As unemployment in the US rises, old War on Terror appeals to national security are taking a backseat to economic justifications. The US military industry has adjusted to this new reality by crafting its requests for government funding on the basis of its capacity to provide employment. This despite evidence that military spending is one of the least effective means of job creation.
see
Miriam Pemberton: President ready to increase defense spending, despite reports to the contrary
Dandelion Salad 
54% of your tax dollars pay for this madness:
http://www.warresisters.org/pages/piechart.htm
(Madness? Sadness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO18F4aKGzQ )
Excellent links, thank you, Natureboy.