The $50 Billion Iran Question: What We Could Have Instead of An Unnecessary War

The U.S. Always Has Money For War, But Not The Poor

The checks have been written and the missiles have been launched. And somewhere in the labyrinth of Pentagon accounting, $50 billion has been spent for military operations against Iran—a price tag that continues climbing with each passing week.

But here’s what keeps economists, policy analysts, and millions of American families up at night: What else could that money have done?

It’s not a rhetorical question. While Congress debates cuts to programs that keep vulnerable Americans fed, housed, and healthy, this military venture proceeds with clear acquiescence. The contrast is stark, uncomfortable, and demands examination.

Oh, and by the way, we are only in month two with no end in sight. Our vice president lasted all of twelve hours negotiating with a country that has us over the barrel.

Beyond all of the devastating immorality brought with this war, the humiliation of ongoing incompetence is palpable.

The Healthcare We Chose Not to Fund

Let’s start with the Affordable Care Act, which faces …