Don’t Forget the Stick

When the operating theory in Washington is that deficit spending on every possible priority is conducive to economic growth, there’s no justification for slamming the brakes on the defense budget. The world hasn’t gotten any less dangerous, a fact to which Capt. Phillips can attest. If we ever tip below the level of capability necessary to enforce a rough global order, we — and the world — will regret it.

Real Clear Politics

I could not have said it better myself, which is why, I suppose, Rich Lowry gets paid for this and I do not. The fact is, we have invested billion into future combat systems and other DoD programs. And while I agree we need to take a closer look at what we are paying for, we need to be careful about gutting R&D that will help us stay ahead of the curve in military technology. I am all for this new Obama policy of taking a less aggressive position in foreign affairs, so long as he holds to Teddy Roosevelt’s philosophy: Talk softly, but carry a big stick.