MilitarismNo one likes a school yard bully. But many around the world now see the United States in this light. As the world's undisputed military and economic superpower, the United States is able to muscle its will on others. The U.S. military budget is larger than the rest of the world's military budgets combined - when including the costs of the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Adding to the sense of threat that other countries feel from the United States:
Routinely, Congress passes or even adds to the president's military budget requests. In a post-Sept. 11 world, no one wants to be accused of being soft on defense. But more thoughtful voices are beginning to raise questions as to whether U.S. global dominance - increasingly referred to as the U.S. empire - is really improving U.S. and global security. Furthermore, military spending siphons resources away from education, health, housing and environmental programs. MCC believes that true security is built through friendship, mutuality, diplomacy, economic development and equitable sharing of global resources - not through military might. MCC advocates for reducing military expenditures and shifting resources to life-giving programs. MCC supports arms control treaties and banning land mines and cluster weapons which have indiscriminate impact on children and civilians. At its core, militarism represents a modern-day form of idolatry - trusting in something other than God for our security. The psalmist offers this "simple" formula for human security: "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land and enjoy security" (Psalm 37:3).
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