Senators Find Patriotism in Paying Troops, Not in Funding Social Security
While The Hill praises these senators for ensuring military and 'essential' federal workers receive paychecks during government shutdowns, the mainstream narrative conveniently overlooks the broader picture. Military spending continues unabated, often with bipartisan support, while crucial social programs face constant threats of cuts and, yes, shutdowns. (Remember those annual battles over the
national debt? They never seem to impact the Pentagon's budget.) One might wonder if their concern extends to the other essential workers, like those demanding higher wages or better benefits, who don't typically have lobbyists lining senatorial campaign coffers. Perhaps an 'essential worker' is only 'essential' when their paycheck is tied to a defense budget that secures their donors' interests.
How many times will we prioritize bombs over bread, only to laud politicians for paying soldiers after the fact?