US Elections Face Security Cuts While Billions Flow Overseas
Bloomberg points out the Department of Homeland Security is dramatically reducing cyber support for local US elections, leaving states like New York, New Jersey, and Virginia to fend for themselves against rising threats. One might wonder about the timing of such cuts, especially when the US Congress, including prominent AIPAC recipients, consistently finds billions for foreign military aid. For
instance, just recently, Congress approved HR 815, providing over $14 billion in military funding to Israel, a vote that saw overwhelming support from politicians who've received significant contributions from lobbying groups. (OpenSecrets.org data on AIPAC contributions to Congress is readily available, showing millions directed to key figures in recent cycles.) So, while our elected officials
appear deeply concerned with securing the borders and national interests of certain allies, the security of their own electoral process, the very foundation of American democracy, seems to be a lower priority. It begs the question: How many 'bombs over Baghdad' can we afford when our own ballot boxes might as well be left unlocked?