America's Challenge is Two-Fold 

America faces this challenge: It must cut significantly into its defense spending while not endangering its ability to respond to possible attacks.

It must do both: cut spending and remain ready against invasions.

With a debt of $16 trillion, our nation should see it has no choice but to cut spending -- no choice -- and not just mildly, but drastically. But, with the words of George Washington hanging on a wall somewhere, we are reminded that our state of defense cannot be allowed to slip to where we are not prepared for most any contingency. Said Washington, "To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace."

This is a time we must consider twice or thrice before getting involved in foreign aggressions. We cannot afford them, so to enter into them is probably not wise at the moment. We must maintain our own state of readiness, but even there we must look for places where we might be spending without getting results, and cut them.

Frankly, I say we should even go to our contractors, asking them to cut their executives' pay, and to cut the profit margins they are enjoying. I do not know that I would have them cut their line workers' pay, or the pay of their general office workers. But, perhaps a savings could come from cutting the profit being made at the top by the executives and shareholders. Yes, I would suggest to them that they consider the situation our nation is in, that they consider how vital is the need for America to cut, and that they consider giving up profits they can live without.

Patriotism is not in the turning of a dollar at the expense of your nation. Patriotism is turning a dollar over to your nation even though it comes at personal expense.