Army funding
A Feb. 14 Boston Herald editorial – “There are not any fiscal vivid spots” – highlighted the dangerous information contained within the Congressional Funds Workplace’s newest 10-year price range estimates: a $1.7 trillion deficit in fiscal 2025, attributable to develop to $3.1 trillion by fiscal 2036; spending projections that far outpace projected tax collections; and the upper prices of an growing old inhabitants that would problem the soundness of the Social Safety and Medicare trusts by 2032.
One essential driver of those issues, not talked about within the editorial, is the mammoth US navy price range. Final 12 months, the navy consumed $1 trillion and, if President Trump has his manner, that determine will develop to a mind-boggling $1.5 trillion in FY 2027.
Because the Pentagon price range grows, all federal packages that fund important wants – corresponding to housing, well being care, schooling, Title I, childcare and Head Begin, house power help, and providers for older Individuals and other people with disabilities – should compete for an more and more smaller piece of the pie. A whole lot of hundreds of households throughout Massachusetts who’re struggling to make ends meet depend on these packages.
The US spends extra on its navy than the subsequent 9 international locations mixed. We preserve some 800 bases around the globe. We spend large quantities of cash on “limitless wars” – the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan price us greater than $2.3 trillion (or $300 million per day).
The Ukraine Conflict, which simply entered its fifth 12 months, is the newest. The US Congress has authorised greater than $188 billion in navy and financial support to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. But the conflict grinds on. A whole lot of hundreds on both sides have been killed or wounded. The conflict has devastated Ukraine’s economic system, its power infrastructure, and its countryside.
Ukraine is without doubt one of the more than likely flashpoints on Earth that would spark a nuclear conflict. Either side has been climbing the escalation ladder, each in rhetoric and motion. But Gallup polls have proven that almost all Ukrainians need a negotiated settlement to the conflict as quickly as potential, with a good portion open to territorial concessions. US diplomatic efforts needs to be supported. This conflict wants to finish now, earlier than it threatens all the planet.
Jackie King
Cambridge
Defending residents
President Trump made a easy request throughout his State of the Union handle. He requested Congress to face in the event that they agree that the primary obligation of American authorities is to guard Americans and never unlawful immigrants. Most Democrats didn’t stand. I’ve nothing extra so as to add when this stunning show proves that the Democratic Occasion has misplaced its manner.
Donald Houghton
Quincy
