Monday, March 22, 2010

Obamacare: Reducing America's Military Ability

In this post at National Review Online, Mark Steyn makes a point that could almost get lost in concerns over the monstrous infringement on personal liberties in Obamacare:

(I)t's also unaffordable. That's why one of the first things that middle-rank powers abandon once they go down this road is a global military capability. If you take the view that the U.S. is an imperialist aggressor, congratulations: You can cease worrying. But, if you think that America has been the ultimate guarantor of the post-war global order, it's less cheery. Five years from now, just as in Canada and Europe two generations ago, we'll be getting used to announcements of defense cuts to prop up the unsustainable costs of big government at home. And, as the superpower retrenches, America's enemies will be quick to scent opportunity.

Bill Clinton was at least honest when he admitted he loathed the military, but that sentiment can be attached to virtually every liberal. Barack Obama made no bones about his desire to scale back American hegemony around the world, and burdening successive generations with this debt may be his best way to do it.