[grandalf]

If you consider that most of the money collected in taxes is paying for shady military operations in the middle east, I'd say taxes destroy civilization.

[sbov]

20% of federal expenditures are for defense. The oft-sited 50% is discretionary budget, which doesn't include things such as social security, welfare, etc.

[grandalf]

Not to nitpick, but:

- 20% is still the biggest single item in the budget.

- Many military-related expenses are not being paid for at present and will need to be paid for with future taxes.