THE WARS OF WASHINGTON - AT 8:03 A.M. ET:  From The Washington Times: 

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Monday unveiled a sweeping $534 billion budget proposal that shifts priorities from conventional warfare to counterinsurgency, but it is already provoking opposition from some key lawmakers worried about losing more jobs in a deep recession.

The budget for 2010 would cap production of the F-22 fighter jet and reduce funds for missile defense and other big-ticket items, but more than double unmanned craft used in targeting militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

COMMENT:  The concern in Congress goes well beyond jobs.  There's real concern about cutting missile defense, especially right after the North Koreans provoked us again. 

The Gates proposals will go through many congressional hearings.  Gates is trying to reform the unreformable, the Pentagon's antiquated and sluggish procurement system, which has defied logic and streamlining for years.  Even the most ardent pro-defense officials, like the late Sen. Barry Goldwater, have been enraged by it.  So we wish the secretary well on that.  As for his specific choices, we reserve judgment until hearings are held and all the arguments are presented.  We have made both good and bad choices in the past.  With today's costs, we can't afford many more bad ones.

April 7, 2009