In contrast, think of how much more we would have to spend if we didn't have the security of mutual defense treaties facilitated by the United Nations. This is part of why I think it is a worthwhile investment.
While the percentage of tax revenue might seem insignificant compared to the overall budget, it's important to consider the potential uses of this amount within the country. For instance, the $12.5 billion could be utilized for domestic issues such as public health, education, or infrastructure. As for the mutual defense treaties, they are indeed significant, but aren't exclusive to the UN. The U.S. has separate defense agreements with many countries. Could such bilateral agreements serve the same purpose more efficiently? What are your thoughts on this?