Europeans Rely on America to Protect Them from Vladimir Putin

Europe is at risk from Russia, we are told. But no one in Europe seems to care. Even the countries supposedly in Vladimir Putin’s gun sites aren’t much concerned. Even if Russia threatens the continent, the Europeans don’t plan on defending themselves. Instead, virtually everyone expects America to save them, if necessary. Washington is being played for a sucker as usual. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter recently announced that the United States. will contribute aircraft, weapons, and personnel to the “Very High Readiness Joint Task Force.” That’s not all. Separately, the Obama administration plans to pre-position tanks and other equipment for a combat brigade in Eastern Europe. Carter explained that Washington was acting “because the United States is deeply committed to the defense of Europe, as we have for decades.” America is more committed to Europe than are Europeans. The Europeans scrimp on the military while funding their generous welfare state. They promise Washington whatever it desires—and then go back to doing what they do best, depending on America. NATO always stood for North America and the Others. During the Cold War, the allied states shamelessly took a very cheap ride on the United States. The problem has gotten worse in recent years. The United States accounts for three-quarters of NATO outlays even though Europe has a larger GDP than America. Of 28 members, only the United States, Great Britain, and Greece typically broke the officially rec...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs