Missile defense still gobbling billions every year -- and hungry for more
If we're serious about updating the Pentagon budget, let's start with the most expensive weapons program EVER.
Urge your Representative to deny sending any EXTRA money toward Star Wars. Send a message.

It's been more than 26 years since the U.S. started its effort to produce a "shield that could protect us from nuclear missiles just as a roof protects a family from rain" (President Reagan). Such a cool idea -- kind of like invisibility cloaks and time turners... It didn't take long for it to become clear that the technical barriers were extremely significant and for the whole idea to be called "Star Wars."

However, while we don't fund Harry Potter or R2D2, we do continue to pour money into this idea. In fact, every year (EVERY YEAR), the U.S. takes another $10 billion or so and sends it toward this program. Which has been in the works for 26 years. Which has failed repeatedly. Which has cost at least $120 billion so far.

Now we have some hope that we can change this. Both President Obama and Defense Secretary Gates have recommended that we take measures to trim some elements of the missile defense program. We should not increase funding above the level the Pentagon has recommended.

However, once again, there are those who oppose any efforts to modernize our defense budget. When the House of Representatives considers the annual defense authorization bill (expected inthe next week or so), missile defense proponents will launch amendments that would reverse the modest missile defense cuts.

Urge your Representative to oppose amendments that would ADD funding to missile defense. Send a message.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) a member if the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, made the point quite clearly: “Pointing out the provocative actions of North Korea is going to be a big part of our approach.” Congressman John Boehner (R-OH) recently wrote in the Chicago Tribune: “North Korea's brazen act of aggression should strengthen our resolve for a tougher, smarter national security strategy, one that includes a multilayered missile defense system.”

However, voices of reason do sound. Defense Secretary Gates: “I would just say that the security of the American people and the efficacy of missile defense are not enhanced by continuing to put money into programs that can -- that operate -- in terms of their operational concept are fatally flawed, or research programs that are essentially sinkholes for taxpayer dollars.”

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen added: “Decisions to curtail or eliminate a program were based soley on its relevance and on its execution.”

Even the Pentagon realizes that we have poured enough money into some of the missile defense programs. This is a new age: we should be making smart decisions about our money, our security, our future. NOT following the path built on fear and false promises.

Send a message today.

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