Why do we continue to SPEND MILLIONS on nation building in Iraq and Afghanistan?

[Rosa Luxemburg]

It's as though there are two federal governments in the USA. One government for us where Medicare and social security is destined for cutting and there is another government which allows unlimited spending of taxpayers' money to fund private contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan and other countries. Which government did we vote in? As taxpayers we would like to know how much we are still spending on these countries and for what purpose?

http://articles.philly.com/2013-04-01/news/38165576_1_wartime-contracting-kbr-iraq-work

[msongs]

1. because we spent trillions murdering their people and wrecking their countries? nt

[SamKnause]

2. Why

The MIC, Wall Street and the war profiteers are a perfect menage a trois.

They have bled the 99% dry.

They control the budget for the U.S.

They control the commodities market and prices.

They control the markets for laundering drug money.

Our corrupt politicians sold their souls and our country to the highest bidders.

The governments of the world are corrupt.

When they join forces the citizens of the world lose.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

3. The media portray the picture for the 99% to see

the 99% should be made aware of these deals.

[SamKnause]

5. Media

The media portray what they are told to portray.

They help countries rewrite history.

They demonized the OWS movement.

When I say 99%, I am referring to the citizens of the world who have no say in what happens in their countries.

Only in independent media, documentaries, lectures, debates and personal research can the truth be found.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

6. access

unfortunately many people don't get access to the truth

[Scootaloo]

4. "You break it, you buy it."

A better question is, "what assurances do we have that our money spent in this is being used to benefit the people of those nations, rather than their drug lord president in Afghanistan, or the Iranian arms pipeline in Iraq?"

[Rosa Luxemburg]

7. There should be more questions asked

If you ask a congressman they don't know what you are talking about "who me?"

[Bannakaffalatta]

8. An even more interesting question is

what, exactly, are we building. Not nations, obviously - not even colonies, satellites or protectorates. Barracks and fortifications, maybe. Prisons and roads. They'll be useful to the next occupying superpower, unless angry natives blow them up between invasions.
I'm pretty sure some of the money is decorating some fine retirement homes (in Switzerland?) for legitimate democratically elected demagogues.

Oh yes, and it's buying lots and lots and lots of lovely GUNS!

[Rosa Luxemburg]

9. Is there a monthly report on what is spent?

I expect this is discussed at some committee?

[blkmusclmachine]

10. .

.

[Blue_Tires]

11. Because the Pentagon has been handing out free $$$$ for a decade

and politically connected contractors haven't had their fill yet...

Nevermind the fact that like Vietnam decades ago, the Middle East is a very useful live theater for R&D testing of next-gen war technology (i.e., drones)

[Rosa Luxemburg]

12. The Pentagon seems to have a mind of its own?