THE 3.5 PERCENT BARGAIN

Mr. Trump is taking credit for making some NATO partners pay more for their defense. I learned today that at least some of those partners had already agreed prior to this President's strong-arming. As exasperating as it is to have an Executive Blowhard, I believe that no matter who is in the White House, it is a mistake to focus on the percentage we are kicking in, and I realize my opinion conflicts with the norm.

Sure, our troops are on the ground at strategic locations that place them at the ready to defend allies, but having military bases in far-off locations is why the bombs don't fall HERE. It isn't our cities that lie in ruins and it isn't Americans lined up for miles with pots and pans on their backs fleeing to Canada and Mexico. As if they would even take us now.

We are not just bestowing expensive manpower and technology on our allies because we are great pals who are finally tiring of being the only one giving a gift at Christmas. The countries which allow our military installations are also giving us essential strategic access, allowing us to draw a line in the sand far from home. We can chute our soldiers to nearby hospitals in these zones, getting them to potentially life-saving treatment more quickly. Further, trade and American civilian jobs are supported by these outposts.  This is to say nothing of their reciprocal willingness to fight by our side when we need it.

Theresa May seemed to cave at the last speech, but imagine Abe or Merkel getting tired of being up to their eyeballs in nonsense and saying "Fine, then - start withdrawing your troops. In fact, the way you've carried on, fewer people would bother us if you went home."

Then what?

In my mind, we are getting EXACTLY what we are paying for, and need to tell Trump that regardless of what anyone else is paying or not paying, our 3.5% is a bargain.