Mark Small

“The size of the national debt in the United States has almost always been a function of war, including the Cold War.” Harvard Business School professor Thomas McCraw wrote that in the Winter 1994 issue of The American Scholar, p. 50. 1/12

To say “elephant in the room” usually means an obvious, significant issue that all choose to ignore. In regard to GOP candidates in the May 5 primary for U.S. House in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District, the GOP mascot is an interesting touch. 2/12

One of my opponents, Kent Abernathy says NATIONAL DEFENSE is 1st priority of Fed gov’t & we have 2 make responsible choices in spending defense $$$ but implies our record budget deficits R due 2 State & local gov’ts that don’t live w/in their means 3/12

Another opponent, Andrew Bales, decries our nat’l debt of $23 Trillion: we have “hocked the future of our children, grandchildren, and beyond” & suggests we “cut spending on wasteful programs such as billions in aid to other countries, or collect more revenue.” 4/12

From Rev Micah Beckwith’s bellicose comments on Twitter - apparently he liked how dt sent a missile “up the backside” of Iran (although the attack occurred in Iraq) - imply he thinks our military budget is okay. 5/12

“Nurse Beth” Henderson wants to “rebuild our military” - already the largest in the World and in history - and spending “is out of control in Washington.” One may reasonably infer she does not want to cut military spending. 6/12

Once more: Size of USA nat’l debt has almost always been a function of war, including the Cold War, according 2 Harvard Business Sch prof Thomas McCraw, Winter 1994 issue of The American Scholar, p. 50. 7/12

The groups of people who cannot live “within their means” are the defense establishment - not only military leaders, but also military contractors - and very rich people who suck up tax cuts. 8/12