that. Doesn't sound so good when you have to think about it does it ?

[daleanime]

41. Feel free to argue with yourself...

the slope doesn't look slippery to me. I always wonder why some one would feel to need to badger others because of a difference point of view.

I could spent days trying to explain my POV. I already know that you don't want to understand. How many join the service simply because they couldn't find anything better? Is that what 'volunteer' means? Mandatory service must be at gun point?

Not that you will spent a second thinking about it.

Now tell yourself that your logic has driven me from the field.

[NM_Birder]

42. Driven you from the field ?

"I always wonder why someone would feel the need to badger ....", if you think the discussion we are having is "badgering" then I'm sure you feel that way a lot.

mandatory means you have no choice but to join, no exception.
volunteer means you decide to join, even if it's not your first choice ...... it is still a choice.

you can move that around all you want. Change it to community service, or whatever, but yeah I think you see now that mandatory military service is not the solution. mandatory service is a "feel good" bumper sticker slogan people use to side step the argument into blaming "the rich", because they don't understand what military commitment is all about.

I can't argue with myself, my opinion is never wrong. I did in fact spend several seconds thinking about it.
No clever smiley faces, but take care.

[daleanime]

29. Hell yes.....

it would be a great start.

[NM_Birder]

25. The military budget does not "dwarf' all other expenditures.

Want a smaller military ? Start by calling for the world to take care of itself. Instead of calling our military "grotesque" in size and capability, lets see your courage in telling the rest of the world to not depend on the United States military for aid, disaster relief, medical interventions, security, defense etc etc etc etc. The scientific advancements, medical advancements, exploration, aviation, and the list goes on and on............. all thanks to military R&D.


I am extremely proud of the United States military, and the men and women who proudly wear the uniform. I understand that being proud to support the men and women who serve, is probably one of the most unacceptable positions to take on Democratic Underground, but being proud to support the united States military is nothing to be ashamed of.

I do not choose to balance the ability of the United States, against anyone else. Especially against those countries that owe their very survival and those that openly depend on the United States military to exist.

The United States military is EXACTLY something to be proud of. Now I concede the floor, so you can berate me for my pride, and continue to bad mouth the United States military.

[think]

27. DUers DO support the men and women who serve. Just not the lying political fuckers who send them

to wars based on complete fabrications.

Do you think the Iraq war is something we as Americans should be proud of?

Have you ever heard of Smedley Butler? He is one of Americas most decorated Marines in US History.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler

I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers.

In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in.

I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902–1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916.

I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler#Lectures

America does many great things but our history of using the military on behalf of multinational cororations is well documented and is a stain on this great nation.

This in no way diminishes the service of our men and women. Instead it calls out the war whores who lie and profit by sending our good men and women into combat NOT to protect America but to enrich themselves.

[daleanime]

30. +1

[NM_Birder]

31. I think your wikipedia example, and the very specific selection of

examples chosen to smear the face of the American military is EXACTLY what I was talking about.

I would not base the ability, and advancements that have been brought to pass by the military, on the specific actions of a few, or singular chosen events.

For example, base your life value and worth on the worst examples of your actions, the least complimentary opinions of others and worst possible outcomes of decisions you've made. I don't even need to know you, to believe that if all I focus on are your failures, your life appears to be quite "grotesque" as the op described the military.

Like I said, bring our military home, and watch the world burn.

[think]

34. Do you think the Iraq war was a just & rightful cause?

America is a great country with a powerful army. How it's used and what it costs is important.

The Iraq war was based on lies and that is reprehensible. We sent our brave men and women to fight a war against a nation that never attacked us.

Halliburton and many other entities made billions off those lies. If you can't admit that the Iraq war was wrong what will you do the next time a president wants to send this country to war based on a complete fabrication?

[NM_Birder]

37. Do you know anything about the Iraq war ?

or do you, like the rest of us, only know what pieces are available for reporting, and of those pieces, which pieces, which biased "news" outlets choose to report? Don't point your finger so quickly, when all you really know is what you were told to believe. If you think you understand what REALLY goes on regarding global objectives then you are seriously delusional. the military is used as political and campaign talking points to bend public approval for elections. None of us have the slightest idea what REALLY goes on behind the walls of world positioning. Wikipedia is not a crystal ball, the "news" is more opinion that fact.

this thread is all about agreement that the United States military is bad, it's too big, it lies and it needs to be more in conformity with they same levels of other nations. No, I will not agree with that.

I wish Obama would show some balls and join the fight, sorry .....use MILITARY FORCE to help obliterate the ISIS strongholds that are being bombed right now.

[Comrade Grumpy]

39. I guess he was for it. And the next one, too.

[NM_Birder]

40. You make poor guesses, "comrade".

[hifiguy]

44. Bravo!!! nt

[hifiguy]

43. Morford nails it yet again.

"War is a racket." USMC General Smedley Butler

[grahamhgreen]

45. Can't be said enough.