Senate to Take Up Military Spending Bill, Judicial Nomination Nov 6, 2009
By Roll Call Staff Nov. 5, 2009, 10:27 p.m.. The Senate will vote Monday on a long-lingering judicial nominee and consider a spending measure funding military construction projects. (Roll Call)
Who ended the Cold War? Nov 5, 2009
Unlike his predecessors, Gorbachev understood that the Soviet Union could never advance economically if it continued to devote 20 percent of gross national product and 40 percent of its deficit-ridden budget to military spending. Reagan s contribution to ending the Cold War was also important - but not in the way conservatives would have us believe. (Boston Globe)
Following the sun Nov 4, 2009
Scienter wrote on Nov 3, 2009 7:01 AM:" We need a boycott of Campbell Scientific. It all starts with name. Don't those Yo Yo's over there realize that this is a faith based community and that we rely on the good lord to provide for our energy needs. Science, as it is used today, is merely a tool to advance the liberal agenda of the global warming hoax.We don't need no stinking solar panels, we need to drill more and what we can't drill we need to buy from the middle east.What Campbell... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
* Books, not bombs: The fight for a better future in the Arab world Nov 4, 2009
Indeed, the cost of a single month of western military spending in Iraq or Afghanistan would be enough to triple total aid for education in the Middle East. The cost of two cruise missiles would build a school, the cost of a Eurofighter a small university. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Senator Hatch: Healthcare reform bills threaten survival of two-party system Nov 3, 2009
Tuesday, November 03, 2009. By Michael O'Brien - 11/02/09 11:15 AM ET. (TheHill.com)
Related: Obama inks defense bill with hate crimes provision Nov 2, 2009
Obama hailed it as a step toward ending needless military spending that he called "an affront to the American people and to our troops.". Still, the president did not win every fiscal fight. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
San Antonio built a coalition to land cyberwarfare command Nov 2, 2009
Instead, the city is hosting the fastest-growing domain of government and military spending: cyberwarfare ... Instead, the city is hosting the fastest-growing domain of government and military spending: cyberwarfare. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
In NYs 23rd, conservatives bag a GOP heretic in Scozzafava Nov 1, 2009
Just like in the real Senate, FlashForwards senators will, even in the face of an unprecedented national crisis, just hold contentious hearings and bitch about where all the money s going, all the while approving trillions in military spending that they barely keep track of. Gov Option Done Deal. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Forum on Monday will focus on defense reform Oct 31, 2009
Contractors to debate strategies for adapting to new reductions in U.S. military spending. by Andrew Johnson - Oct. 30, 2009 04:55 PM The Arizona Republic. (AZCentral -- Business)
Obama signs hate crimes bill into law Oct 30, 2009
At Wednesday's signing, Obama also praised what he called a bipartisan effort to start changing the culture of military spending through the annual appropriations bill. He noted that Gates had worked with congressional leaders to end what Obama called wasteful projects like the F-22 fighter bomber and a new presidential helicopter that would have cost "almost as much as Air Force One.". (CNN)
My turn: When it comes to infrastructure, Juneau fixated on the big picture Oct 30, 2009
It reminds me of military spending during the '70s and '80s. When there isn't a war to fight in which the military brass can obtain greater rank, the only avenue for advancement was to bring in large military spending projects, regardless of need. (Juneau Empire)
US admiral concerned about China military buildup Oct 30, 2009
Donegan's remarks echo the concerns of other U.S. military leaders who say fast growth in China's military spending raises questions as to how Beijing plans on deploying its new power. China has boosted spending by more than 10 percent annually for almost two decades, and the official figure of $71 billion this year is thought by many analysts to represent only a portion of total defense spending. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Boeing's C-17: The Pork Plane Oct 30, 2009
But it's not like military spending is actually going down. At a projected $107 billion for 2010 alone a 5% rise over this year the Pentagon's base budget for planes, ships, missiles, and guns has grown more than 50% since 2000. (BusinessWeek)
Obama signs $680 billion defense bill, says "waste" still remains Oct 29, 2009
Obama signs defense bill, marks military spending transition_English_Xinhua. Obama signs defense bill, marks military spending transition. (Xinhuanet, China)
Upgraded hate-crimes law signed Oct 29, 2009
The hate-crimes measure came as part of other legislation that Obama touted: a crackdown on careless military spending. The $680 billion bill kills some costly military projects, including the F-22 fighter jet program, while expanding war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. (AZCentral -- News)
McCain urges more troops for Afghanistan Oct 29, 2009
The $680 billion bill, which sets guidance that is typically followed by congressional committees that decide appropriations, was hailed by Obama as a step toward ending needless military spending that he called an affront to the American people and to our troops. The measure also expands current hate crimes law to include violence based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. (Boston Globe)
Obama signs defense bill; Hawaii projects to benefit Oct 29, 2009
Obama hailed it as a step toward ending needless military spending that he called "an affront to the American people and to our troops." ... Obama hailed it as a step toward ending needless military spending that he called "an affront to the American people and to our troops.". (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
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 urges China military dialogue Oct 28, 2009
Washington has repeatedly urged China to be more open about its rapidly rising military spending. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Americas)
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)
* Chinese general defends PLAs military spending Oct 28, 2009
Chinese general defends PLAs military spending. NATIONAL SECURITY. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Time to end 'on-again, off-again' US-China ties: US Oct 28, 2009
The United States has repeatedly urged China to be more transparent about its military spending, warning of a shifting balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region that could cause misunderstanding. Gates and Xu discussed diplomacy over Iran and North Korea's nuclear programs, and there was "broad agreement" about the situation in Afghanistan, according to Morrell. (Yahoo! Asia News)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
