(Not) Providing for the Common Defense

(Not) Providing for the Common Defense

During the John Adams administration, Americans were offered a chance to bribe their way out of a war. Most responded by chanting, “Millions for defense, not a penny for tribute.”

These days, our political leaders might go for the tribute.

Spending money is easy, when it’s somebody else’s money. Political leaders are throwing hundreds of billions at domestic programs. Much of that money could be considered “tribute,” as it’s directed at big campaign donors such as teachers’ unions and public employees.

Meanwhile, our leaders are cutting back...