LAT: Tank-size $481 billion defense request: But military seeks more

[DeepModem Mom]

Tank-size defense request
Bush is expected to ask for $481 billion. But the military seeks more.
By Peter Spiegel, Times Staff Writer
February 5, 2007

WASHINGTON — When the Bush administration unveils its annual spending request today, it is expected to ask for a defense budget of $481 billion — near historic highs, even when adjusted for inflation.

It will also ask for additional funding for Iraq and Afghanistan, taking the cost of those wars this year to close to $165 billion, and will present estimates for next year's costs that would push war spending above the total cost of the Vietnam War.

But if the military's top officers have their way, today's proposal may be only a precursor to a future of even larger defense budgets.

The chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force are gearing up for a long-term campaign to convince Congress and the public that the growing demands of the Iraq war — plus the administration's aggressive global security ambitions — require tens of billions more each year to meet the nation's defense needs....

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-defense5feb05,0,5576713,full.story?coll=la-home-headlines

[wakeme2008]

1. There is never enough for these pigs

:grr:

[Rosa Luxemburg]

2. what happens if foreign investors pull out?

where is this money coming from? To pass on to our children and grandchildren?

If the money was spent wisely then the citizens of this country wouldn't mind but there is talk at busstops, train stations, around the office coffee pot complaining about these vast amounts.

[caligirl]

3. OHHHH NOOOOO, Must cut entitlement programs NOW! Spent it all in Iraq!

[flamin lib]

4. The Pentagon budget is equal to all other defense spending

world wide. They can't find 25% of what they spend and aren't inclined to look for it. They have lost $2.5 trillion.

Bush gives 'em more.

[Zorra]

5. No. Just GTF out of Iraq now and quit wasting our money and our future. nt