We are our own biggest threat

By: Floyd Hurt | Albemarle County
Published: July 30, 2010

Same song: “The United States has a clear national security interest in eliminating the al-Qaeda threat in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” Hollow and simple silly words when you look at real threats to our national security: The American Society of Civil Engineers gives America’s overall infrastructure a “D.” Drinking water, “D minus.” Roads,“ D minus.” Wastewater,“D minus.” The best, solid waste,“C plus.” If our infrastructure is falling apart, under these circumstances, I fail to see how al-Qaeda poses much of a threat. If al-Qaeda takes out a bridge or two that still leaves the rest to fall down through neglect. Al Qaeda is a small threat compared to having no clean drinking water.

To bring our infrastructure up to a minimum level (B) will require spending $2.2 trillion over the next five years. We have spent twice that in Afghanistan and have nothing to show for it.

U.S. debt tops $13.6 trillion.

Perhaps I need to say that with more force, $13.6 TRILLION. Interest payments,about $1 trillion.

Now how much is that $1 trillion?

40,816,326 new cars.
5,574,136 typical American homes.
Salary for 14.7 million teachers.

See how silly it sounds when one talks about al-Qaeda being a threat to our national security.

There are 15 million people out of work, half of them more than six months. There are five people for every job opening. Can an unemployed nation be secure? How convoluted is the notion of “national security.” Consider health care and education. Could being sub-par cause any “national security” problems … rhetorical question.

“The average worldwide temperature for first six months of the year is the highest since record keeping began in 1880. The previous record was set last year.” At least when al-Qaeda “attacks” they won’t need a coat. Of course, we will be facing a host of problems that will overshadow all the fear of a “national security” threat al-Qaeda might present.

Elected officials, listen carefully.

Get “national security” straight. It must start here, at home.

Remember, we vote!