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- Feb 2, 2008
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There truly is nothing new under the sun
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/29/AR2010072905005.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/29/AR2010072905005.html
The prospect of an exit from Iraq and Afghanistan has sparked rumblings on Capitol Hill that it's time to cut the defense budget. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, says, "I'm pretty certain cuts are coming -- in defense and the whole budget." Defense Secretary Bob Gates is already pushing to cancel some big-ticket programs and to wring savings out of the existing budget.
If there were ever evidence that it's impossible to learn from history -- or at least that it's difficult for politicians to do so -- this is it. Before they rush to cut defense spending, lawmakers should consider the consequences of previous attempts to cash in on a "peace dividend."