The New York Times is manufacturing consent for massive military spending increases by citing unsubstantiated intelligence claims about Chinese invasion timelines and ignoring debunked sabotage allegations. This propaganda push for war preparation with a nuclear power serves imperial interests, not security, while pretending decades of global tyranny constituted defending freedom.

The U.S. should shed legacy weapons, but the deeper issue is clarifying which threats truly matter. Global military dominance is unrealistic, and sprawling bases or a war over Taiwan are not vital interests. Lasting security lies in diplomacy, economic engagement and strengthening defense with key allies — not adopting an adversarial stance, the debate too often assumes.