tRump & The Good Idea

U.S. Should Charge to Protect Defense Welfare Clients: Donald Trump Got One Idea Right�|�Doug Bandow:

...As Trump observed: "I keep asking, how long will we go on defending South Korea from North Korea without payment?" More recently, he cited Pyongyang's provocations, adding that when the North acts up "we immediately get our ships going. We get our aircraft. We get nothing for this." In noting the cost of protecting Europe, he asked why America is "leading this charge."

But how much should Washington charge? The U.S. is offering a very valuable service. After all, governments have no greater responsibility than defending their citizens. If other states want to subcontract to America, they should pay handsomely for the privilege. The charge should reflect services provided and ability to pay. Conventional defense of borders? Intervention in overseas difficulties? Nuclear umbrella against powerful neighbors? Minimal effort on one's own behalf? The "protection fee" should increase for each...