>I think it is only fair to show that while many in the U.S. government do not feel that our military spending is adequate for the role the U.S. military will be required to play, it is very large indeed compared to the amounts spent in other countries. However, that is only true in the 'total dollar amount' sense. In reference to military spending in comparison to GNP, it is smaller than other nations.

Yes, the reference you gave earlier makes this clear.

And yet, this money is still way too much. I am not protesting specifically against the U.S. on this point - it is clearly a World-wide problem.

Instead of each individual nation arming up to protect themselves against outside threats, they should be doing some sort of agreement that allows them to reduce their spending on weapons, etc., and use the resources for things that are really important.

This isn't something that one individual country can do by itself, or even a few. This clearly requires consultation amongst the nations of the World.