China's high naval ambitions Oct 28, 2009
China used to focus its military spending on its land forces, to counter potential problems from Russia, India and Vietnam. As those land-based threats have receded, new areas of possible conflict have emerged at sea. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
US calls for deeper military ties with China Oct 28, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " The pair agreed "to improve military maritime operational and tactical safety" when the two armed forces operate near each other, the Pentagon said in a statement. The talks on maritime operations were set for December. Such discussions appeared aimed at avoiding a repeat of standoffs earlier this year that saw Chinese vessels confront US surveillance ships. The defence secretary and general also agreed to hold a joint maritime search and rescue... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Kim May Pose Less Global Risk In Mad State Oct 27, 2009
Despite the world's highest military spending as a percentage of GDP, North Korea is at a fundamental disadvantage -- South Korea is backed by the might of the United States. Kim could inflict devastating damage on South Korea in any war, but the result would be massive retaliation that finished his regime. (Newsmax)
Defense Department's Top Auditor Forced from Post Oct 27, 2009
While the Defense Department () cast the shift as a desire to bring a fresh perspective to an organization critical to stemming waste and fraud in military spending, mounting concern on Capitol Hill with the agency's management practices and independence was a major factor in the decision. Among the problems were repeated failures to meet government auditing standards, a lack of planning and supervision, auditors being pressured to rush their work to meet productivity goals, and audit findings... (ABC 7 News, DC)
China's military growth the 'minimum requirement', says general Oct 27, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. However, I also noted some suspicion and misunderstanding in the press. (Channelnewsasia.com)
How China Is Battling Its Pirate Problem Oct 27, 2009
" Some commenters described as a model the successful U.S. intervention in the hijacking of an American cargo ship in April, when Navy snipers shot three hijackers. "Just do what the Americans did," wrote one. So far such calls have been limited to anonymous online postings, but they are indicative of the dilemma faced by China's leadership. The country has undergone a significant military modernization drive, with spending rising by double-digit annual percentage increases for nearly two... (Time.com)
War Game Tested 2 Afghan Troop Boost Plans Oct 27, 2009
Then when the righties take office they UP military spending and lower taxes for the rich guys who are getting the most benefit ... We need to pay for these things somehow and the rich get the most bang for the buck when it comes to military spending. (CBS News -- US)
Reid to announce push for 'public option'... Oct 27, 2009
Reid announces push for public option - Glenn Thrush - POLITICO.com. Reid announces push for public option. (The Drudge Report)
South Korea shifts course on aid to North Korea Oct 26, 2009
North Korea, which battles chronic food shortages due to years of a failed agricultural policies and heavy military spending, made a request to restore rice shipments when it held talks with the South this month on additional reunions of families split after the the 1950-53 Korean War. ID:nSEO293483. (AlertNet)
They want government takeover of health care Oct 25, 2009
Kirk O wrote on Oct 23, 2009 10:01 AM:" To Dave;Thank you for your thoughtful posts. There are no easy answers to the healthcare debate at the moment. The one thing I can say for certain is that cursory examination of any of the issues is not sufficient for understanding the entire situation. I am not a healthcare professional by any means, but I play one on TV. (Just kidding)I saw the current healthcare debate start out with many positive aspects. I have watched a lot of it die in the... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
LETTER: Stop waging war and provide health care Oct 25, 2009
The U.S. spends more on what it calls "defense" than the next 15 countries combined, and accounts for HALF THE TOTAL MILITARY SPENDING IN THE WORLD. It's the military-industrial complex that's eating this country alive, folks, just as Eisenhower warned us. And for all the trillions they hemorrhage, the Pentagon can't even stop a handful of Saudis armed with box cutters, or keep its anthrax biological weapons from being used on the American people themselves. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
* From empire to liberalism, the hubris remains Oct 24, 2009
The US, meanwhile, has burdened itself with military spending ... The US had beggared itself with military spending. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
