That is what the world is estimated to have spent on military expenditures in 2007.
$1339 billion.
The report talks about the difference between current dollars and 2005 constant dollars (a lower figure of just over $1200 billion). With apologies to Dr. Wilson (Econ prof at Westminster), I don't really know the difference. Either way it is a lot of money.
$1339 billion.
That builds a lot of modern-day swords and spears. They bear different names today, but they serve an age-old purpose.
$1339 billion.
I have visions of piles of guns, armored cars, tanks, planes, bombs, and more stretching out for beyond the horizon.
$1339 billion.
Does this spending make us safer? If it truly does, why do the nations of the world, led by the United States, keep spending more?
$1339 billion.
How else could that money be spent? To meet (and surpass) the Millennium Development Goals. To create jobs. To rebuild infrastructure. To renew education. To feed the hungry. To provide water. To respond to HIV/AIDS and swine flu. To establish access to health care. To reduce poverty.
$1339 billion.
No illusions here. It will not be easy. It never has been. But it has always been happening in small, significant ways. And I pray that the nations of the world will find the grace and courage to shape those modern swords into implements of healing and production that would benefit God's children around the world.
Read reflections by other Presbyterians on issues related to poverty.