Final Word from Wednesday, August 16, 2023

A STEM/Mark poll whose results were released this week included the question, "Should the government in your opinion invest in the following fields?" Faring far worst of the eight areas mentioned (including such things as healthcare, education and housing) was "military equipment." Forty-eight percent of respondents supported such investment, while 46% opposed it. Of these 46%, a full 74% were against spending on fifth-generation fighters. This works out to 34% of all respondents. There is question, according to the pollsters, whether these respondents understand defense issues or whether they are basing their opinion mainly on a feeling. Despite the controversy and the high cost, the Czech government is moving full steam ahead on buying F-35s for delivery sometime after 2030. Support for the purchase would likely rise if PM Petr Fiala convincingly explained how Russia will remain a major threat into the next decade after being thoroughly defeated by Ukraine in the current war. [ Czech Republic Lockheed Martin military ]