I'd compare it to hanging around the school bully for protection, because the truly homicidal students won't stop at stuffing you in a locker like he does. Cou

I'd compare it to hanging around the school bully for protection, because the truly homicidal students won't stop at stuffing you in a locker like he does. Could America be better? Of course. Are they better than the alternatives, like spending dramatically more on defense or hoping China plays nice? Mostly to absolutely, depending on who's discussing it.