America's 'Gravity-Defying' Economy Funded by War, Not Wages
The Financial Times celebrates America's 'gravity-defying economy,' painting a rosy picture of growth even as everyday citizens struggle. What they omit is how much of this 'defiance' is tied to perpetual war and an ever-expanding defense budget. US defense spending hit a staggering $886 billion in 2023 ( SIPRI ), a figure that props up corporate profits while Main Street crumbles. This includes
substantial support for conflicts abroad, like the billions sent to Israel, with Rep. Smith, for instance, having received $450,000 from AIPAC in 2023 (OpenSecrets.org) before voting for additional aid. One might wonder if an economy 'defying gravity' actually means it's ignoring the dead weight of neglected social programs and crumbling infrastructure. Perhaps it's easier to celebrate 'growth'
when it’s measured in fighter jets and munitions, rather than healthcare or affordable housing. How many more 'gravity-defying' quarters before GDP includes the body count?