This argument is so bogus for so many reasons. Here's just one. I thought Kerry wanted to reduce the deficit. Ergo, that 'saved' $200 bil wouldn't be available for pet projects anyway, if Kerry's deficit hawkishness is to be believed.

For $ 200 billion, we could put humans on Mars.

For $ 200 billion, we could have put at least 100 million hybrid vehicles on America's roads at no extra cost to consumers.

For $ 200 billion, we could make me the richest person on Earth.

Any of those are worth spending $ 200 billion on.

Mr. Herdegen;

I doubt "we" could put humans on Mars for $200 billion. Some private group could, but not the federal government.

As for the cars, is $2000 / car enough to support hybrids?

Michael:

we're doing all of them.

Keep in mind a lot of that $200 billion generated its own economic activity.

Also, how much of that $200 billion is in salaries for military personnel, maintenance costs for equipment, etc., that would still have had to be paid even if all the troops were stateside?

AOG:

The hybrids on the market today cost between $ 2,000 and $ 3,500 more than similar non-hybrid models.
I assume that if we built 100 million of them, the costs would plummet.

$ 200 billion might subsidize 150 million vehicles.

oj:

No, we want to do all of them.
That's not at all the same thing.

Someone should whisper in Kerry's ear that the $200 billion is venture capital (for oil). Perhaps he will nod and understand.

Wonder if FEMA or the DOD has done a cost estimate on the damage/clean-up/economic losses a low tonage dirty bomb terror blast in a Top 10 U.S. metro area would cost? My guess is $200 billion would be on the low end of the scale.