WASHINGTON (AP) — The President has proposed boosting defense spending to $1.5 trillion in his 2027 budget released Friday, the largest such request in decades, reflecting his emphasis on U.S. military investments over domestic programs.
“They must love you a lot more than they love me. Mom said that my children’s children would end up paying for all this, and that’s crazy—I’m just a kid.” Even now, children are hungry, families are homeless, and essential domestic programs are underfunded. Yet military spending, which is already higher than that of any other nation, takes priority over the welfare of our citizens.
To be honest, I am struggling with what our core values actually are vs. messaging of the moment. It’s obvious our checks and balances have a lot of gaping holes that need to be fixed.
What frustrates me the most is that a fundamental value of American democracy is supposed to be government by the people, which emphasizes that we all have a voice in how we are governed. Unfortunately, this principle seems to have been corrupted, possibly beyond repair. The Titanic was more watertight than our checks and balances have become. It’s incredibly frustrating.
Our only true voice is at the ballot box but even that can be influenced by media bubbles and corporate spending. But structurally, I don’t know how one person is supposed to be a representative of 750,000 people and be well-informed on all these issues. So they get Cliffs notes summaries by whoever has access and the most influence.
It is true that our system has imperfections, even at its best. However, there is this “crazy” assumption that elected representatives will be honest and have integrity, and that they engage with and discuss issues not only with those who share their views but also with those who oppose them. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to reflect reality today, and perhaps never did. Many positions on significant issues are often predetermined by the parties even before elections take place. There is no room for compromise anymore, it seems. You toe the line, or you’re a traitor to your party and will be forced out, replaced by someone who will.
Monte Stevens
17 days ago
First of all this is an amazing image! It has a powerful impact on me. Yes, the core values of this country have been in decline for several years now in just about every area of life: politics, church, colleges, corporations, etc. I am more concerned with the reaction of congress. And, I refuse to call this lunatic a president. For me the insanity is found in those who voted for him.
I can’t disagree with you, Monte. I’m still having trouble reconciling how almost half of those who voted in the 2024 election voted for him when it was very clear what he was, and then to have the congressional majorities completely disregard their responsibilities. Thanks for the comment about the image.
To be honest, I am struggling with what our core values actually are vs. messaging of the moment. It’s obvious our checks and balances have a lot of gaping holes that need to be fixed.
What frustrates me the most is that a fundamental value of American democracy is supposed to be government by the people, which emphasizes that we all have a voice in how we are governed. Unfortunately, this principle seems to have been corrupted, possibly beyond repair. The Titanic was more watertight than our checks and balances have become. It’s incredibly frustrating.
Our only true voice is at the ballot box but even that can be influenced by media bubbles and corporate spending. But structurally, I don’t know how one person is supposed to be a representative of 750,000 people and be well-informed on all these issues. So they get Cliffs notes summaries by whoever has access and the most influence.
It is true that our system has imperfections, even at its best. However, there is this “crazy” assumption that elected representatives will be honest and have integrity, and that they engage with and discuss issues not only with those who share their views but also with those who oppose them. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to reflect reality today, and perhaps never did. Many positions on significant issues are often predetermined by the parties even before elections take place. There is no room for compromise anymore, it seems. You toe the line, or you’re a traitor to your party and will be forced out, replaced by someone who will.
First of all this is an amazing image! It has a powerful impact on me. Yes, the core values of this country have been in decline for several years now in just about every area of life: politics, church, colleges, corporations, etc. I am more concerned with the reaction of congress. And, I refuse to call this lunatic a president. For me the insanity is found in those who voted for him.
I can’t disagree with you, Monte. I’m still having trouble reconciling how almost half of those who voted in the 2024 election voted for him when it was very clear what he was, and then to have the congressional majorities completely disregard their responsibilities. Thanks for the comment about the image.