Scrutinizing Defense And Other Public Spending Is Right Thing To Do

  • Friday, May 26, 2017

I saw in the news today where U.S. senators were investigating and scrutinizing an Army "debacle," which has already spent $6 billion on a communications system developed by a defense contractor (WIN-T) that is virtually ineffective in use.  

This is on top of a recent Navy scandal (Fat Leonard Scandal) where several current and former Navy admirals were sentenced to prison for taking bribes from a foreign defense contractor in exchange for favorable contract awards.  

I was recently criticized by a retired Army general for previously asking that the taxpayers be offered an explanation as to the real need for a $54 billion increase in American military spending in the recent Trump budget proposal. Keep in mind, I didn't say I wouldn't support such an increase, just that it needed to be explained to the taxpayers before we add yet another $54 billion to American defense spending and end up cutting other essential services and/or adding more to the national debt. I said I hoped Congress asked some tough questions and closely examined the numbers to determine exactly why $1,023 billion in combined allied military spending is not enough to sufficiently confront $232 billion in spending from our three potential enemies in the top 15 military spending countries in the world.

The above Army and Navy scandals serve as very good examples as to exactly why this type of scrutiny is warranted. If the above examples are not "fake news," it certainly appears the Army has wasted $6 billion in taxpayer dollars for a communications system that doesn't work and certain Navy admirals were sentenced to prison for taking bribes from foreign defense contractors in exchange for favorable contract awards causing huge amounts of taxpayer money to be spent that may not have been in our best national interest. Makes one wonder if there are other ways to save money in our current defense budget and get more bang for our buck without increasing spending another $54 billion. 

I would rather have seen this wasted money be used to give the soldier in the field a better salary than see it wasted on padding a defense contractor's pocket for ineffective systems and favorable contract awarding based on bribes. This is exactly the kind of stuff Eisenhower warned about with the Military Industrial Complex and why proper scrutiny and close oversight is always needed.  

And before I'm criticized again by this retired general for supposedly not having served the country, I would note I have served both the nation and my community for many years in federal, state and local positions that repeatedly required me to risk my life in service to others. So, I don't consider it out of place for me, or for that matter anyone else, whether they have served in the country in a formal position or not, to exercise free speech and question the best use of taxpayer money when it comes to protecting the nation and in service to others. Especially, when we see certain people are taking bribes and some contractors are taking taxpayer money and not providing workable defense systems as they were paid to do.  

I appreciate the Justice Department and the Senate getting on top of these situations and holding people accountable.  I am also a big supporter of our nation's military and always want us to have the best in the world.  

Tim Gobble


Latest Headlines
Opinion
Democratic View On Top State Senate Issues - March 18, 2024
  • 3/18/2024

Campbell bill seeks to save lives by studying suicide trends in Tennessee 3 p.m. Senate Regular Calendar — SB 1787 , by Sen. Heidi Campbell, would require state health officials to produce ... more

The Odor Of Mendacity - And Response (2)
  • 3/16/2024

The Fulton County judge, Scott McAfee, overseeing the Fani Willis prosecution of Donald Trump and eighteen other defendants has spoken. In response to a motion by defendants to remove Willis ... more

Capitol Report From State Rep. Greg Vital For March 15
  • 3/15/2024

General Assembly confirms new Tennessee State Supreme Justice Members of the General Assembly confirmed the appointment of Mary L. Wagner to the Tennessee Supreme Court in a joint session ... more