As I submit this, the cost of “war” with Iran — an unjustified war of choice by President Donald Trump, not approved by Congress — is $137 billion, with an additional $80 billion just requested to manage a funding shortfall. Now he’s proposing a $300 million Iranian reconstruction fund — to repair what he destroyed. The current memorandum of understanding shows nothing to be gained beyond what was negotiated a decade ago under the Obama administration. No real regime change, Hormuz Strait open as it was before, sanctions lifted, a further destabilized Middle East with a stronger Iran, with Israel at the helm of death and destruction. Siding with Trump, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson has supported this use of our money.
This war has erased the household benefit of Trump’s tax cuts. Moody’s Analytics projects the average household could absorb nearly $2,000 in war-related costs in one year. The USDA projects food prices will rise 3.1 percent as diesel and fertilizer costs cascade into grocery stores.
Mortgage rates have risen to 6.52 percent. The Consumer Price Index rose at the highest pace since April 2023.
The wealthy are wealthier. How about you?
How might those billions have been spent on American citizens and infrastructure? How about a $300 million reconstruction fund for America, for healthcare, food assistance, a healthy water supply, sustainable energy, affordable housing, and early childhood and public education? What happened to “America First”? Send wealthy Hinson home in November.
Jo Ann McNiel
Cedar Rapids