ABC Touts Liberal Mayors Demanding Less Defense Spending, More Money for City Projects
On ABC’s World News on Sunday, a report by correspondent Jim Avila highlighted the complaints of left-wing mayors who expressed wishes that more defense spending would be redirected at projects in their cities.
The NBC correspondent speculated about what other items could be paid for using the money used by the Pentagon in Afghanistan and Iraq, and concluded the report seeming to suggest that spending on the wars had played a role in causing "damage" to the economy of the U.S. Avila: "It's a growing part of this country's war fatigue - a decade of human cost and damage to a struggling economy."
As he set up the report, anchor David Muir recounted that air-conditioning alone for U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq costs $20 billion a year, before continuing:
No one argues our forces don't need it, but many say it does illustrate money spent in ways many taxpayers never think of. And so, tonight, ABC's Jim Avila on the angry mayors across this country who now say it's time to spend that money on rebuilding here at home.
Avila used soundbites and cited complaints by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Elizabeth, New Jersey, Mayor Chris Bollwage, as the two men complained about wanting to have more money to spend in their cities.
Below is a complete transcript of the report from the Sunday, June 26, World News on ABC:
DAVID MUIR: The debate in Washington tomorrow will center on this nation’s ballooning debt and what to do about it. The President and Democrats are at an impasse with Republicans. They have agreed on cuts, but not enough. So now what? Leaders of both parties will be at the White House. Tonight, though, a number that caught our eye about money spent. This one, part of the cost of war. The U.S. spends more than $20 billion a year for air-conditioning in Iraq and Afghanistan. No one argues our forces don’t need it, but many say it does illustrate money spent in ways many taxpayers never think of. And so, tonight, ABC's Jim Avila on the angry mayors across this country who now say it’s time to spend that money on rebuilding here at home.
JIM AVILA: The Elizabeth, New Jersey, version of the "Bridge to Nowhere" - a monument, says Mayor Chris Bollwage, to the billions of dollars spent over there this year and not spent here. You've seen a direct effect on your city?
CHRIS BOLLWAGE, MAYOR OF ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY: We can’t get money for this bridge. It’s impossible. I don’t know what other cities in the world would want a bridge standing straight up like that and not having people be able to get to their jobs.
AVILA: But U.S. taxpayers are paying to build roads and bridges and create jobs as part of the effort to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan - real money. In fact, $120 billion Americans will spend in Afghanistan this year alone would fund the construction of 90 Golden Gate bridges, which led the U.S. Mayors Conference to pass a rare anti-war resolution last week, demanding that all that money be redirected home.
ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA, MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES: We can’t continue to build bridges, roads and hospitals in Kandahar and Baghdad and not in Kansas City and Baltimore. The fact is, we got to put people back to work here at home.
AVILA: In Mayor Villaraigosa’s state of California alone, their share of the war budget could cover the state deficit, or it’s enough to hire 200,000 new teachers or 203,000 new firefighters. In Mayor Bollwage’s state of New Jersey, their share of the yearly war cost could fund the full four-year tuition at Rutgers University for the entire freshman class over the next 22 years, or they could hire 59,000 new police and sheriff's deputies. And, of course, it’s enough to rebuild the mayor’s bridge to nowhere.
BOLLWAGE: I mean, we got to figure out better ways to rebuild our infrastructure. We’ve done it around the world. Let’s do it here.
AVILA: It’s a growing part of this country’s war fatigue - a decade of human cost and damage to a struggling economy. Jim Avila, ABC News, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
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Comments
Ummmm...
Submitted by HockeyKid on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 8:42am.
Can any of these Dems explain why Porkulus (injecting money into the economy by buying stuff from federal civilian contractors) is good for the economy, but defense spending (injecting money into the economy by buying stuff from federal defense contractors) is bad? Why don't these "leaders" mention what would happen if all the defense contractors and soldiers were suddenly unemployed? No, all they have is "we could balance OUR budget" and "we could hire more TEACHERS (it's for the CHILDREN!)".
