Reply #9: I mean that there is a perception that appearing strong on defense gets

[John Q. Citizen]

their guy elected.

Sure there are contractors raking in the dough, and money is the mothers milk of politics. But there is a perception among the ruling elite that it translates into votes purely on a viseal level to be seen as strong on defense.

It reminds me of the war on drugs hysteria a few years back when leaders on both sides tripped over each other trying to be tough on drugs. Bill after bill was introduced in a simular arms race to see who could come off as most punitve, most "anti-drug."

In that case there was alos a small well connected group of business people waiting to cash in on the hysteria, and fueling the hysteria.