In today’s world, where American presidents often talk about having the best military and huge budgets for wars have become routine, it’s crucial to consider a less-discussed fact: cutting down on military spending would actually improve US national security.
Why? Because true national security isn’t just about having a strong military. It’s also about having a thriving economy, accessible healthcare, education, housing, and other essential aspects of life. It’s about having a government that listens to and supports its citizens in need. And it’s about upholding international law and human rights rather than relying solely on military might.
It’s time for America to stop focusing solely on military power and face its real problems. We need to prioritize peace over constant preparation for war. Yet, despite their disagreements, politicians in Washington seem to agree on pouring excessive funds into the military-industrial complex.
US Military (Credits: US Military)
Back in 1963, Senator George McGovern highlighted the need for a new approach to American security. He argued that cutting the Pentagon’s budget by 10% wouldn’t compromise national security but would actually enhance it. He criticized the massive spending on nuclear weapons, questioning the need for more when the US already had more than enough to destroy any potential enemy several times over.
McGovern saw that excessive military spending was draining resources from other vital areas like education and healthcare, weakening the economy, and burdening future generations with debt. He proposed investing in domestic priorities instead of pouring money into weapons of mass destruction.
His vision was supported by fellow senators who recognized the need to reinvest in America’s people and infrastructure. They saw that a bloated military budget didn’t equate to sound security policy and called for more scrutiny over Pentagon spending.
However, over the years, the US has veered further away from McGovern’s vision. Instead of prioritizing peace and investing in our own country, leaders have embraced endless wars and escalating military budgets. Today, both Republicans and Democrats boast about pouring billions into weapons systems, claiming it creates jobs and strengthens national security.
But McGovern knew better. He understood that building weapons wasn’t a sustainable way to build the economy and that excessive reliance on arms only hindered opportunities for peace. His calls for a more peaceful future were echoed by President Kennedy, who warned against the dangers of perpetual war.
Unfortunately, the dream of peace has faded in today’s world of perpetual conflict. But it’s not too late to change course. We need to reject the notion that endless war is necessary for national security and prioritize diplomacy and peacebuilding instead. The real threat to our security isn’t foreign powers—it’s the unchecked militarization that undermines our values and drains our resources.
In memory of George McGovern and his vision for a more peaceful world, we must demand an end to the cycle of war and embrace a future built on cooperation, not conflict.
