There was a ballistic missile defense system test off our island of Kaua’i today.  This defense system was designed to intercept intercontinental warheads aimed at the mainland.  Fortunately today’s test was a success.  I am sure some people can sleep better tonight knowing that now we can shoot down 9 out of 11 warheads aimed at the U.S.  (What should we do about the missing 2 warheads though….?)  However, I am not actually sleeping better because I just found out how much the system cost.

The Department of Defense is spending $10 billion (that is billion with a “b”) per YEAR on the program.  Today’s test cost $50 million, just for one shot of missile.  There was an interview on the news with a “missile defense advocate”, whatever that means.  When asked about the cost, this missile defense advocate smirked and said, “2% of defense budget (which is being spent on the missile defense system) really won’t kill anybody.”  Just hold on a second!  Did he even know how unimaginably enormous our defense budget is?  Hmmm, $10 billion per year means that we can build 5 sets of the former World Trade Center in New York every year!  I am sure that $10 billion can go even farther if used on the domestic agenda like fixing up our public schools, providing elders prescription drugs, helping out the homeless, etc.  A lot of people who would die for many different reasons can be saved by $10 billion in the United States.  A lot of people who don’t get to eat will be able to eat with $10 billion.  And that smirking guy was saying 2% of the defense budget won’t kill anybody?  Give me a break!  It’s my money that you are talking about.  The money that we all paid to the government with trust that they would do something good for all Americans.  I certainly did not sign up for a $50-million missile test or $10-billion-a-year missile research. 

Did you?

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