Enlighten me on something..

the drug problem here and the size of our military have zero to do with each other.

 

the US spends about the same on their military as the next 14 highest spending countries combined. if their government was serious about getting the drug trade under control they could easily afford to divert a miniscule portion away from the military to do so.

 

want to fight a war against drug abuse, then start with a war for education.

 

Correct, except when people suggest that we cut defense Spending to combat social and legal issues.

 

True enough , but you need to fund that program , correct ?

 

Actually , Canada didn't send any troops to Iraq because we did not agree there was a justification to go there

Canada sent troops to Afganistan instead at the request of the US

 

yes, but they are not mutually exclusive. Both can exist together.

 

Given budgetary constraints , that may or may not be true , but I agree with your original post

 

Actually, Canada did. I worked with some of them.

Despite Canada's official position to stay out of Iraq, Canada, in fact, was contributing forces. There were about 100 exchange officers involved in technical support roles with the U.S and Britain.
(As well, although not publicly known at the time, the most senior Canadian officer, then brigadier general Walter Natynczyk, the current chief of defence staff, was involved in the planning of the invasion and led 10 brigades consisting of more than 35,000 soldiers in Iraq. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for his efforts.)
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/realitycheck/2008/10/our_own_voice_on_iraq.html

 

I should have stated troops in combat roles , which is what I meant

 

So if you can't use your troop in your own country, why not help Mexico with their drug cartel war? Or columbia?

 

pretty sure we have to get invited into another country to fight a war on their behalf. That is never going to slove the demand side of the problem. As long as that exists, the supply side will find a way to exist.

 

Just as long as trying to fight the demand side wont hurt the supply.

 

We do have specialized Troops in both Mexico and Columbia; however, they have a very limited role. I do not think the American people would support a large scale force deployed for the war on drugs. I should also mention that we have a large force in Afghanistan combating the drug trade, but that is to cut off the funding to terrorist organizations.

I am not sure where you are getting the perception that we (America) are greatly concerned about the drug trade. It was a focus for law enforcement in the late 90s but there are much larger issues that we target today.

Yes drugs are bad and we are concerned about them but the amount of resources that we would spend to combat the issues are better spent on violent crime.

I personally think we should legalize most drugs and refuse to cover any addict with health costs. The real issue with drugs is the related crimes. People committing burglaries, forcing children into prostitution, armed robberies to finance their habit.

As for stopping it. I do not think its realistic to think it will ever be stopped. Everyday we see new drugs that are not illegal but produce the same (and sometimes worse) effects as the real thing.

 

Sorry, but SS and Medicare for retiree's was PAID FOR BY RETIREE'S. Look at your pay stub if you work. You will see where you pay some of EVERY pay check into those programs. I pay into it, and I want it when I retire. It is something I have worked for!!! If those greedy ******* in Washington had done their job correctly, then the program would be solvent.

Now for those getting welfare and medicare/medicaid, well those folks are getting handouts.

 

In a perfect world...

I was at the hospital a few weeks ago, and 5 people came into the trauma center after rolling their truck during a drag race. None of them had seatbelts on, and the driver had been smoking weed. The person I overheard talking didn't have insurance. The taxpayer paid for those rejects. Life isn't fair.

 

Pretty sure Special Operations and Snipers are combat Troops. Yes, I know the article I referenced did not say anything about Special Operations or Snipers, but I also know who I served with.

Its a trivial point regardless and I was simply responding to your comment about no Canadian Troops in Iraq.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/howard-steven-friedman/military-spending-united-states_b_1118851.html

 

ImpulseRed008, yes you paid into SS and Medicare but do you honestly think that the amount you paid in will ever equal the amount you take out on the back end? Look I was simply stating that 41% of the entire US budget is spent on two programs that are not constitutionally required. We are 16 Trillllllllllion dollars in debt. With a "T" and the usual arguments about these wars have bankrupted the country are false. The two wars dont even scratch the surface on the debt.

Saskquatch11, I will not address anything sourced from the huffington post
Here is a better source for you http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/spending.htm

Anyway, so what? Has it not been suggested here that the US send Troops to combat the drug war in Mexico and elsewhere? Yes, we spend a ton on our military. We also have the most advanced military, not the largest. We use rifles that cost ~$500.00 each vs China, Russia, etc. that field a ~$50.00 rifle. BTW, what does Canada use? Oh thats right, you use the C7. The C7 is a Colt M-16 varient manufactured for Colt Canada by Diemaco. Who do you think spent the millions of dollars on research and testing to deliver that fine weapon? crickets chirp.... Yep, America with its huge military spending. I can go on to other weapons, vehicles, tanks, planes, ships but I think you get my point.
So America spends a lot of money on defense spending, we are also the #1 target in the world. The only other country that comes close is Israel and they also benefit from our military spending.
One of the more interesting statistics you should consider is what percent of GDP is spent on defense spending. In fact, that is the figure that you should be most concerned with. The US 5.7%, hell Saudia Arabia spends 10%. In terms of GDP the US is ranked 17.