Mark Small

If Mr Abernathy believes we “need to remain committed to the Middle East,” it would be good if he knew what countries comprise Middle East. Otherwise he might expand our forces far beyond that area of the World. 8/24

3) No surprise - Mr. Abernathy on NATIONAL DEFENSE says First priority of federal gov’t is to ensure safety/security of our citizens Must ensure well-trained & well-equipped military but make responsible choices in how we spend defense $ 9/24

Mr Abernathy fails 2 understand: our oversized military engaged constantly makes us less secure. Our undeclared wars have killed many Example: we created security threat fr Iran in early 1950s when we helped overthrow its elected govt 10/24

Constitution: Congress has power to declare war. Const. Art. I, sec. 8. We only should use military force after a declaration of war. We’d kill fewer people, have fewer of our own people killed, and be more secure. 11/24

Our military budget is greater than next 7 biggest and accounts for thirty-seven percent (37%) of the World’s total military expenditures, according to the Peter G. Petersen Foundation. 12/24

We bomb, or attack w/drones, ppl 1/2-way around the World with accuracy of five percent (5%) or less - i.e., 95% is “collateral” damage. No matter the accuracy - or inaccuracy - of our weapons, we kill people. 13/24

4) Mr Abernathy advocates “a responsible annual budget ... one of the core responsibilities of Congress.” He laments that “State and local governments have to live within their means.” 14/24