What is worth $500,000,000,000

What is worth $500 billion dollars? Recent studies have shown that since 2002 when the US entered into Iraq, our country has spent $500,000,000,000 through military and rebuilding of that country. While helping Iraq gain freedom and helping to create a democracy is beneficial, I wonder what $500,000,000,000 of tax payer money spent on the issues of our own country would have provided?

Our economy and influence over the world should not be taken for granted. Imagine if the US spent $500,000,000,000 on research and development of alternative energy, continuing education, social programs, alternative transportation/infrastructure and healthcare? Imagine the new economy and employment that would create? Imagine the independence it would create from foreign resources such as oil?

Investing in your own future creates self determination.