New limits include tracking where US military hardware ends up, with warning that aid must not upset `balance of power in region` Oct 24, 2009
The military spending bill would impose new restrictions on how Pakistan gets reimbursed out of a $1. 6 billion fund for logistical and military support of US-led efforts to battle the insurgents. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Mastrangelo: Penny poll shows support for education and health care Oct 23, 2009
That circle graph showed 44 percent of taxes spent on military spending and cost of past wars, with only 3 percent dedicated to science, energy and environment, and 2 ... 44 percent military spending and cost of past wars. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
Tax increases are coming because theyre necesssary Oct 22, 2009
Hef, then if it were me, I d cut Military spending, especially the products the military doesn t want, but the politicians do. But being the Leftie I am, I d keep the social programs at all costs. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
NATO chief calls for perseverance in Afghanistan Oct 22, 2009
Jaroslav Baska, the Slovak defense minister and the host of conference, said his country was waiting on McChrystal's assessment to see what kind of financial impact it will have and underlined that Slovakia was unlikely to increaseits military spending. "The Slovak military budget has been cut by 25 percent in the last year, and we would like to preserve that," he said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Cashing In A (Shrinking) War Dividend Oct 21, 2009
Between 2001 and 2008, federal grant funding for state and local governments lagged behind the 28% growth of the federal budget by 14%, while military spending outpaced federal budget growth with a 41% increase ... In fact, if you want a true measure of whats important to our nation, think of it this way: if you the total 2010 budgets of all those 48 states in deficit, they wont even equal projected U.S. military spending for the same year ... On October 9, 2009, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino... (CBS News)
Taiwan says China continues military build-up Oct 20, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next (Channelnewsasia.com)
Renewable-energy wave hits Hawaii Oct 19, 2009
Energy may be a stealth economic engine for the state, one that has relied on tourism and military spending as its main locomotives. "This is a big opportunity," said Ted Peck, head of the Energy Planning and Policy office, who says he is being approached several times a week by companies exploring setting up shop here. (Honolulu Advertiser)
REBECCA WAGE: Must reduce pork-barrel spending Oct 17, 2009
Funding for earmarks is tacked on to the military spending bill for projects that were not requested by the Pentagon and are not subject to public review or hearing ... In return, the Mississippi Republican earmarked $132 million in special projects that benefitted the University of Southern Mississippi and Raytheon, as well as other earmark recipients, in the current military spending bill, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense ... Including funding that goes to the Energy, Veterans and... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
The Israeli Brand, Craig Smith, Adbusters Oct 17, 2009
Conscription and astronomical military spending project Israels tough guy identity to the world, leading to a dominant perception of violence and aggression. Go figure. (Harper's Magazine)
Cash-strapped US faces choice - guns or gurneys? Oct 16, 2009
If he does - and begins to rapidly draw down the Afghan War as part of an overall reduction in military spending - he can rescue his own Great Society ambitions, secure himself a second term of office, and acquire an enduring legacy as the first president to resolve the guns vs. butter dilemma in the only sustainable way possible. The budget numbers require some hard decisions. (Juneau Empire)
Iraq Cabinet approves $67 billion budget for 2010 Oct 15, 2009
With the U.S. no longer in a position to finance an Iraqi budget shortfall, the government has imposed a hiring freeze and limited its military spending. Al-Dabbagh said government cutbacks also were expected to be made next year. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Russia warns on spending Oct 12, 2009
But opponents want to continue military spending and other investment. Mr Kudrin's comments came as Russia's economy shrank by 9. (BBC News -- Business)
Selective Deficit Disorder Oct 11, 2009
Where are the demands for fiscal sanity when military spending gets half the annual tax money. They were nowhere to be heard because they are only selectively worried about deficit spending. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Our opinion: The Senate Oct 11, 2009
