Caleb's Blog number 8 post

I am going to write my editorial and commentary in response to the editorial authored by Wark, “Actions of America and the world: Just or unjust.”  I agree with some of what is said. However, I think a lot of the facts have been presented in a way that’s misleading. It’s my opinion this blog was written with only the little picture in mind.

                Wark starts off by commenting on how “incredible” it is for the U.S. Army to lose 5.8 billion dollars in eight years. To put this “incredible” figure into perspective it may help to reference a chart on www.globalissues.org.  According to a chart that was published by the U.S. Department of Defense the military has spent a total of 5106 billion dollars since 2006. You should take into account that 5106 billion dollars is representative of the budget of all five branches.  Even with that said I don’t think that’s an unacceptable figure by any means especially considering the circumstances a portion of that money has been spent on.

                Wark also implies that it isn’t a good investment of the U.S. to give funding to countries that have “no love for the United States”.  I don’t think the general opinion among a country’s population toward the U.S should dictate whether or not the U.S. Government provides funding to that particular nation. Generally speaking, there is a major U.S. interest involved when the U.S. is handing over funding to a foreign government.  That’s why it makes no difference whether or not the local populations like Americans or not. The only thing that matters is that the money being spent is helping to protect a U.S. interest abroad.   For the same reason, I think it’s in the best interest of the U.S. to continue to be the UN’s number one contributor.                            

                All things considered, I liked reading the blog it was interesting and thought provoking.