This is nothing more than a bunch of whiners wanting the money to come to them instead of going somewhere else. It has nothing to do with economic responsibility. If they had any brains, they would support federal tax cuts so the money would stay at home, but since they're on the federal dole (and most have national political aspirations), they don't get it.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Because my Friend...........
Submitted by OldJarhead77 on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:24am.
These short sighted, LIBERAL, diaper wetting, hand wringers, want the money NOW!! They think that should they ask for it, it should be immediately given, and in the amounts they ask for. They don't care if they gut defense, (see what Jimmy Carter did to the military) to pay for the socialist gimme programs! all they care about is making the voters dependent on them, thus the voters will vote for them to get more. Heres the problem: when they have siphoned off enough money to weaken our defenses enough that the (Once) best trained and (Once) best equipped Military cannot do its job, Our country will fall and all of us old vets (the ones that don't die in the resistance) will be marched off and shot. Why? because we will still REMEMBER how great a country America was and they forces that conquer us will not want anyone to remember that!
What you said!
Submitted by jdhawk on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:30am.
What you said!
What...
Submitted by OldJarhead77 on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:36am.
which one of us?.... LOL
surrender now! euroweenies say so!
Submitted by wizardjr on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 8:53am.
"Just think of how many votes we can bribe with all that money. Besides, the euroweenies are really sick and tired of having to admit they suck at military. We hurt their feelings and everyone knows they are so-o-o-o culturally superior to us rubes here in America. And then there's the vote bribes. Mmmmmm... I smell voting victory already... mmmmm" - heard in the halls of Congress
US destroyed Europe
Submitted by Agnostic on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:42am.
If the leftist in academia last long enough the colleges in the US will start teaching that the US military's ability to project power allowed the nations of Europe to fall because they became too reliant upon their social programs and were unable to fight the economic collapse and subsequent riots, often organized by the Religion of Peace +/or communist organizers from the orient. Rest assured that the failure of nations around the globe to protect themselves will be laid to rest at the feet of the US military.
Defense spending is
Submitted by ricklail on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 8:54am.
Defense spending is constitutional. Money to cities that are governed by liberals that have run most people out over high taxes is not. Building hospitals and edcuation are not a function of the federal govenment
war on terror cost less than obama's stimulus bill
Submitted by MidAmerica on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 8:59am.
The only thing standing between a world dominated by the Russians and the Chinese is our military.
The Europeans have already put up the white flag of defeat. They are helpless and defenseless.
Flaw in Liberal Argument on Defense Spending
Submitted by scottyusmc on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:18am.
Less defense spending means fewer skilled and in most cases - union jobs. Those evil "military industrial complex" company's are paying substantial wages and benefits to the scientists, engineers, and technicians who make up the evil defense industry. That is why our defense budget is so large. If we pay them the same wages as say China, we can divert that savings to other things. Bet those liberal union thugs would fight back hard if that was attempted.
The New SF - Oakland Bay Bridge is Made of Irony
Submitted by Chris Norman on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:22am.
"We can’t continue to build bridges, roads and hospitals in Kandahar and Baghdad and not in Kansas City and Baltimore. The fact is, we got to put people back to work here at home."
Ironically, there was a report a few days ago that the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge in CA was built in China and shipped over here to be assembled.
Wrong Jobs Outsourced:
Submitted by Comrade Jim on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 10:23am.
This report gives a sample Chinese steel worker's salary of $0.75/Hr (16 hours for $12). Obvious question: Why not outsource the complaining mayor's and city workers' jobs to China. That would save enough money to build the bridges in America.
This would keep the real Jobs here and outsource the phony city political and crony jobs. The Chinese would probably do such soft jobs for $0.35/Hr.
Ok, I'm all for bring our troops home from all over the world...
Submitted by Red Jeep on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:35am.
...and stationing them all on the Mexican border, BUT...
