The constitution provides that the defense of the country is the prime responsibility
for the federal government.
However, it needs to be emphasized that a functional federal government and sufficient energy to support a high standard of living are actually more important. There is no need to aggressively defend a country that has no effective government and a low standard of living. Please review Bob's issue sections for dysfunctional government and Energy.
America is the strongest and most powerful county in the world this is a good thing that should be maintained. America's recent defense policy has been failing. The US can not and should not be the policemen for the world. The United Nations is not and should not determine our military commitments throughout the world. Iraq an Afghanistan have taught the US that traditional military tactics are not effective and unacceptably costly in personnel and materials.
Make no mistake - America, along with many other countries, are at war with extremist Moslem terrorists and we are losing the war by a death of a thousand cuts.
Bob's opinion is extensive and highlights are as follows.
1/ A Libertarian president can work with the congress to get a constitutionally compliant declaration of war. This declaration will define the enemy and war terms. The president will the execute the war. See Bob's issue item "Dysfunctional Govt" for how Bob can uniquely work with Congress as the Constitution requires.
2/ Iraq will be different in 2009 than today. However, bob will bring home the US troops as orderly as possible to minimize losses to our personnel and equipment. Bob would eliminate the many new US bases being and are constructed in Iraq. Selling these bases to Iraq sounds good to Bob.
We should, however, establish an effective embassy to help and assist the Iraq government and people to act rationally for trade and mutually beneficial concerns.
3/ America's foreign policy should be based on free trade among all nations and not military intimidation. Do unto other countries as we want other countries to do unto us.
4/ Restructure the military to meet current and future needs. Major points
Close most foreign bases. We do not need troops in Japan, Australia, Europe, South Korea, Cuba etc and these bases are unduly expensive.
Focus on defense of America. Reduce drastically or eliminate friendly foreign country defense expenses unless the foreign country pays the US for the expenses and remains friendly. No military dealings with unfriendly foreign countries.
America should remain committed to the all volunteer armed services.
No use of major military force without a declaration of war by Congress as describe in the Constitution.
Spend more for new technology and bring it on line. Consistent with proper defense of America, Bob would reduce the quantity of ordinance and equipment but increase the quality. for example 100 raptor airplanes instead of the 350 as planned would adequately defend us from all enemies.
The above actions would reduce defense spending by about 30% and provide greatly enhanced defense for America. Lower costs would be used to reduce taxes and that would be a good thing.
5/ This issue will be explained in more depth in the near future.
Comments and suggestions welcomed - bob@bobjackson.org