Letters: Yes, we can cut defense spending

Re “Budget proposals target Pentagon,” Feb. 25

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s attempt to contain military spending will create a serious fuss. Members of Congress will try to protect their districts’ industries. Hawks will rage over an increased risk of attack.

But will anyone point out that, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in 2012 the United States (population 318 million) accounted for 39% of the entire globe’s military spending. China, the next highest spender (population 1.3 billion) spent 9.5%.

Think of the windfalls America’s reduced military spending could finance: better education, repaired infrastructure, support for research and development and even, for pity’s sake, reduced taxes.

Marvin Klotz

Venice

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