The Cost of Security and Freedom

Since 9-11, the United States has re-focused its energies toward national security. The Department of Homeland Security was established in part to facilitate greater control and communication amongst various federal agencies. Of course, appropriations for the purposes of national defense have increased sharply in the last several years.

Americans are more than willing to bear the costs of these programs. As John F. Kennedy said during his inauguration speech, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” Europeans in general (and Germans in particular) seem more willing to fight for free university education (see previous post) than for “freedom” itself.

A recent article in Der Spiegel, by Georg Mascolo ridiculed the massive amount of money that America spends on security and defense. He also made a keen connection to the “lucrative business of security.” Clearly this is intended to continue the anti-capitalism focus in Germany.

The business of fear in the United States of America has been booming ever since September 11, 2001 and the price tag for the protective cordon of high-tech gadgetry intended to keep the US safe from more terrorist attacks is enormous. Devices designed to detect nuclear material in shipping containers will cost the US government $300 million. The budget for the American Shield Initiative, a plan that calls for monitoring the country's borders with sensors or drones, comes at the hefty price of $2.5 billion. A further $10 billion is budgeted for a new computer system designed to monitor visitors, while outfitting all 6,800 aircraft in US commercial aviation with anti-missile systems will cost about the same amount. The total 2005 Homeland Security budget weighs in at a whopping $50 billion -- roughly equivalent to the gross national product of New Zealand.

Germany’ defense spending has been at or less than 1.5% of GDP for the last several years, and the Schroeder government has made regular cuts in this area of spending since gaining control of parliament. At one point during the Clinton administration, Germany’s level of spending in this area was less than all other NATO member nations with the exception of Luxembourg. By comparison, defense spending in the US has been in excess of 4% for years.

How can Joschka Fischer seriously expect the American government to be enthusiastic about their plans for a permanent seat on the UN "Security" Council?