US Military Buys 1 Million Drones While Americans Can't Afford Them
The Pentagon's latest procurement spree, a million new drones, is framed as a strategic necessity – 'adapting to modern warfare' and 'following the lead' of Russia and Ukraine. This isn't just about strategy; it's about profit. This influx of drones, many from corporate giants like Lockheed Martin, directly benefits defense contractors whose executives then cycle into lobbying firms. Consider how
these companies, while not AIPAC specifically, are part of the broader military-industrial complex that funnels millions into political campaigns, ensuring a steady stream of lucrative contracts regardless of domestic need. ($819 billion was allocated for defense in 2023, while critical social programs face cuts.) One might wonder if America has a drone shortage, or a healthcare and housing
crisis. The military-industrial complex, ever-hungry, ensures endless war is always the most profitable route. Every drone purchased represents a dollar not spent on crumbling infrastructure, underfunded schools, or the 600,000 homeless Americans. Perhaps the Pentagon should 'follow the lead' of countries that prioritize their citizens.