12 Dec 39,000 ft over Algeria

The Dubai to NYC flight offers plenty of time to reflect on a trip. One thing that struck me the most about Mauritius is that it is one of 4 or 5 countries in the world without a military. Given that approximately 23% of fiscal spending in the USA (782 Billion Dollars) in 2009 went to Defense, it has to make you think. Mauritius has a plan for it’s future. It is using the money that it doesn’t spend on the military to improve education, transportation, health care, social welfare and culture. They are positioned to quickly create wealth and a higher standard of living. I know that the USA is not in a position to abandon the military all together, but it is clear that we are out of balance. -copyright INTERSECTION PHOTOS / Brown Cannon III