Comparisons are often stretched beyond limits in cartoons such as the one posted at the beginning.

Taxes are much higher in Sweden.
22% of Swedes progress beyond secondary education.
30% of U.S. students progress beyond secondary education.
Figures easily available through google.

It is true that U.S. military adventures waste a large part of American taxes; not only education but all aspects of American life, esp. infrastructure, would benefit from a military based on defense rather than reforming the world.