How about some honesty in numbers here?

First off, I am not sure how you equate NATO military support to fostering developing countries. The majority of ‘top 10 developed countries’ are NATO members, and most NATO members are in the top 30 developed nations in the world.

It is true to state that our presence has a positive economic impact on the economies. Firstly, those European countries with US presence do not need to be so concerned with national defense spending- but given the current mentality of mainland Europe, I find it dubious that they would significantly boost defense spending even if they had no US presence. Secondly, it is true that there is mild economic stimulus from the monies the soldiers spend and lease arrangements with the foreign governments. However, that economic effect is now much more marginal than it used to be back in the 50,s and 60s, where the economy of many European nations had to be followed by the comment “such as it is” or surrounded by scare quotes.

So it’s a fallacious claim bordering on a lie to loop those monies in with ‘development aid’. Check the numbers out yourself….

Our total US budget for foreign aid amounts to about 11 billion with a little after the decimal. That adds up to about 15 stealth bombers a year. Of that 11 billion, much of it actually goes to our WELL DEVELOPED allies around the globe. 12 percent (since the mid 40’s), for example goes to Israel. You don't like the source? The numbers chek out elsewhere.

So Europe outspends us by FAR when it comes to aid to developing nations. AND, they don’t play hide-and-go-seek with the numbers like our government is so keen to do.

A fact is a fact. The richest nation, full of charitable christians, is outspent by the confederacy of the mediocre and self-absorbed.... What a joke.

Davin