Maggie's Farm

The preamble to the Constitution lists several reasons for it, including providing for the common defense. It is the only one listed for which the federal government is uniquely essential.

Yet, while our defense expenditures are already being heavily trimmed, it is likely that they will be virtually gutted. Fifty percent of the budget cuts are supposed to come from 20% of our federal spending. Meanwhile, the threats abroad have not only not receded but are growing.

It is disgraceful that the Republican candidates for the nomination didn’t get into this, while spending two hours repeating clichés and arguing how much wall to have along the Mexican border. Yes, the domestic issues are pressing and very important, but to ignore the global threats, the denuding of our military capabilities, the added burdens on our already heavily burdened volunteers, and our responsibilities to defense is deplorable.

Read about what the Republican Chair of the House Armed Services Committee has to say. A sample:

I am afraid that once again, we are sliding back to a place we pledged never to return to, and are repeating the mistakes of a September 10th America. As we begin to emerge from a long, tough fight, this should be the time to reset and rebuild our military. Instead, we are lowering our gloves. At a time when our military is falling into disrepair, we have laid out over half a trillion dollars in projected cuts to Pentagon spending. I cannot understate how dangerous these defense cuts have become.

 

Apparently, the Republicans vying for the nomination can understate, indeed ignore it. I’m not feeling safer tonight.

Added: At the Washington Post, A pathetic discussion on national security

And, Jennifer Rubin, also at the Washington Post called the debate A foreign policy horror show : "It’s time to figure out if any of these guys and gal are up to the job of commander in chief."

Jonathan Tobin chimes in at Commentary's Contentions blog, The GOPs Foreign Policy Void: "...the Republicans are in danger of throwing away one of their party’s greatest strengths."