Buddy, Can You Spare $200 Billion?

On Monday (5/24), President Obama's senior economi advisor, Larry Summers asked Congress for another $200 billion in spending to get the U.S. "out of a deep valley."

Mr. Summers said the money would be used to make small business loans, and be given to the states to extend unemployment benefits and to prevent more teacher layoffs, among its many uses.

But Mr. Summers didn't say how the U.S. will pay for this $200 billion other than to go deeper into debt. In an election year, that may worry politicians whose constituents are already fearful about America's staggering debts.

However, there is a way to solve every one's concerns and still get Mr. Summers the money he wants. $200 billion is likely the real annual cost of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. If the U.S.'s enemies concur, President Obama could immediately call for cease fires, negotiate peace agreements and end the wars.

Suddenly, the death and destruction comes to an end, as does the U.S. occupation of those nations and this money is then available to Mr. Summers and the American public, as the U.S. soldiers come home safely to their families. It is a compassionate resolution for everyone and the U.S. need not go another dollar into debt.

Dick