BigRob, et al,
To an extend I agree.
(COMMENT)
We are not bankrupt (agreed!). But we have damaged the economy.
(COMMENT)
You are, in my estimation, correct in that the War costs are not the problem, but a contributing factor. The part that is often missed in these discussion is that a vast majority of domestic spending programs recirculates into the local economy. A vast majority of War costs, nation building, foreign aid and military support do not.
The US is not going to derive any added protection or political support, commerce or industry from either Iran or Afghanistan --- and if it comes to it Iran. We derive absolutely nothing as a return on our investment. In fact, our intervention in the Region has raised the cost of living.
Now do I suggest that these Middle East/Persian Gulf interventions drove the US into bankruptcy? No. But these wars diverted our attention from rebuilding America -- and that means jobs. Jobs means more revenue. And an improved infrastructure mean a more competitive America in the market place. Remember, we are the nation that went from putting a man on the moon - to having our astronauts hitchhiking into space (with all that implies in our development of commercially exploitable technologies and our ability to teach and groom the next generation of scientists). These wars are a contributing factor that has cost America more than just dollars.
Are the Wars the only cause. Hell no! But they are a significant contributing factor in the decline of America, its prestige, and its economic strength.
Most Respectfully,
R
