Ollie - great analysis. History proclaims - weaken defense and national security; war always follows. The Korean War proves the point. I was a Ready Reserve Naval Officer (also WWII officer) who saw the results of cutting our forces to the bone. I lost a Marine officer and an Army field artilley officer, both close freinds.. Plus, a first cousin -an Army forward observer. Also, a platoon of young Marine Reservists from northern Montana (Cutbank & surrounding area) - wiped out fighting their way south - Marines never retreat. Politicians never learn because most of them have never spilled a drop of their own blood, nor will they. How many of our elected politicains have ever served in the Armed Forces? Damned few!