Balancing Defense and Growth #1582

Balancing Defense and Growth In the land of stars and stripes, Where freedom's flame brightly lights, A budget vast, defense is grand, To guard the sky, the sea, the land. Billions spent to keep us free, From threats afar, and tyranny. In steel and tech, our strength is shown, A force unmatched, our power grown. Yet, within this wealth of might, Lies a question, sharp and bright: Is the balance truly fair? Does it leave enough to spare? For schools that teach, and roads that pave, For health, and lives we strive to save. The future calls for minds and hands, In fields and labs, across our lands. A nation's strength is not just steel, But hearts and minds, the commonweal. Investment in the lives we lead, In every hope, in every need. So as we forge our path ahead, Let wisdom guide where funds are spread. A balance struck with vision clear, To build a future free from fear. In harmony, let growth and peace, In every heart, in every lease, Show that true power, strong and bright, Is found in balance, day and night. Written by Steven G. Lee (May 31, 2024)