Jewish Choices Jewish Voices

Our government spends a large percentage of its budget on the military, and many wonder if that is a sign of mixed up priorities. How can we spend so much on resources for building up what is already arguably the world's strongest military force, while there are arguably so many more needy parties on home soil and so many other areas money can be directed toward, such as education, health care, and housing? Do we spend too much on the military, or in this world of ever-present and ever-changing threats, do we need such spending to keep the military prepared? Does our economy rely too much on military spending, and who truly benefits from that spending: the American people, the military, other countries we protect and trade weapons with, or contractors like Halliburton?