With deficits at near-record levels, both political parties are under significant pressure to cut spending. Given that some Tea Party Republicans are joining Democrats in the cry to focus on defense spending, it seems as though entitlements will be ignored and defense will bear the brunt of the cuts. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., a member of the “supercommittee” created in the debt ceiling deal, stated as much in a recent op-ed. There is plenty to debate about spending cuts: what should be cut, by how much, etc. However, regardless of anyone’s viewpoints on this matter, we must contend with reality and rid ourselves of the outdated notion that defense spending is the largest drain on the federal budget. This has not been the case for decades, although even highly educated individuals still labor under this mistaken impression, and the press has done little to disabuse people of it.
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