I have been thinking about this alot. yes the economy is the most important issue that ALL candidates must address. But I do not think that they are two separate issues. The cash spent on war could very well be used for good--in this country.
I have been asked by people, that know that I am an outspoken opponent of war, why is the anti-war movement not more effective these days. One answer--the media. During Vietnam, the media was not totally controlled by the corporations as it is today. That is the main reason it gets little play on the tube.
Beyond that little diatribe, if you are voting for a candidate that has said that they will end the war as soon as possible or possibly continue it for generations, a voter needs information. I have the war stands of the Big 3.
Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have promised to pull 'combat' troops, but would leave thousands of US military personnel and contractors, including mercenary security firms, in Iraq to prolong the illegal occupation. Republican John McCain would maintain the Bush policy that would extend the occupation for several generations, bankrupting America both morally and fiscally.
On other war-related issues, Ms. Clinton, Mr. Obama, and Mr. McCain agree:
All three have expressed support for the 'benchmarks,' which would place most Iraqi oil resources under the control of US and UK oil companies, requiring sustained US military presence to protect investments.
All three favor an increase in the military budget; Mr. Obama would expand the military with 90,000 added troops.
All three favor expansion of the Afghanistan war.
All three have said that a US attack on Iran is not off the table, even though President Bush's justification for such an assault (alleged nuclear weapons production) has been shown to be false.
All three have voted for funding bills to keep the Iraq War going; the war could have been brought to a quick end if Democrats, in control of Congress since the 2006 election, had simply stalled on the bills.
I apologize it this seems a bit "old news" but the voter needs to know that not much is gonna change regardless of which of the Big 3 is elected.