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I don't think weapons sales are a component of the federal deficit. As far as I understand it the sales are vetted/approved by the government but the actual tra
by gwright 9y ago
I don't think weapons sales are a component of the federal deficit. As far as I understand it the sales are vetted/approved by the government but the actual transaction is between the manufacturer and the foreign government (Saudi Arabia in your example).
Not trying to take a stance on selling weapons to anyone or to Saudi Arabia in particular or to bomb Yemen in particular, just trying to point out that weapon sales aren't the source of US federal deficits.
- EGreg 9y agoYou're right, that's a separate moral issue. But as far as expenditures on NATO and the 800 bases around the world with all their stores that's what contributes a lot to the deficit.
- gwright 9y agoAgreed, providing a national defense for our allies is expensive and our allies have taken advantage of our defense umbrella. Spending more on social welfare programs is a lot easier if someone else is paying for your national defense.