Will Rogers once said, “All I know is what I read in the papers and that’s an alibi for my ignorance”. A quote that is well applied to the recent meanderings in the press regarding the Sentinel program that will replace our current missile system deployed at FE Warren AFB. While I don’t argue that cost increases are a concern for the program, frankly they are a concern for a lot of military programs right now. Factually, costs have skyrocketed for government at all levels and have also been felt by businesses and families across our nation. We have all experienced inflation in painful ways in recent years, and we would be naïve if we did not believe that those same pains would be felt by a remarkable and forward thinking project like Sentinel.
If you haven’t been under a rock, or perhaps in DC, or on one of the coasts you know that near peer adversaries, and in particular China, are not challenged by Democratic wrangling as they develop their military systems, and in particular a new and modern land based nuclear program. When we talk to elected officials, many of them have a clear understanding of the threat and understand that the Sentinel system is a need and not a want. It might make for great theatrics to embellish challenges, but it doesn’t do much for defending this nation now and into the future.
The Chamber by its nature is a fiscally conservative organization regarding government spending and we believe every government expenditure should be carefully scrutinized for its utility for the preservation of our republic. We believe this for the Sentinel program as well. We have no hesitation advancing the project as a critical need for this nation. Over the next couple of months the program will have some necessary review to assess the costs and usefulness, but that is a good thing – not a bad thing. The program has been in the works for a while, and a lot of money and work has already gone into its advancement. This work should be scrutinized and a clear path should be constantly defined and adjusted as the program moves forward.
The threat is growing every day. I believe that in the end while those who love rhetoric and spotlight will peddle their wares for a buck and a headline, that our nation will do what it has always done and move forward with advancing what’s needed to defend our democracy. Cheyenne has long been an influencer for this mission, and you can take it to the bank that the Cheyenne Chamber to advocate for the upgrade of the most affordable and stabilizing leg of America’s strategic deterrent.
Stay tuned! The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce will keep you informed as we join with leaders and organizations around this nation to advocate for this very important program. It is our hope that some day we will live in a world that doesn’t need nuclear weapons but until then we will continue to advocate for the programs necessary to defend this nation.
