The Hill News

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

World War I killed 10 million civilians and military personnel (including 116,000 Americans). In the 1930s, America and the world endured the Great Depression and economic conditions that induced America, France, and the United Kingdom to cut defense spending while creating a breeding ground for fascism, Mussolini, Hitler, the Third Reich and Japanese imperialism. America offered a weakened military deterrence. World War II ensued, killing more than 60 million civilians and military personnel (including 416,000 Americans).

For seven decades, America has enjoyed the strongest national defense in world history. Why? Because our economy has been strong enough to pay for it. Because America learned from World War II and the Cold War that, as President Reagan said, “We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness only invites aggression.”  

In August 2011, President Obama d! efeated Congressional conservatives and forced a Budget Control Act compromise that disproportionately hammers defense spending. National defense is 18 percent of total federal spending, yet takes 50 percent of the hit.

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