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The Defense Department is ruining America: Big budgets, militarization and the real story behind our Asia pivot

The Defense Department is ruining America: Big budgets, militarization and the real story behind our Asia pivot

May 28, 2016 · by Patrick L. Smith · in Articles, Salon

“Our defense contractors await your business.” That was the message behind Obama and Carter’s visits to Asia You have to tip the cap to Defense Secretary Carter. People in Washington spin things as a matter of course, as Ben Rhodes,…

We restarted the Cold War: The real story about the NATO buildup that the New York Times won’t tell you

We restarted the Cold War: The real story about the NATO buildup that the New York Times won’t tell you

June 25, 2015 · by Patrick L. Smith · in Articles, Salon

Our leaders and media push time-worn nonsense about American innocence, while taking aggressive moves. Look out. Have you picked up on the new trope du jour? We are all encouraged to bask in our innocence as we lament the advent…

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  • PATRICK LAWRENCE: To Whom Are Our Liars Lying & What Is the Point of Their Lies? February 25, 2026
  • PATRICK LAWRENCE: Serial Buffoon at the Pentagon February 16, 2026
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About Patrick Lawrence

Writer, commentator, longtime newspaper and magazine correspondent abroad. Writes often on Europe and Asia. Published five books.

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Recent pieces

  • PATRICK LAWRENCE: Germany Learns From the IDF March 2, 2026
  • “‘He who sows injustice.’” February 25, 2026
  • PATRICK LAWRENCE: To Whom Are Our Liars Lying & What Is the Point of Their Lies? February 25, 2026

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