The allocation of funds towards the military are not all economically inefficient; it is imperative the politicians begin to scrutinize what actually provides net returns for society and what money is spent frivolously. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq proved to be futile attempts to push American imperialism: “The Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, taken together, will be the most expensive wars in US history – totaling somewhere between $4 to $6 trillion” (Blimer 2013). Davenport’s analysis of World War I: “Not only must the laborer bear a great share of the war burden during the war, but he must face his burden of taxes after the war is finished” (Viner 46), still holds true for the burden of the debt of recent conflicts: “The large sums borrowed
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The enrollment in Veteran medical programs have increased for several reasons: lower fattily rates from critically injured troops, higher rates of post traumatic stress syndrome, and veterans taking advantage of extended medical benefits. By 2010 : “one out of every two veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan has already applied for permanent disability benefits” (Daggett 2010). These severe costs are taking up a rising portion of the military budget, which prevents spending on the benefits of other research and development down by the military. Spending on the Veteran health insurance through TRICARE has risen: “from $18 billion in 2001 to $56 billion in 2013, outpacing the growth rate of other federal health-care programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.” (Blime 2013) and: “pentagon medical spending could rise to 18 percent of the total defense budget by 2017, up from its current 8 percent” (Blime …show more content…
government. Politicians often attempt to gain favor by being tough on enemies of the United States, which could lead to another unnecessary and expensive war that does not directly threaten our national security. Adam Smith theories of motivations for war are even more true today than in the 18th century: “In ancient times the opulent and civilised found it difficult to defend themselves against the poor and barbarous nations. In modern times the poor and barbarous find it difficult to defend themselves against the opulent and civilsed” (Smith 1776). In times of rising debt in the U.S., prudent financial management is more critical than ever and it is in the U.S. best interests to not over extend its international
The enrollment in Veteran medical programs have increased for several reasons: lower fattily rates from critically injured troops, higher rates of post traumatic stress syndrome, and veterans taking advantage of extended medical benefits. By 2010 : “one out of every two veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan has already applied for permanent disability benefits” (Daggett 2010). These severe costs are taking up a rising portion of the military budget, which prevents spending on the benefits of other research and development down by the military. Spending on the Veteran health insurance through TRICARE has risen: “from $18 billion in 2001 to $56 billion in 2013, outpacing the growth rate of other federal health-care programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.” (Blime 2013) and: “pentagon medical spending could rise to 18 percent of the total defense budget by 2017, up from its current 8 percent” (Blime …show more content…
government. Politicians often attempt to gain favor by being tough on enemies of the United States, which could lead to another unnecessary and expensive war that does not directly threaten our national security. Adam Smith theories of motivations for war are even more true today than in the 18th century: “In ancient times the opulent and civilised found it difficult to defend themselves against the poor and barbarous nations. In modern times the poor and barbarous find it difficult to defend themselves against the opulent and civilsed” (Smith 1776). In times of rising debt in the U.S., prudent financial management is more critical than ever and it is in the U.S. best interests to not over extend its international