This kite's been flown before, odd thing is in the link supplied previously the running total was over $71 billion, this one is down round about $69 billion.

Figures given for the 2000 defence budget was $400 billion, no war on terror and no war in Iraq. Go back and look at the link again and imagine the rate of change five and a half times faster.

According to Bert - What is spent on defence is merely some "way of putting it into their own pockets". Nobody works, pays taxes, in the industries involved in defence spending? No research and development occurs that has spin-off potential for domestic, non-military use? (the silicon chip is a classic example of this) - Don't think so Bert.

Sorcha, exactly why tax money should be spent funding a shoe store in Torrington, Wyoming - I haven't a clue. If you believe that town could support one, open one, and you will find out within a year whether you are right or not, which may explain the absence of one today.