Costs of militarism

This presentation will examine the continued societal costs of U.S. militarism. The direct and indirect costs of preparing for, and waging war is reflected in persistent distorted budgetary priorities that have significantly contributed to the decimation of basic social and public health programs, particularly notable at a time of major domestic and global economic collapse. In addition, while being a major cause of environmental pollution, ongoing Pentagon and Department of Energy budgets and programs rationalized as providing “national security” dwarf the inadequate outlays for addressing the critical issues of “climate security”. A major shift in thinking and priorities is needed to deal with the truly critical problems facing the U.S. and the world, that would simultaneously unlock the potential of green industries and jobs to lay the foundation for a recovering and viable planet.