It Will be a Beautiful Day When the Sequester Actually Reduces Military Spending and the F-35 Fighter Finally Gets Mothballed

With the possible exception of Lord Obama, nobody seems much interested in the economy these days, or government spending, or jobs (and let's be honest, Obama has been ignoring all of these since before he took office).

But for stimulatarians - you know, those folks who believe that federal spending is all good all the time - here's some good news: It looks like the Pentagon - the entity comprising nearly half of all military spending on the planet - is gonna buy itself some more F-35 fighter jets. The Strike Fighter is already overdue and over-budget, but hell, shopping therapy is what it is.

From Christian Science Monitor:

The total number of jets involved is 71, with 36 planes to be purchased in the sixth production lot, and 35 in the seventh, said Joe DellaVedova, spokesman for the Pentagon's F-35 office. He said that number includes 60 F-35s for the U.S. military, and 11 for Australia, Italy, Turkey and Britain….

"You can feel the momentum accelerating throughout the program," [Lockheed's CEO] said, adding that Lockheed delivered 12 jets in the second quarter and expected to deliver 36 in the full year.

For the Pentagon, the sequester means never having to say you're out of money. Well, maybe for stuff like flying at air shows and setting off Fourth of July fireworks at bases. But when it comes to busting the budget in pursuit of bazillion-dollar boondoggles that may not ever fly a combat mission? All systems are go.

From earlier this year via Fiscal Times:

The Pentagon ordered nearly 2,500 [F-35] planes for $382 billion, or fifty percent more than the original cost.

As the price soared, the Pentagon in 2010 deemed the program "too big to fail." Yet it continues to fall short. Recent engine troubles are just the latest in a series of mechanical failures. A pilot was killed when oxygen to the cabin was cut off. The aircraft are running too hot, limiting their ability to operate in warm environments.

The original delivery date was supposed to be 2010. Then it was delayed until 2012. Now, it's not expected to be in service until 2019….

"If the F-35 order is filled, DOD will have 15 times as many planes as China."

Now more than ever: "3 Reasons Conservatives Should Cut Defense Spending Now!"