As we approach the next year, we face challenging decisions that will require us to reevaluate our approach to budgeting and national strategy. The Department of Defense budget this year was 3.5% of our GDP, while the State Department/USAID budget was only 0.234%. This significant discrepancy, coupled with the Pentagon’s inability to provide a clean audit, highlights the need for a shift in our allocation of funds.
While strength is crucial for maintaining peace, it is not the only tool we need. Diplomacy and foreign aid are equally important, especially in a rapidly changing world where collaboration is essential for survival. Relying solely on state-sponsored violence as a last resort is not sustainable and will only lead to an unsustainable cycle of conflict and war.
Senators King and Collins have made significant contributions to Maine and the country, but their true legacy should be focused on creating security without relying on nuclear intimidation. The current strategy has compromised our readiness, with the DOD budget nearly equaling our national debt. Funds need to be allocated more wisely to address issues such as life expectancy, maternal and infant mortality rates, youth development, and climate change. It is imperative that we align our national strategy with our values and safety, moving away from adversarial relationships and an economy rooted in war.
Deborah de Rivera of Brunswick speaks out about the need for a reevaluation of our nation’s strategy to prioritize values and safety over conflict and militarization.
In conclusion, as we prepare for the next year’s challenges, it is critical that we take a step back and evaluate how we allocate funds towards defense and diplomacy. We must move away from relying solely on military strength and invest in diplomatic solutions that prioritize values such as cooperation, collaboration, peacekeeping efforts rather than conflict resolution through state-sponsored violence or nuclear intimidation.
