Shocking.
Drastic military retrenchment seems unwise. It would threaten readiness, training and the replacement of aging weapons. Many planes, ships and vehicles are approaching or have passed their planned service lives, says Heritage Foundation defense analyst Mackenzie Eaglen. To take one example: F-18s were designed to fly for 6,000 hours; now, many are headed toward 10,000, she notes.Why can't they fly as long as the B-52s? Crappy military contractors! (Hint: Does it have something to do with the stresses of takeoffs and landing, pressurizing, and un-pressurizing?)
The defense cuts show how, contrary to conventional wisdom, the budget deal reflects liberal preferences.
No, no, NO! They - and the rest of the good, normal, regular people of the US of A were screwed by the Tea Party! Screwed, I tell you!
The liberal agenda came in three parts: First, raise taxes on high-income Americans to limit domestic spending cuts; second, protect the social "safety net," especially Social Security and Medicare; and finally, cut defense spending to spare (again) domestic programs. Liberals got two of three.
The conventional wisdom holds that Republicans, hostage to the Tea Party, prevented a larger and more "balanced" deal by their rejection of any tax increases -- ever. Not so. It's true that Republicans were unbending on taxes and, at times, reckless in their rhetoric. It's also true that, even with sizable spending cuts, tax increases will ultimately be needed to balance the budget. But it's not true that only the right blocked a more comprehensive agreement.
Although Obama said he was willing to trim "entitlements" -- presumably, Social Security and Medicare -- he never laid out specific proposals or sought public support for them. There was more talk than action. Even if Obama had been more aggressive, he probably wouldn't have carried most liberals, who adamantly oppose cuts. They regard Social Security and Medicare as sacrosanct. Not a penny is to be trimmed from benefits.
Not even from my friend's father - 25 years in the Navy, 20 years with the Post Office, and somehow, he is also drawing social security.
This is an extreme, even fanatical stance. Social Security and Medicare do create a safety net for many millions of poor and near-poor retirees. But for millions of wealthier retirees, they are handouts. Liberals' unwillingness to admit and act on this distinction has long stifled meaningful budget debate. This would have doomed a bigger agreement.
Ah, but the new commission - unlike all the other commissions - will actually do something. The One said so!