Mark Small

What happened on 9/11 was awful. Terrorism never is justified. Despotism tends to create terrorists. 11/22

A frequent response to criticism of U.S. military incursions is outrage that one would question what our troops do. That’s not the point. After U.S. political leaders have fed us lies, we have watched troops sent to places to kill or be killed. 12/22

Here in the USA fewer options for higher education exist. The military is the only recourse for some. And now we know a role this administration views as appropriate for our military: guns for hire. 13/22

So please spare me the red-white-and-blue “freedom” and “democracy.” We need to stop this militaristic state. A Republican President - and former five-star General - Dwight D. Eisenhower warned about the military-industrial complex. 14/22

To be more secure we need to STOP KILLING PEOPLE! Cuts in defense expenditures will make us more secure. People do not like bullies who kill indiscriminately. 15/22

As I noted a couple of days ago, other GOP candidates for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District favor a bloated military. Kent Abernathy wants to “honor our veterans” and “support our military.” Beth Henderson wants to “rebuild our military.” 16/22

We spend more money on weaponry and military personnel than the next seven biggest spenders and thirty-seven percent (37%) of the World’s total military expenditures. How do we “rebuild” - nuke everyone & build from the ashes? 17/22

The best way to help our veterans is to stop creating veterans, and fund programs for job training and housing from funds available from slashing the astronomical budget for the military. 18/22