well, if you don’t get your way, pout and throw a fit. Take your tank and go home. It is not like the world is looking to you as a moral compass anymore. Since that liar Trump took office, allies are learning they can not rely on us to keep our word anymore.
People seem to forget that many government defense contracts are let either “no bid” or “limited bid” and go to favored contractors, often at inflated prices. While our allies should pay their fair share (and many do), comparing them to what we spend is not fair if we spend too much for the same items.
If you remember, during G. W. Bush’s Iraq war (with Cheney as VP) Cheney’s former company’s subsidiary, Haliburton KBR, vastly over-charged the US government for their support of troops under a no-bid contract. When the over-charges (first one of $160 million dollars for meals not served, sending convoys out and back, empty both ways, etc.) were announced, the company got their no-bid contract extended before they even agreed to pay back the money.
Maybe if we weren’t spending (mostly to contractors) as much on “defense” as the next highest 12-14 nations COMBINED, we could cut at least 30% of our wasted “defense” spending, still defend the homeland, and the world, and afford health care for all and repair of our crumbling infrastructure??
The US not only gives no-bid contracts to favored companies, they are generally “cost plus”. The company says what their costs are and then add profit. There is no incentive to keep costs down.
A couple of years ago the Navy was running a TV ad that said that they protect all of the commerce that is shipped via the ocean. This means that companies outsource to China (or elsewhere) and that the US taxpayer pays for the goods to be protected while shipping to US (and elsewhere).
Frankfreak about 7 years ago
Not all countries have businesses trying to take over the world, needing large military support to enforce their positions.
Mr. Blawt about 7 years ago
well, if you don’t get your way, pout and throw a fit. Take your tank and go home. It is not like the world is looking to you as a moral compass anymore. Since that liar Trump took office, allies are learning they can not rely on us to keep our word anymore.
RAGs about 7 years ago
People seem to forget that many government defense contracts are let either “no bid” or “limited bid” and go to favored contractors, often at inflated prices. While our allies should pay their fair share (and many do), comparing them to what we spend is not fair if we spend too much for the same items.
If you remember, during G. W. Bush’s Iraq war (with Cheney as VP) Cheney’s former company’s subsidiary, Haliburton KBR, vastly over-charged the US government for their support of troops under a no-bid contract. When the over-charges (first one of $160 million dollars for meals not served, sending convoys out and back, empty both ways, etc.) were announced, the company got their no-bid contract extended before they even agreed to pay back the money.
Fair is fair, except when it is not.
Dtroutma about 7 years ago
Maybe if we weren’t spending (mostly to contractors) as much on “defense” as the next highest 12-14 nations COMBINED, we could cut at least 30% of our wasted “defense” spending, still defend the homeland, and the world, and afford health care for all and repair of our crumbling infrastructure??
DrDon1 about 7 years ago
Benson probably thinks that more money should be spent on weapons! Education, health care, not so much!
Nantucket Premium Member about 7 years ago
The US not only gives no-bid contracts to favored companies, they are generally “cost plus”. The company says what their costs are and then add profit. There is no incentive to keep costs down.
Nantucket Premium Member about 7 years ago
A couple of years ago the Navy was running a TV ad that said that they protect all of the commerce that is shipped via the ocean. This means that companies outsource to China (or elsewhere) and that the US taxpayer pays for the goods to be protected while shipping to US (and elsewhere).
johnnytiggs about 7 years ago
Tight fit huh Sergeant Sweetie:)
DrDon1 about 7 years ago
Right now, the U.S.A. is the biggest exporter of military arms. So, is the “new Jobs program” that dependent on increasing arms sales?
wiatr about 7 years ago
Now she’s a military authority!