US Secures Critical Mineral, Ignores Its Own Critical Infrastructure
CBS News breathlessly reports on a South Korean mine slated to supply the U.S. with 'critical' tungsten, lauded as a 'war metal' essential for defense. The narrative frames this as a strategic win, securing materials for weaponry that—we're told—protects national interests. Yet, while the Pentagon prioritizes tungsten for future conflicts, domestic infrastructure crumbles, clean water remains a
luxury for many communities, and healthcare access is a constant battle. The 'national interest' here seems remarkably selective. One might wonder at the timing, as politicians champion defense spending while voting down investment in social safety nets. This isn't just about minerals; it's about priorities. The U.S. can mobilize resources for tungsten—a mineral largely sourced from China
historically—but somehow struggles with universal healthcare or repairing its own outdated power grids. The 'critical' needs of the military-industrial complex consistently overshadow the critical needs of its own citizens. It's almost as if 'national security' has been redefined to mean 'endless war readiness,' rather than the well-being of the actual nation.