The Pentagon just failed its sixth straight audit. But instead of a lump of coal, lawmakers are on track to award the agency another $840 billion, Lindsay Koshgarian writes this week — even though it already can’t account for nearly $2 trillion worth of taxpayer resources!
Lindsay suggests putting that money instead toward the government programs that have actually passed their audits — the ones that put food on tables and roofs over heads for working people like Asia Walters.
This week in OtherWords, Asia shares her personal story of struggling as a single mom in the shadow of her own traumatic upbringing — and the key role public programs played in helping her stay on her feet. But as those programs are scaled back, she warns, that progress is being reversed — for herself and for families across the country.
Also this week, Jim Hightower celebrates the November defeat of censorship advocates.
New This Week…
The Pentagon Just Can’t Pass an Audit | Lindsay Koshgarian
Conservative lawmakers calling for cuts should start with the agency that can’t account for $1.9 trillion — not the programs Americans rely on.
It Takes Strength to Survive Poverty — and a Safety Net to Escape It | Asia Walters
As a struggling single mom, I’ve learned that poverty is a policy choice, not a personal one. We can reverse it — if we choose.
Voters Banned the Book Banners | Jim Hightower
Candidates aligned with “Moms for Liberty,” a group very much opposed to liberty in our schools, were run out of school boards across the country.
CARTOON: Planet of the APEC | Khalil Bendib
The U.S. and China confronted big questions about their relationship at the Asia Pacific Economic Forum — really big questions.
In Case You Missed It…
I Help Seniors Get Health Care. Shouldn’t I Be Able to Afford My Own? | Christina Jemenez
President Biden needs to stand up for federal call center workers like my colleagues and me.
The Humanities Are Priceless | Jim Hightower
We shouldn’t let far-right politicians strip our education system down to what corporate employers demand.
Americans Want a Ceasefire. It’s Our Politicians Who Are Out of Touch | Farrah Hassen
Our elected officials should listen to the two-thirds of Americans calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
How to Make America More Affordable| Bilal Baydoun
Regulation and public investment are a better response to high prices than more interest rate hikes.
