I don't doubt the US military budget was huge during the cold war, but
so was ours. And so was the Soviet Union's BTW. I guess that's the
price you pay for wanting to be a super power. When you want to project
military power to all corners of the globe, have nuclear submarines and
air craft carriers roam the world oceans, have troops stand by for the
odd invasion here and there, it costs lots of money. The US didn't do
all that out of kindness, but for selfish reasons, namely to maintain
their superpower status. Don't portrait it as a gift please. The
benefit was mutual.

Really? What benefit did the US gain by saving/protecting Europe?
I'd be interested in hearing your take on this matter, because I see
very little return on our investment.

About the only upside of the "Quiet Invasion" that is taking place
from south of our border is that our costly connection to Europe is
fading fast -- and I say this as a proud German American. With any
luck we will never again be drawn into one of your stupid wars.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"