Even if the troops aren't "over there" wherever they are they have to fed, clothed, housed, salaries paid, etc.
As HockeyKid (above) pointed out if you try to squeeze money out of the military by laying off soldiers etc. then you raise the unemployment rate, etc. etc. etc.
Come to think of it though bringing our troops home form all over the world might be an economic stimulus here, with all the soldiers and the military spending money here and not there.
Your Point is Valid.....
Submitted by OldJarhead77 on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:35am.
There are a few things that would have to happen First. I am all for leaving Europe. The Germans have taken over most of our bases in Germany and bringing the rest home and turning the bases back to the Germans would save money (same with the UK and all the other European countries.(Make NATO pay the FULL COST of the NATO HQ in Brussels.) The Soldiers in Japan and Korea I can see us reducing troops in Japan, and eliminating many of the bases in Korea, But there is still the Chinese to worry about they have been quietly rattling the saber as of late. Putting them on the Border I bet Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, would take them! (And I bet that California would refuse to do anything for them.) they would build bases for them and everyone thats ever been associated with the military knows that military towns make money! So your right that would be an economy boost. Good thoughts!
Thank you.
Submitted by Red Jeep on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 1:46pm.
.
Whiny America
Submitted by Unsane on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 7:04pm.
Sounds like someone desperately wants Whiny America...
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
There is no reason that my federal tax dollars
Submitted by johnsonl on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:48am.
should go to any city or state. Cities and states have the authority to levy taxes on their citizens. Let them pay for themselves. See how well it's working in the blue states like Kalifornia, Wisconsin and New Jersey?r
Hey!
Submitted by almostacowboy on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:57am.
Don't leave out my former home, Illinois. They're going to be the first state ever to have to former governors doing hard time at the same time (Hmmm, there's a rap song in the making).
So much bad
Submitted by Reaver on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:52am.
I hardly know where to start. Two that stand out is the lack of labeling for people they agree with, no mention of the mayors’ parties (democrat) or their ideology (liberal). When is the last time ABC news didn’t describe the tea party as “ultra-conservative” or “hard right-wing”? Second is the acceptance of and repeating of their premise without criticizing. If only we were spending less on defense the world would be utopia, I’ve been hearing this from liberals my entire life. If you want an eye-opener pay a visit to dirty spending secrets.com and see how the federal government spends three billion dollars every year adding sand to beaches or 2.6 million to teach Chinese prostitutes to drink responsibly on the job. How many teachers could you hire with that money in Elisabeth, NJ Mayor Bollwage?
Just exactly where does the Constitution authorize the federal..
Submitted by Dave. on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:53am.
...government to take my tax dollars and redistribute them to cities in the first place?
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Detroit got tons of cash, so
Submitted by jkwtrading on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 10:47am.
Detroit got tons of cash, so did Gary..look at those two and see the results.
New York And Chicago, Among Others...
Submitted by iveseenitall on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:25am.
Yeah,those "parades" in New York cost money. And what about all the cops needed to quell those wilding kids on the beaches and boardwalks of Lake Michigan? Give the "liberals" more money to make more laws which "protect" these and other "minorities". Scheeze.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal" (progressive)
Chicago is divided into three
Submitted by jkwtrading on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:33am.
Chicago is divided into three parts, south, west and north sides..the dividing line is the loop or central section.. There is no east side because it's Lake Michigan
once the thugs began moving north to 200 plus Michigan avenue, it tells me they are now into white liberal haven. They are now accosting those whom supported them.
When yo see attacks at 600 plus Michigan avenue then Chicago is in deep doo doo.. any attacks which occur in the area of the Water tower place is a tremendous sign all hell is about ready to break loose. John Hancock center is right across the street, in the midst of what Chicago refers to the "Gold Coast"
Wilding
Submitted by iveseenitall on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:48am.
