The case for leaving NATO is built on four main points. First, the U. S. federal budget is spiraling out of control with rising public debt that the Federal Reserve can no longer manage. Second, fiscal recovery should begin with cutting the national military budget by at least $500 billion annually. Third, this requires recalling American forces from overseas, closing military bases, and withdrawing from NATO. Fourth, it is necessary to challenge the belief that NATO has ensured peace and security, while in reality, it has turned Washington into a center of war.
The text outlines America’s fiscal problems, noting that the public debt has surged dramatically over the years, with projections indicating it could rise to $62 trillion by the mid-2030s. Current projections underestimate the impact of rising interest rates, suggesting that if yields were to increase, the annual interest expense could skyrocket, leading to a budget crisis. Thus, cutting the defense budget is described as urgent because other major spending areas like Social Security and Medicare are politically protected.
Currently, the national security budget is about $1. 4 trillion, significantly more than it was during the Cold War, despite the absence of a rival superpower after the Soviet Union's collapse. The increase in military spending post-Cold War has continued, even as the perceived threats have diminished. The text argues that the vast military expenditures serve the interests of a military-industrial complex rather than American homeland security.
Historically, America’s military policy shifted due to three major events in 1917, 1949, and 1991, which transitioned the country from avoiding foreign entanglements to maintaining a global military presence. This shift contradicted the founding principles of American governance, which advocated for peace and non-involvement with foreign alliances. The United States had been relatively secure due to its geographic isolation, allowing it to maintain a minimal standing army without the need for overseas bases and alliances.
However, after the U. S. engaged in World War I, a dramatic military buildup followed, but this was reversed post-war with significant demobilization. The text argues that the decision to enter World War I was flawed, driven by President Wilson's desire for influence rather than a genuine military threat to America.
The narrative of military and economic threats led to a misguided foreign policy approach after World War II, with the emergence of the Cold War fueled by fears of communism. Programs like the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan significantly increased U. S. involvement in global affairs, despite limited direct threats to American security.
The articulation of the "domino theory" suggested that the spread of communism must be stopped at all costs, leading to increased military involvement in regions far removed from American interests. The text criticizes this view as overly alarmist and not reflective of any real threats to the U. S.
In conclusion, the text highlights that previous administrations have historically fostered a warfare state, which has diverted resources from other necessities. A return to non-interventionist policies could alleviate financial burdens and refocus America on other pressing social issues.
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/nato-case-get-out-now
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