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# Casualties of war
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/casualties-of-war-editor/
- Published: 2008-05-14T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:36:23.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Ron Lowe Santa Monica A great interview Editor:*

It’s still all about the war and the devastating effects it is having on the U.S. economy. Are the force-fed wars in Afghanistan and Iraq really making Americans any safer at home?

Would it surprise you to know that 42.2 percent of every federal tax dollar last year went to military spending? This figure includes 28.7 percent for current military and war spending; 10 percent for interest on military debt and 3.5 percent for veterans’ benefits.

In contrast, we spend just 8.7 percent to combat poverty, 4.4 percent on education, and 2.6 percent on the environment, energy and science programs.

The military industrial-complex has got a hold of our wallets and its negative message is warping American ideals and priorities. Resources are being wasted while needs go wanting.

And, if this isn’t bad enough, John McCain wants to “stay the course” if elected president.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 14, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/051408.pdf?ref=smdp.com)