John,

We all know that a nation's strength is not in its military might but in its ability to care for its people and invest in its future. Yet, we are part of a system that is investing an exorbitantly high proportion of its budget into the Pentagon, leaving other crucial areas underserved.

Currently, our government is proposing a nearly $1,000,000,000,000 Pentagon budget, more than the next ten countries combined. This excessive military expenditure is taking place while Congress simultaneously cuts crucial lifelines for the working class, including debt relief, affordable healthcare, student loans, and Social Security.

This massive budget is funding outdated ships, malfunctioning planes, dangerous nuclear weapons, and enabling corrupt military contractors. Our tax dollars are funneled into an unending spiral of increased military spending, leaving our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in dire straits.

The message from the government seems clear, they cannot afford to uplift our people but can afford an increasingly bloated military budget. Well, we are here today to say NO to bloated military spending while our schools lack resources. NO more limitless Pentagon budgets while Americans struggle to afford healthcare. NO more investing in conflict while the climate crisis worsens.

It’s time for Congress to prioritize the needs of the people. That means investing in programs that will truly make our country stronger and more equitable while cutting the bloated Pentagon budget.

Imagine the societal transformation if even a portion of the Pentagon's budget was allocated to rejuvenate our educational system, reduce the student debt burden that cripples our graduates, and ensure quality healthcare is accessible for every American, regardless of their income.

Picture a future where we commit serious financial resources to tackle the climate crisis by investing in renewable energy sources, reforesting efforts, and cities with modernized infrastructure, where clean water isn't a privilege but a fundamental right, and public transportation is efficient, extensive, and environment-friendly.

Each of these investments would be a step towards creating a society where prosperity is widespread and sustainable, and the opportunity is not just a rhetoric but a reality for all.

Saying no to bloated military spending is saying yes to a future where our country's strength isn't measured by the number of weapons we have but by the well-being, prosperity, and resilience of our people. Let's invest in creating a society that is as compassionate as it is strong, as innovative as it is equitable. That's the America we could shape with these funds.

Let us unite in our conviction that our tax dollars can be put to better use than bloating the Pentagon's budget. It's time to say "NO" to excessive military spending and "YES" to investing in our people and our future.

Together, we can build a future we can be proud to pass on to the next generation.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund