[throw_this_one]

Imagine a country where you have zero power to elect officials and have no constitution, so you could never have oversight over it.

Oh wait, that’s the system (via China/Russia) that our intelligence agencies are helping protect us against.

[theplague42]

Do you legitimately believe that US intelligence agencies are the bulwark against authoritarian government in the US?

[throw_this_one]

No, I meant they are part of the bulwark against countries like China/Russia taking over the world.

[jessaustin]

This is a seriously nutty belief, that you claim to have. This year the increase in our military spending was bigger than Russia's entire military spending. We could cut our military budget in half and still dwarf China's.

[throw_this_one]

Hah, what is funny is that you think military spending amounts means much at all.

First of all, there’s asymmetrical warfare. Russia’s investment in cyber, hypersonic, etc.

China’s investment in medium range missiles to create access denial for the US in the pacific.

Plus factor in that the US budget is bloated because of these corrupt fat cat defense industry companies, huge waste, etc...

[chishaku]

Given US foreign and economic policy intent on dominating every corner of the planet [0] and the universe [1], could you blame China, Russia, or any other country for doing everything they can to reach parity with the US?

Giving up all your rights in the name of endless wars on everything is a path to a sad ending for the US and the world.

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full-spectrum_dominance

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militarisation_of_space#United...

[jessaustin]

...Russia...China...

Wow their military must be much smarter than ours. Or perhaps they are held responsible for their performance?

...US budget is bloated because of these corrupt fat cat defense industry companies, huge waste, etc...

So... does all of this argue for more or less civilian oversight?

[throw_this_one]

Lol who holds them responsible? Not civilians, I can assure you.

They’re just more nimble because they’re top-down leadership. Not as good at expressing the people’s will, but more nimble at implementing autocratic decisions.

[legerdemain]

Our armed forces are safeguarding Americans from a worldwide foe that could show up anywhere on the globe.

To beat the world, we have to outspend the rest of the world combined on defense.

Perhaps the greatest danger to American defense is insider threats. If the looming danger from insider threats is stark enough, we will absolutely need to find a way to outspend ourselves on defense.

[dontcarethrow2]

This safeguarding is likely what is keeping us in danger. We don't have to pretend we are policing the world anymore, enough time has gone by to be able to say it's mainly modern day imperialism. We can work on our defense on this side of the planet without outlining 'the enemy' with outposts and guns pointed at them for 'our defense'.

[jessaustin]

Obviously GP is ironic and really agrees with you. "Outspend ourselves"? Does this phrase mean anything? Not even the war pigs are this silly.

[DarthGhandi]

From virtually everyone else's perspective the US is the worldwide foe.

Your foreign policy has had horrendous effects on the world for the last 50+ years.

[throw_this_one]

Lol what a trite and uncritical comment.

Yes I’m sure we are the foes of Europe (30 countries), of South Korea, Japan, Philippines, Australia, NZ.

Of Brazil, Mexico, the Carib, Colombia.

Georgia.

The list goes on and on. Countries in our sphere are doing very well. They have democratic governments.

Yes there are some stupid foreign policies I abhor as much as you. So if something is wrong a few times, it’s completely evil? Laughable. Apply that logic to the rest of the world and see what you get.

[asquabventured]

The fewest number of deaths per capita from war that the world has ever seen over a 50 year period?

[Vinnl]

I have zero power to elect officials in both China/Russia and the US...

[mindslight]

PRC and Russia both have constitutions...

[throw_this_one]

And they’re both worth the paper they’re written on, esp PRC. It’s basically a secretive ruling cabal.

[mindslight]

And now you're into subjective territory where it's easy to condemn due to inexperience with their propaganda. I'll point out your own by reminding you that you started off with an assertion that they did not have constitutions at all, as if constitutions are some magic thing that assures freedom.

My suggestion is that it's better to focus on the myths and failings of your own government, as they directly affect you.