Tag Archive for violence

Vast Discrepancies Between Defense and State Department Funding

Diplomacy is a critical arm of our national security, yet there are more people in our military marching bands than in the State Department’s Foreign Service. In light of Tuesday’s tragic events in Benghazi, isn’t it about time we address the vast discrepancies between the annual budgets for the Defense Department ($614B) and the State Department ($51.6B)?

Our national security policies affect every aspect of our society—culturally, politically, and economically. Americans will always rally to defend this great nation, but a true patriot never fears a serious debate about the methods we use to accomplish this vital mission.

Dilan Samo holds a picture of slain U.S. ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens during a candlelight vigil outside the Libyan Embassy in New York City. Stevens was killed Sept. 11 during an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, by a mob angered about a film that mocked the prophet Mohammed.Photo By John Minchillo, AP

From Salon.com

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War on Drugs discussion reopened in the wake of Fast and Furious.

Despite decades fighting the drug wars, millions of Americans use cannabis just as others use alcohol. When listening to arguments opposing its legalization, substitute ‘alcohol’ for ‘marijuana’ and you’ll hear the same words that were exchanged almost 100 years ago.

Now that the Fast and Furious controversy has once again opened the discussion on Mexican violence, perhaps it’s time we discuss one of the greatest failures in American public policy. What are your thoughts on the War on Drugs?

From The Atlantic

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