Defense
The Constitution provides that the defense of the country is the prime responsibility
for the federal government.
It needs to be emphasized, however, that a functional federal government and sufficient energy to support a high standard of living are actually more important than national defense. 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 policeman for the world. The United Nations is not and should not determine our military commitments throughout the world. Iraq and 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, is at war with extremist Moslem terrorists and we are losing the war by the "Death of a Thousand Cuts."
Bob's opinion is extensive and highlights are as follows:
1. America's foreign policy should be based upon free trade among all nations and not upon military intimidation. Do unto other countries as we want other countries to do unto us.
2. 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, and 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. There should not be any military dealings with unfriendly foreign countries.
America should remain committed to the all volunteer armed services.
There should be no use of major military force without a declaration of war by Congress as described in the Constitution.
We should 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.
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.