Lynn C. Woolsey: “Last week the cochairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released their draft proposal. I…”

“Last week the cochairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released their draft proposal. I don't agree with all of their recommendations, but I am encouraged to see that they believe wasteful Pentagon spending can and must be a prime target. For years I have been calling for substantial cuts in the kinds of defense systems and programs, many of them left as relics from the Cold War, that are doing absolutely nothing for modern-day military preparedness. The Congressional Progressive Caucus has outlined specific cuts totaling more than $600 billion. I am pleased, for example, that the Commission shares our contempt for the V-22 Osprey, which has been notorious for cost overruns as well as safety problems that have led to the accidental deaths of 30 servicemembers; billions of dollars over budget for a weapons system that is killing our own people. Not a good deal. Not a good deal for the taxpayers, to say the least. Likewise, I am inclined to support the Commission's proposal to eliminate one-third of overseas military bases, and I agree that it is time to pull the plug on the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, which breaks down every 8 hours on average and doesn't steer well in water. On the other hand, I don't agree with the Commission that any kind of salary freeze is the way to go.”