I think its just become another way for the European nations (excluding the UK) to mooch of our military and waste their tax dollars on over-the-top socialist programs.
I agree. The UK, France, and the US spend so much on their military so other nations that refuse to do something about it can enjoy great welfare than us. It's no wonder why Europeans talk about how great their welfare is when in fact most of their politicians refuse to budget up their military spending so they could use their money on their own welfare UNDER OUR AMERICAN TAXPAYERS EXPENSE. NATO should be disbanded after USSR downfall in 1991. I don't see what we still have a military presence In Europe.
To anyone that disagrees with Gates and talks about him being biased: If any of you guys actually listens to his previous speeches, you would know that this guy criticizes what ever he believes is wrong, no bias. And it is true what he says, some NATO countries don't do half the work other countries do. Its not fair. Its like going on welfare but not working and not trying to work.
Some European countries are prospering, and not contributing as much (per capita wise of course) and a country like the US, UK, and France who are struggling and still giving. The world bags on us for being war mongerers and when it comes down to it, we do all the dirty work other countries don't want to do(Vietnam, Serbia, Iraq, Gulf war), and then gets criticized for fighting it and portrays us as being the bad guy.
I completely agreed. Pull out our troops and let Europeans help themselves. Let them do they want. It's save time and money.
Europe should be grateful we saved their a** in WW2 and this is what we get.
Think about it. America’s first responsibility is American security. That has been the objective of our proactive foreign policy since the end of WW II, and it is still (reluctantly) our foreign policy today. Slamming a lid on potential trouble spots is more efficient before they get out of hand then it is having to gear up and fight a major World War (on the scale of WW I or WW II) because we ignored the problem when it could have been dealt with early. Yeah, that means we step on people’s toes on occasion and offend someone no matter what we do. But it is a cheap price in comparison to finding ourselves sucked into World War III when we had no input into how it came about.
Even if you stay out of other's people business, you cannot ignored the world's problem.
Remember Hitler and Emperor Hirohito's buildup in the 1930s and the world knows about their war atrocities, but guess what democracies failed to act on that threat which resulted the Germany invasion of Poland and the deaths of 90 million people world-wide in a major war, the rest is history.
In today's world, it does not work. You cannot ignore the world's problem.
No but NATO needs to step up and not half *** everything. Don't get me wrong I thank every contribution to the war. But, some countries are not even following basic rules like 2% of GDP should be spent on military. I think a lot of European Countries are doing the BARE minimum to look like they are helping and not leaving us on our own. But I thank everyone country ... Love from America.
Absolutely not. We basically get access to Europe soldiers for free since the US is leader and top contributor. If anyone says, we don't want to fight, we say "ok! I guess we'll find some other alliance to go to." Europe doesn't want that, so they jump on our bandwagon and BAM we get free troops plus international political support. We also don't waste any more money than we already do.
Yes I do... At least have the US & Canada leave it as both France and Britain keep dragging us into their Wars that only protect their "Big Business" interests... Then pull their troops out leaving us to die for them...
Enough BS...Is Enough...
Strongly suggest that you read... "War Is A Racket" by USMC GEN Butler 1935