Voting for wasteful military spending is as foolish as voting for wasteful social program spending and the senators who refused to look at the big picture should be held accountable at the polls. To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Costa Rica's President: It's Not Easy Staying Green Oct 11, 2009
Arias was one of five keynote speakers to address the U.N. Climate Change Summit on Sept. 22, calling on the world to shift military spending to fight global warming to "save our species from the real enemy.". But while Arias wins kudos abroad, many Ticos at home are starting to question whether the President is a real friend of their eco-image and the carbon-neutral campaign. (Time.com)
Australia doubles aid package for Pakistan Oct 10, 2009
The Government has pledged $650 million for development assistance over the next four years in the two countries, on top of military spending and assistance. Last month the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, said Australia was doubling its military training to the Pakistani Army. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Westby of Southbury Joining GOP Run for Fifth District Oct 9, 2009
However, the late Theodore White, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Making Of The President" series and a Bridgewater resident, said in a 1982 interview that the policies enacted by Mr. Reagan were "Zen economics," since they sought to lower taxes, increase military spending and balance the budget simultaneously. U.S. Sen. (Litchfield County Times, CT)
Great recession creating a stronger China Oct 9, 2009
Its military spending is the world's second-highest, behind that of the United States. "China is very likely to be the second-most-powerful country if it isn't now, then within a decade," says Kenneth Lieberthal, director of the Brookings Institution's John L. Thornton China Center in Washington. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Senators approve militia pay for Alaska WWII veterans Oct 7, 2009
TERRITORIAL GUARD: Measure passed within military spending bill ... WASHINGTON -- A military spending bill passed the U.S. Senate Tuesday with a provision intact that would pay the pensions of about two dozen elderly members of the World War II-era Alaska Territorial Guard ... The White House last month had expressed disapproval of the pensions; the administration's comments were part of a strongly worded message to Congress outlining a number of other presidential priorities or concerns about... (Anchorage Daily News)
Senate OKs $207M in Hawaii military spending Oct 7, 2009
for free extra services. Subscribe to Pacific Business News. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Jobs vs. bottom line in mega military project Oct 6, 2009
Tight budgets, tough talksEven though the Abercrombie proposal can be cast as stimulus money, it would add to costs at a time when the U.S. is struggling to contain military spending while fighting two foreign wars and contending with growing demand for veterans services. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the wage hike would drive up the Guam project by about $10 billion. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Hawaii's Sen. Inouye defends earmarks for his home state Oct 5, 2009
That was especially evident in the last week during debate over a $636 billion military spending bill flush with money for Hawai'i. In the defense bill alone, Inouye has 31 earmarks worth $178 million, and four earmarks worth $28. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Ten Stock Market Myths That Bedevil Investors Oct 5, 2009
Because spending on World War II helped pull the U.S. out of the Great Depression, many people think rising military spending correlates with a rising market. Its often untrue. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Thatcher Ministers Say Cameron Must Push Policies or Risk Stumble in Power Oct 2, 2009
The opposition leader, ahead of Prime Minister in the polls for the last two years, has declined to discuss how hed keep a lid on military spending or wrest back authority from the European Union. He also wont say by how much hed cut Britains , the highest among the Group of 20 nations, or where the ax will fall. (Bloomberg -- UK)
the 1990s as history Oct 2, 2009
Both parties routinely claim to be in favor a strong defense, but neither party admits that much military spending is all about jobs and profits and has little to do with defending America. The cost of this bloated system is also disguised. (Harper's Magazine)
Iran Talks Conclude with Cautious Optimism Oct 2, 2009
Military spending is an excellent way to bankrupt an economy ... Military spending is an excellent way to bankrupt an economy. (CBS News)
Marching to world domination... Oct 2, 2009
Like so many aggressively modernising regimes before them - Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union spring to mind - the Chinese leadership clearly equate economic progress with military spending ... Imagine that China's Communist leadership, buoyed by decades of military spending, decide to celebrate their 90th anniversary by reabsorbing Taiwan and 'settling' their border disputes once and for all. (The Drudge Report)
