It's hard to really influence much when it comes to spending and it reminds me that there was a story about a town removing their entire elected officials because they ignored the public. They choose to build a Chinese factory and the people there revolted against them in the election. So I don't think it's impossible for things to change.
I honestly would prefer that they don't spend so much on defense building and more on improving life. I am against war because it never really benefits the average person and it enriches the military industrial complex.