Roger Merryfield, Midwest Voices Columnist 2008
Whatever your position on the Iraq War, it seems to me that arguing against it because it "hurts the economy" or that the money should be spent on other things is unconvincing.
Not specific to Iraq but in general, if you believe that there can be conditions which justify the use of military force, then monetary considerations pale in comparison when weighed against compelling reasons for taking that type of action.
What exactly is the budget cap for defending freedom? Who wouldn't bankrupt themselves to protect the safety of their family if truly faced with that choice? Oh, there may be someone who would rather repair that nearby dilapidated bridge, but I'm guessing that wouldn't win a majority vote.
And shame on anyone who makes this argument as the result of a political calculation that linking the war to the down economy is an opportunity to take advantage of people's pain. Couldn't that be called "the politics of fear"?
Yep that pathetic little weenie Inter Flop was squeaking again. Millions for social welfare, and not one dime for defense, right Squeakie?