In the News
Proposed Military Budget Increased, Not Decreased
It has been impossible to miss the story of how furious members of Congress are that Defense Secretary Robert Gates has "slashed" the Pentagon's budget. If you didn't actually look at the budget, but just relied upon the stories told by corporate journalists, whose parent companies often have a hand in military contracting, you would think that Gates had... »
A Littoral Waste
Yesterday's announcement by Defense Secretary Robert Gates that production of the Littoral Combat Ship will be increased was a disappointment to those who have followed the ship's production record. Gates said that the manufacturing pace for the ships will be 50 percent faster than at present. That's a problem, because the Littoral Combat Ship has been an example of military... »
Old Bird F-22 Crashes In The Desert
The F-22 Raptor has crashed, yet again. While going through tests, the fighter aircraft got out of the control of its pilot and smashed into the desert ground. The pilot did not survive. This isn't the first time the F-22 has spontaneously crashed and burned. Just a few years ago, all F-22s were grounded after a similar crash.... »
Pentagon Knew Humvees Were Death Traps
Military waste isn't just a matter of dollars and sense. The military also engages in a shocking waste of human lives. According to the USAToday, the Pentagon knew that Humvees would not protect soldiers from roadside bombs in Iraq, and sent soldiers out to die in the vehicles anyway. The article, written by Tom Vanden Brook, reports, "Army... »
Barney Frank Moves Against Military Pork
U.S. Congressman Barney Frank, Democrat from Massachusetts, is making waves by critically examining a part of the federal budget that has been traditionally treated as a sacred cow: The military budget. Representative Frank recently released a two-part plan to cut the annual military budget by 160 billion dollars. In an editorial, Frank explained, "Current plans call for us not... »