U.S. Leadership in World Order

Benjamin Schwarz (Commentary, June 9) provides a powerful argument showing that large defense cuts would not save money for other purposes, but could lead instead to a shrinking of our economy that would cost far more than the supposed savings.

What if we were to withdraw from the world, chopping the Pentagon budget from the present $250 billion to $100 billion? The world would become more dangerous, for Japan and Germany would face strong pressures to rearm. Rising powers such as China would no longer feel constrained. Threats of war would increase--and if a war broke out, we would find ourselves pulled into it.

Even if war could be avoided, nations would become far less open to trade and investment. This would strike at California’s economy, which depends on trade with the Far East. It also would hurt the total U.S. economy, which relies on overseas trade as well.

Does the Pentagon therefore pay for itself? Yes, by fostering a peaceful world where trade and investment can flourish. These activities add enough to our economy to more than offset the cost of our weaponry.

T.A. HEPPENHEIMER

Fountain Valley

* Schwarz’s thesis that U.S. military spending is so large compared with other countries due to our concern with global peace is belied by the fact that we are the world’s largest weapons exporter. Schwarz needs to go back to the drawing board.

PAUL TRACY

Oceanside