It’s a wild world out there in international politics, and sometimes it seems like the United States spends more on protecting other countries than it does on its own people. Picture this: Uncle Sam dishing out cash to a whopping 178 nations across the globe! That’s right, from Africa to Asia, our resources are being handed out like candy on Halloween, while we’re simply requesting custody of a block of ice – just frozen tundra, folks! You would think asking for that little favor would be a no-brainer. After all, the U.S. has been footing the bill for global security and shipping lanes for ages.

Now, let’s talk NATO for a second. The United States is like the heavyweight champion of the alliance, responsible for about 70% of NATO’s funding and an astonishing 90% of its military might. Picture the U.S. Air Force as the big dog in the skies, while the U.S. Army and Navy brag about being the second and third largest air forces worldwide. Sorry, China and Russia, but you’re only after U.S. forces when it comes to aerial strength. So, why are we still bending over backward, asking our European allies to step up their game while they enjoy the ride on America’s military coattails?

During the Trump administration, a unique perspective was brought to this predicament. The former president pointed out that it was about time European nations faced the music of a NATO that didn’t have the U.S. holding their hands all the way. For decades, those nations had the luxury of assuming that America would always be there to swoop in and save the day. However, Trump had a different idea: let’s ask Europe to show what they’ve got without Uncle Sam playing superhero. He insisted on the idea that taking back custody of some land we used to call home would not only strengthen our position but perhaps, just perhaps, encourage Europe to become a bit more self-sufficient in their defense.

And guess what? The Europeans were left gaping when they realized they might actually have to defend themselves. The situation raised an interesting question: how would they handle such a scenario without American support? A spokesperson from a certain European country jumped in with an idea: conscription. Yes, folks, that’s a fancy word for the draft. But imagine the shocked faces around the table – it’s a whole different ballgame when you have to rely on citizens to volunteer for military service, especially in a continent where opinions on military service can vary like the weather in April.

How many Europeans would actually be on board with the draft? Good luck getting that message across to the far-left citizens, who might just throw their hands up and say, “Not on my watch!” It’s a slippery slope when it comes to self-defense and autonomy, and Europe might have to face some tough conversations ahead. While Americans definitely appreciate a good security blanket, it’s becoming increasingly evident that they deserve their allies to step up, stop relying on the U.S., and take responsibility for their own defense. The world is shifting, and it might just be time for Europe to lace up their boots and get prepared—for better or worse!