Fri Nov 14, 2003 12:25 am
@ SnS & @ Taw, sort of.
The Teflon President himself (or at least someone working for him) figured that one out back in the 80's. A small percentage of the world's largest national economy, whether by GNP or GDP is going to yield many more dollars in defense spending than anything that the Soyuz could do no matter how much they ramped up their budget. That was part of the motivation behind his Star Wars initiative.... Who else had the money to burn?
But, SnS: Are you sure about that large percentage of GNP in the 60s? (back then we measured GNP. I mean I am sure that it was a two figure % but almost half of GNP? That's a little incredible!
GDP came into use, I think, late 70's or early 80's if I read correctly.) I saw a comparison table which shows that GNP figures generally were larger than GDP by about 1.5% to 2.0% of the GDP amount.
I'm glad you could admit it!!Also, now think about Soviet vs. US in this area of military expenditure. If you're right and the Soviets had a higher percentage spent toward their budget, yet I know we, the US, actually outspent them monetarily, that shows how lackluster their GNP/GDP was.
The Teflon President himself (or at least someone working for him) figured that one out back in the 80's. A small percentage of the world's largest national economy, whether by GNP or GDP is going to yield many more dollars in defense spending than anything that the Soyuz could do no matter how much they ramped up their budget. That was part of the motivation behind his Star Wars initiative.... Who else had the money to burn?
But, SnS: Are you sure about that large percentage of GNP in the 60s? (back then we measured GNP. I mean I am sure that it was a two figure % but almost half of GNP? That's a little incredible!
GDP came into use, I think, late 70's or early 80's if I read correctly.) I saw a comparison table which shows that GNP figures generally were larger than GDP by about 1.5% to 2.0% of the GDP amount.
