DEAR EDITOR: NATO, MARCH 2026 HOODVIEW NEWS

Dear Editor,

As an American patriot concerned about our nation's future, I urge a bold reevaluation of our involvement in NATO. It's time for the United States to withdraw from this outdated alliance, freeing us to prioritize our own security and prosperity in a rapidly changing world. Below, I outline compelling reasons for this step and proposals for resetting our military and foreign policy accordingly.

First, NATO imposes an unsustainable financial burden on American taxpayers. The U.S. has long shouldered a disproportionate share of the alliance's costs, funding defense for wealthy European nations that often fail to meet their own spending commitments. This drains resources that could be better invested domestically, such as in infrastructure, education, or border security and in an updated, relevant American defense policy.

Moreover, the alliance entangles us in potential conflicts far from our shores, risking American lives and treasure in disputes that don't directly threaten our homeland. I am reminded how President George Washington warned of the entanglement hazard. With the Cold War long over and the Soviet Union dissolved, NATO's original purpose—to counter a massive front line of 24 Divisions of Russian  threat—has become obsolete. Continued expansion eastward has only provoked unnecessary tensions with Russia, escalating global risks without clear benefits to U.S. interests. 

Critics like President Trump have rightly highlighted how allies exploit our generosity. Withdrawing from NATO would end this imbalance, forcing Europe to stand on its own feet and allowing us to redirect focus toward emerging worldwide threats. 

In essence, leaving NATO would enhance our strategic flexibility, keeping adversaries uncertain about our responses and promoting a more multi-polar American world position. It would encourage Europe to form its own defense alliance, taking full responsibility for European regional security as soon as possible. 

Upon withdrawal, we must reset our military and foreign policy to emphasize effective defense over endless interventions. Start by reducing our overseas footprint: Withdraw 130,000 troops and equipment from Europe and the Far East, closing unnecessary bases and reallocating those forces in response to a much needed updated Department of Defense military strategy. 

On the foreign policy front, shift toward pragmatic diplomacy: De-emphasize commitments in the Middle East and Europe while increasing positive interaction in the western hemisphere. Freedom from NATO chains would allow America to focus on maximizing mutually beneficial relations and trade deals and closer ties with every nation, instead of being polarized by NATO involvement.  

This reset would prioritize American interests, reducing the risk of entanglement in foreign wars while strengthening our global position and ending the unnecessary spending of US treasury.

It's time for leaders in Washington to act decisively. Withdrawing from NATO isn't isolationism—it's smart realism for today’s world and today’s America. 

Let's reclaim our sovereignty and build a stronger, more self-reliant America.

Sincerely, Mark Shull

LTC USA (retired)

Sandy, Oregon