There's a growing argument that deserves attention: America shouldn't position itself as the world's police force, nor should it serve as a catch-all for global problems. The economic reality is stark – this dual burden isn't sustainable on multiple fronts.

The costs pile up quickly. Military interventions abroad, humanitarian commitments, and accepting responsibilities that other nations shed – all of this strains resources that could address domestic priorities. We're talking fiscal pressure, infrastructure neglect, and mounting debt.

Beyond dollars and cents, there's a strategic question. When one nation consistently plays cleanup crew for international crises, it creates dependency rather than encouraging other countries to step up. This dynamic weakens global resilience.

The "several levels" of unaffordability aren't just financial. There's political capital exhausted, public trust eroded when citizens see their own needs overlooked, and the opportunity cost of what could be built at home instead.

Maybe it's time for a recalibration – recognizing limits isn't isolationism, it's pragmatism.