The whole world is hoping that diplomacy will end the war in Iran. But even before a definite balance sheet can be drawn, one thing is certain: It has caused indescribable suffering for the people in the region. Our hearts go out to the people who have lost their loved ones, to those who were traumatized by the bombs, missiles, and explosions, and to those whose homes were turned into rubble within seconds. The misery war brings can’t be measured.
Then there’s the other cost: destroyed infrastructure—the product of countless hours of labor—and vast resources poured into weapons designed only to kill. Unimaginable sums, literally blown up. That money could have gone to healthcare, school meals, public transit, or renewable energy. Instead, it’s been spent on death and destruction. But how much, exactly?
Republicans say that the war hast cost ‘only‘ $25 Billion so far. That amount could fund Medicaid for 2.7 million people for a year, cover 11% of Americans’ medical debt, provide 3 months of food assistance, or pay 360,000 teachers for a year. And even that $25B estimate may be far too low.
The Trump administration initially requested $200 billion for the war—calling it ‘a small price to pay.’ That’s about a fifth of the U.S. military budget, on top of an already historic $1 trillion. According to @nationalpriorities, $200 billion could fund 1.5 million registered nurses for a year, provide 4.89 million four-year college scholarships, or cover Medicaid for 23.34 million people for a year.
Rep. Ro Khanna estimates that higher gas and food prices could add up to a $631 billion impact—about $5,000 per U.S. household—at a time when roughly 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.
Harvard professor Linda Bilmes says: “I am certain we will reach One Trillion Dollars for the Iran war”. In an interview, she told the Harvard Kennedy School: “Wars always cost more than expected. Throughout history, those who get into wars tend to be optimistic about the cost and about the length of time it will take.”
We are told this is security spending. That’s not true. Our money goes toward killing and destruction, trauma and displacement, higher prices and less care.
We want our money back!