In my opinion, the wilding in cities around the nation is due largely to "liberal" policies. "Minorities" are doing it. Bill Clinton, when asked why he did what he did, simply said "because I could". Same for the inner city thugs. But look at the latest comments from Chicago's new police chief--- excusing bad behavior and blaming Sarah Palin , of all people. "Liberals" are fools. Cut 'em off without a dime and see how fast they either straightened up, or riot and begin to knock each other off.
P.S. Read true "American" authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and his essay "Self-Reliance". Re-discover our roots.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal" ( progressive)
it's obvious, the cities are
Submitted by jkwtrading on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:10pm.
it's obvious, the cities are all blue, deep blue and now need cash from the Feds so they don't completely fall apart. once that cash stops then the real hell breaks loose. I feel we are very close to it all coming unglued.
All cities and major states like CA, NY, IL feel this pressure. their own policies will eventually fail and the damage will be wreaked upon themselves. I live in a solid R area, so calm its interesting to watch, but I can tell Chicago is very nervous. Daley i am certain could see the handwriting on the wall and exited "left" Chicago is in deep doo doo and they are about to find out what it is really like.
When Daley did not get the Olympics, he began folding his tent and exiting from the impending storm.
Friends of mine whom own brownstones in nice areas like Wrigley ville have told me for years, their taxes exceed the rent they can obtain.. Chicago has taxed the last tax, there isn't anymore. Daley was so desperate he taxed cement trucks 80 bucks a day to drive on the streets.
Just as I thought
Submitted by JLin on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:25am.
Marxists and other Liberals need to be disabused of the notion that the economy and working taxpayer live to service the cravings of Statist ideologues. That party is coming to a swift end.
Jim Avila is from a long line
Submitted by jkwtrading on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:26am.
Jim Avila is from a long line of former reporters in Chicago..Elizabeth Vargas is another. John Quinones is another..the major news sites are filled with these people.. Lester Holt is another example. I quit counting years ago but it seemed like Chicago became a breeding ground for the major news telecasts.
Right On....
Submitted by iveseenitall on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:54am.
Yeah, and the "breeding ground" for crime , corruption and boys like Jesse, Barry, Rahm, Richard, Blogo et.al. Sad.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"(progressive)
We can get more money for cities
Submitted by ThisnThat on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:31am.
...if we reduced spending on city police forces, can't we? Using the same logic, these police forces must be just as unnecessary as our military, so let's get rid of them. How about beginning tonight? What say you, mayors? Thumbs up?
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
There goes
Submitted by misterbee241 on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:31am.
that Many guy again. What's his first name anyway? Joe? Joe Many says... this guy must be a regular know it all.
As long as taxpayer money is
Submitted by allforfoot on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:47am.
As long as taxpayer money is getting spent libs are happy.
Yeah, but....
Submitted by almostacowboy on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:58am.
they're even happier when taxpayer money is taken in.
Good Point...
Submitted by iveseenitall on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:09pm.
I get your point. But remember, "liberals" are NEVER happy. Even jerko Jimmy Carter said, "Give a liberal 95% of what he wants and he'll just whine about the other 5%". Like many an ignorant, immature adolescent--crying and whining are what "liberals" do.. Sad.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal" ( progressive)
Reminds me of the mess of Jimmy Carter
Submitted by American.Patriot on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:11pm.
we were getting new F-15s off the production line, flown to the first base. Then we took the motors out to return them via truck to the factory so they could fly the next jet to us.
Defense budgets were so bad in 1980 that when Reagan was elected it was "Morning in America", not "Mourning in America", and once again, American Exceptionalism prevailed.
For once in my life, I am afraid for my country.
The mainstream news has now
Submitted by jkwtrading on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:19pm.
The mainstream news has now brought up this mantra... money to cities, it is no doubt following the cries for cash the mayors have had with Obama for months. the MSM is here to sell the new cash flow. Obama has ordered them to use their propaganda.
The congress is R and I am certain the day it was announced it would be R the calls to obama came in earnest. Do the R's cave in is the real question spend to "help" these pitiful places.