Military spending is misplaced U. S. Priority
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The Baltimore Sun
Max Obuszewski
04/15/2012
On April 17, I will be protesting war taxes at Baltimore's main post office. I realize that taxes fund many good programs — education, environment and diplomacy. But sadly when 57 percent of the federal budget goes to the Pentagon, the government's priorities are out of touch with the pressing problems facing its citizens.
Instead of investing in a clean energy future and prioritizing human and environmental needs, we are somehow still caught in the outdated and dangerous thinking of the past. The National Priorities Project reports that almost 57 percent of discretionary spending for FY 2013 is proposed to go to our military. This leaves precious little to invest in our real security needs such as safe water, clean air, green jobs, and the health and well-being of our people.
The "Budget for All" plan is a realistic approach that provides a strong vision for the future of our nation. The "Budget for All" incorporates the Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures (SANE) Act. This vital legislation would save $100 billion over the next decade by making prudent cuts to U.S. nuclear weapons spending, bolstering both our economic and national security.
Our current federal budget does not represent my priorities. We can and we must change our budget to reflect the challenges of our time. After all, it is our money.
