Panetta blasts defense cuts

[Swede Atlanta]

20. With all due respect Mr. Panetta.......

it would be irresponsible NOT to significantly reduce military spending at an accelerated pace. I realize you and Obama have to appear really tough and hawkish in an election year but frankly the time has come to shut down our overseas bases, bring all overseas troops home including those in Korea, Europe and anywhere else. We have to pressure our allies that are at much greater risk of conventional war on their homelands than we are to start defending themselves.

But this has to be done responsibly by cutting new weapons programs, mothballing aircraft, ships and other equipment and cutting the cushy relationship with the military armaments industry. It cannot be done on the backs of the brave men and women that have served our nation or their families. No cuts in veteran's benefits, no reductions in military pay and benefits.

And I suggest that Panetta take about a 40% pay cut and start paying for his own health insurance and retirement. It is time to eliminate pensions for elected and appointed officials. They can have a 401K just like everyone else and save for their own retirement. With the way things go now they walk out of government and within 6 months they are bringing in huge salaries and benefits as lobbyists.