It’s gotten hard to keep up with the news about talks between the U.S. and Iran — or even to trust the updates coming from the administration about them. This week in OtherWords, Mitchell Zimmerman argues that despite the administration’s claims of “victory” in the conflict, all available evidence so far points to a U.S. defeat — or at best, stalemate — when it comes to the war’s stated objectives.
That war was made possible by sky-high Pentagon spending, which was hiked this past year to stunning $1 trillion in the GOP’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which also made historic cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and others. The next proposed budget, Karen Dolan warns, would hike that figure to an almost incomprehensible $1.5 trillion and make even more cuts to programs Americans rely on — to an extent she calls “shocking” even by Washington’s polarized standards.
Other writers explore the impact of those cuts. Starr Dixon, who went through Head Start as a child and now has one of her own in the program, warns against the administration’s stated intent to eliminate the program. And veteran James Lee shares his own experience of homelessness in a moving call to cut red tape and make benefits more stable.
Also this week, Jordan Liz calls out the administration’s troubling willingness to punish its critics, warning that it’s a brazen attack on constitutional rights.
New This Week…
I Served My Country, But It’s Leaving Me High and Dry | James Lee
The social safety net is frayed and full of red tape. But we learned during the pandemic that it doesn’t have to be.
Head Start Is a Stunning Success. Don’t Cut It. | Starr Dixon
For every $1 invested in Head Start, the economy receives returns ranging from $7 to $16. And the benefits for families like mine are priceless.
When We Disinvest in People, We All Pay the Price | Karen Dolan
President Trump’s budget proposal is a shocking departure from values most Americans hold.
Trump’s War Against Political Dissent | Jordan Liz
As the president’s approval rate plunges, his administration’s willingness to punish critics is becoming even more brazen.
Trump Declares Victory in Iran. Reality Disagrees. | Mitchell Zimmerman
Trump’s unprovoked war has killed thousands, strengthened Iran’s position, and made life more difficult for struggling Americans.
In Case You Missed It…
Tax the Corporations Cashing in on Trump’s War | Meghan Schneider and Cass DiPaola
Across the political spectrum, Americans support taxing windfall profits — and billionaires — to help working people weather the affordability crisis.
The Government May Be Spying on Your Phone — Congress Must Act | Don Bell
Lawmakers need to close a federal loophole that lets the government buy your cell phone data from third-party brokers.
American Muslims Don’t Need to Defend Our Existence | Farrah Hassen
It’s bigoted politicians, not Muslims like me, who threaten our way of life in this country.
To Make America Healthy Again, Break Up Big Ag | Amanda Claire Starbuck
Despite the MAHA rhetoric, President Trump keeps siding with Big Ag and toxic pesticide producers that are making Americans sick.
