The U.S. should prioritize domestic family support over foreign military intervention
Source: Joseph Addington. "Make Families, Not War - The American Conservative." March 23, 2026. www.theamericanconservative.com
The Gist
The author argues that the government is making a terrible mistake by spending billions on a war in Iran while American families struggle with basic needs like housing, childcare, and rising costs. She believes the money being spent on bombs should instead go to helping families through tax credits and other support programs.
Conclusion
The current administration has betrayed its promise of domestic renewal by choosing to fund war in Iran instead of supporting American families in crisis
Premises
- American families are in severe crisis with declining marriage rates, fewer children, housing affordability problems, and economic struggles
- The administration was elected partly on promises to support families and initially delivered some benefits like expanded Child Tax Credit
- The administration abandoned family priorities by launching an expensive war in Iran without public consultation
- Military spending directly competes with family support funding - the Iran war's first six days cost $11.3 billion while expanding Child Tax Credit for newborns was deemed too expensive at $7.5 billion over 10 years
- War creates additional economic burdens on families through higher gas prices and inflation
- Military families bear the ultimate cost through loss of life of parents serving in combat
- The federal government lacks institutional advocacy for families compared to military interests
Assumptions
- Government resources are finite and require choosing between military spending and domestic programs
- Strong families are essential for national prosperity and social stability
- The Iran war is a 'war of choice' rather than necessary for national defense
- Government has a responsibility to support family formation and child-rearing
- Public was not adequately consulted about entering the Iran conflict