Military parade sends wrong message

It is foolish for the U.S. to stage a military parade. After all, it is already clear that our country has by far the most powerful military in the world. It is not surprising, then, that a Gallup poll found that more than 80 percent of foreigners believe that our country is the No. 1 threat to world peace.

Our foreign policy is far too strongly influenced by our military industrial complex that seeks to optimize its profits, a goal that has led to perpetual war under the pretext of advancing freedom and democracy and keeping America safe.

We should know by now that not all countries are suitable for democracy. Indeed, Americans seem unable to make it function effectively in our own country even after 200-plus years of experience.

Instead of squandering our limited resources on a silly military parade, we should spend that money on taking care of our homeless veterans and granting refuge to countless refugees whom we have helped to uproot.

Lanlan Hoo

Wheaton