SHODANs_insect t1_j065qcg wrote on December 14, 2022 at 10:14 AM

Reply to comment by never_rains in [OC] World collective security arrangements for the United States, China, and Russia, with each's share of world GDP. by MST3KTFCCTRT

>When it is the whole continent of Europe getting a free ride on US defense spending it becomes a problem.

What's the problem, exactly?

Because a moment ago it was that European nations could afford universal healthcare and generous welfare. The US can currently afford the same but chooses not to.

Are you moving the goalposts to another problem?

SHODANs_insect t1_j064mdk wrote on December 14, 2022 at 9:58 AM

Reply to comment by MyaheeMyastone in [OC] World collective security arrangements for the United States, China, and Russia, with each's share of world GDP. by MST3KTFCCTRT

That doesn't necessarily mean much, though. There are states in the US that are bigger recipients of federal funds than contributors of federal funds. There are many ways to carve up populations to indicate that some people are getting a free ride.

The disappointing thing about the US is that it has the capacity to retain its current military spending and provide universal healthcare and more generous welfare policies - and it doesn't.