The F-35 is not worth the bang for the buck

letter to the editor, Washington Post
click here for original article

Regarding the May 1 news article “Weapons-systems costs up half-trillion dollars”:Wasting billions of dollars on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is not wise. We are happy to see bipartisan agreement from Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Carl Levin (D-Mich.) on this waste and lack of accountability when we face threats such as cyberattacks. We need to be investing in the tools that keep our troops and ourselves safe.

We congratulate Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Tex.) in leading the charge in the House “to try to get more defense value out of the money we spend.” Is the F-35 worth the bang for the buck? The public needs to be aware that the F-35 is the most expensive weapons system in history. It is over budget, behind schedule and unnecessary for national security. Its engineering and performance are compromised. We do not need a billion-dollar showpiece.

Maggie Carlton, Las Vegas

Susan Cundiff, Eugene, Ore.

The writers are members of the national board of Women’s Action for New