China in statistics Oct 1, 2009
China: 60 years in facts and figures. In the 60 years since Mao Zedong proclaimed the Communist state, the People's Republic of China has seen more changes than almost anywhere else on Earth. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
US: Iraq Budget Shortfall Poses Security Challenge Oct 1, 2009
This year's budget constraints forced Iraqi defense officials to impose a hiring freeze and limit its military spending. Iraq has still not purchased navy ships and patrol planes it requires. (CBS News -- World)
Defense Bill Includes Billions in Earmarks Sep 30, 2009
In total, the spending bill for 2010 includes $132 million for Cochran's campaign donors, helping to make him the sponsor of more earmarked military spending than any other senator this year, according to an analysis by the nonprofit group Taxpayers for Common Sense. Cochran says his proposals are based only on "national security interests," not campaign cash. (CBS News -- US)
Liberal Lies About National Health Care, Part 5 Sep 30, 2009
Republicans won a landslide election in 1994 based largely on the "Contract With America," which, according to the Times, promised "tax cuts, more military spending and a balanced-budget amendment." Far from complaining about Clinton incompetently failing to pass health care, the Times reported that Republicans were "unabashedly claiming credit for tying Congress up in knots.". These claims were immediately followed by. (Human Events Online)
Is General Petraeus Losing Hope? Sep 26, 2009
To quote Gregg Easterbrook: Turning to the United States Constitution, George W. Bush said in Washington in 2007, "I don't think Congress ought to be running the war." The Founding Fathers said in Philadelphia in 1789, "The Congress shall have the power to ... declare war, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water." The founders were quite clear that they wanted Congress running wars, among other things declaring only Congress could approve funds... (Slate)
Territorial Guard pensions draw heat Sep 26, 2009
WASHINGTON -- In a strongly worded message to Congress outlining presidential priorities for a military spending bill, the Obama administration said Friday it disapproved of including money for pensions for 26 elderly members of the World War II-era Alaska Territorial Guard ... A Senate military spending bill up for a vote in the Senate allows the former Guard members to count their service as part of active military duty, and it reinstates the pension payments. (Anchorage Daily News)
A New World Order Sep 25, 2009
Obama at Pittsburgh Summit: How the G8 became the G20. Friday, September 25, 2009. (Slate)
Don’t make it mandatory Sep 25, 2009
") Bill Clinton had run as an old-school, moderate Democrat and then, as soon as he got elected, immediately became Che Guevara. (What is it with all our black presidents and these bait-and-switch tactics?) Instead of pursuing "mend it, don't end it" on welfare and no "middle-class tax hike" -- as Clinton promised during the campaign -- he raised taxes, signed ridiculous gun restrictions into law, enacted "midnight basketball" as the solution to urban crime, announced that he was putting gays in... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Obama: U.S. Can't Fix the World Alone Sep 24, 2009
" - James Madison, Political Observations, 1795 by dragon8me September 23, 2009 9:03 AM EDT Global distribution of military expenditure in 2008 U.S. 41.5% China 5.8% France 4.5% U.K. 4.5% Russia 4.0% Nest 10 countries combined 21.1% Rest of world 18.6% Total U.S. military budget for fy 2009 - $515.4 Billion. by nubiangent09 September 23, 2009 10:09 AM EDT Great post. by hower4 September 23, 2009 10:31 AM EDT No it's not a great post because it doesn't make any point at all. My point would be... (CBS News -- Early Show)
China says military arsenal comparable with West Sep 22, 2009
9% rise in military spending in its 2009 budget, to $70 ... Many observers say actual Chinese military spending is much higher. (Florida Today)
China Says Military Arsenal On Par With West Sep 22, 2009
9 percent rise in military spending in its 2009 budget, to 480 ... Many observers say actual Chinese military spending is much higher. (Time.com)
‘Racist’ claims defuse word’s power Sep 20, 2009
" Heck, I'm probably old enough to be your daddy, SeniorLady.And yes, I'm aware of the waste in government spending, even without immediately accessing the site you provided. Remember those $750 hammers in the military spending? You did fail to address my premiss, however, SeniorLady: What would Jesus do? What about the poor soul on the side of the road when the good Samaritan came along? Is patriotism totally a thing of economics. Where is the Christianity in this "Christian" nation? I hear a... (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Two local projects escape Senate ax Sep 18, 2009
