Shutdown: Government Failure, But Not for War
During the 2019 government shutdown, Newsweek diligently reported on the chaos at airports, the financial strain on unpaid federal workers, and the overall dysfunction. The nation's air traffic controllers, working without pay, were stretched thin, leading to widespread disruptions. Yet, amidst this domestic paralysis, military operations abroad, and specifically, ongoing aid to foreign allies
like Israel, faced no such budgetary inconvenience. Priorities? Apparently, some government functions are more 'essential' than keeping the lights on at home. This isn't an isolated incident. Presidents from both parties consistently ensure that the military-industrial complex and foreign military aid packages remain sacrosanct, even as domestic programs face drastic cuts or shutdowns.
OpenSecrets.org data consistently show lobbyists for defense contractors and foreign governments generously donating to the very politicians who champion these uninterrupted appropriations. One might wonder if the concern for 'national security' only applies when it funnels money towards specific, well-connected interests, rather than ensuring basic public services.