The road not taken was the one to avoid involvement in the Iraq and Afghan engagements. I didn't vote for President Bush out of fear of too much emphasis on the military and police. I would give the military much less discretion in actual governance- in line with what President Eisenhower warned.

"This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together. Akin to, and largely responsible for the sweeping changes in our industrial-military posture, has been the technological revolution during recent decades. That having been said, time will tell whether or not these excursions will have made any difference in the ultimate course of world history. "

http://coursesa.matrix.msu.edu/~hst306/documents/indust.html

The American people simply must move forward on every front. To do so, we need to keep military spending within 3 to 3 1/2% of the equivalent GDP- much in line with the second term of President Clinton. History will decide the ultimate wisdom or folly of the previous Administration. If Iraq becomes a permanent ally, some of the involvement will have been worth the price. Afghanistan is another matter. Alexander the Great did not prevail there in the scheme of things. The Soviets had to withdraw , as well as the Americans at some point in time.