The lion's share of federal funding -- and Mr. Murtha's earmarks -- is for military spending at the airport for local National Guard and Reserve units. But some of those projects, including an $8. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Lobbyists still run Washington Sep 18, 2009
The president's sprawling legislative agenda -- a healthcare overhaul, financial regulation reform, slashing wasteful military spending, and climate change legislation legislation -- is slowly grinding its way through the halls of Congress. Barack Obama's sheen, his administration's unflagging confidence, and all the bipartisan, post-racial aspirations have been replaced by the hard realities of Washington politicking. (Salon)
A well-oiled influence machine Sep 17, 2009
The president's sprawling legislative agenda - a health-care overhaul, financial regulation reform, slashing wasteful military spending, and climate change legislation legislation - is slowly. grinding its way through the halls of Congress. (Asia Times Online)
Philippines' ruling party names Teodoro as presidential candidate Sep 17, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " Asked about other presidential candidates, he merely said "all of the candidates are formidable opponents. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Where were they then? Sep 17, 2009
he Bush administration is talking about cutting the deficit, but the first item to look at is military spending ... Military spending increase in the U.S. is attributed to the war and to technology upgrades ... The Bush administration is bankrupting our country by creating huge deficits due to military spending and making us debtors to other nations like China. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Raytheon Missile Systems looks to the future Sep 17, 2009
Emerging technologies, which have military and commercial use, are seen as a way to cushion against declines in traditional military spending. "What we're trying to do is figure out what the missile company is going to look like in five or 10 years," said Mike Booen, vice president of advanced missile defense and directed-energy programs. (AZCentral -- Business)
French ship builder eyes Asia naval defence market Sep 17, 2009
Asia will likely account for about 32 percent of global military spending, or $480 billion, by 2016, up from 24 percent in 2007, according to consultancy Frost van. "The epicenter of the defense market is moving from America to Asia," Lassalle said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
US optimistic about China Sep 16, 2009
The United States and leading regional ally Japan have led calls for China to be more transparent about its military spending, which has grown by double-digit percentages annually for the past two decades. Tensions have eased. (iAfrica.com)
Avoid confrontation in Asean Sep 15, 2009
By SUZALIE MOHAMAD, Fellow, Centre of Syariah, Law and Political Science, Ikim (The Star Online, Malaysia)
* Where did East Timors money go? Sep 12, 2009
Its figure excludes more than US$3 billion in military spending by Australia and New Zealand. The rest went to international salaries, overseas procurement, imported supplies, foreign consultants and overseas administration, the institute said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Dems want plan for Afghanistan war Sep 12, 2009
John Murtha, chair of the powerful House Appropriations panel that oversees military spending, described himself as "very nervous" about sending more troops to Afghanistan and cited limited funds to do so. In the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid urged Democrats to resist rushing to judgment. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Democrats’ support of Afghanistan war ebbs Sep 11, 2009
Democratic Representative John P. Murtha, chairman of the House Appropriations panel, which oversees military spending, described himself as very nervous about sending more troops to Afghanistan and cited limited funds to do so. Murtha, a Marine Corps veteran, said yesterday he might support a request if the Obama administration withdraws a significant number of the 130,000 US troops from Iraq in the very near future. (Boston Globe)
Oxendine drives transit debate Sep 10, 2009
Forget military spending, social security and medicare, we need to raise taxes for roads. That sound bite sounds real fine. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Jim Ferlo: a politician with soul of a protester Sep 8, 2009
"They're going to be talking about free trade vs. fair trade, climate change" and military spending. So he's working with academics, labor leaders and environmentalists on a People's Summit the week before the G-20, and a Sept. 23 pro-environment rally in Point State Park, which he hopes will feature former Vice President Al Gore. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
