Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, WI
6/22/2025
A small group of activists from various socialist organizations gathered at the Capitol Sunday afternoon to protest the latest bombing of Iran, this time by the US and the Trump administration.
The use of six Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs at an estimated cost of $20 million per bomb was dropped from three B-2 bombers, plus 30 Tomahawk missiles were launched from a submarine, at $2 million each. That's $120 million for only the ordinance. Add in the cost of fuel, the planes, the personnel, and the price tag of this show of force becomes unconscionable--as if the act itself wasn't unconscionable enough. I can't even imagine the cost of a war, another war, with Iran and the Middle East.
These dollar amounts are estimates. As I write this, several days after the attack, no news outlets seem to be focusing on the financial side of this boondoggle. Most are reporting on the size and weight of the bombs, their penetration capabilities, and whether they reached their targets; valid, but ancillary information being made primary to deflect from the further mess Trump and his administration are making of the country and the world.
Now, more so than ever in recent history, we are seeing a group of people, primarily white men, conservative and supposed Christians, making the greatest power-grab since Hitler attempted to take over all of Europe. One could argue that Putin, in a less genocidal manner, has made attempts to add to or take back land once held by Russia. But even he has reserved his attacks for the countries that border Russia.
The white power elites of the United States, however, thirst to remain relevant in an ever-growing global society——one that relies less and less on the US for its prosperity. And as the death knell rings for white male dominance, they are huddling up to make one last stand before the end. Sadly, those creating the chaos are among the richest in the country (and some in the world) and control enough systems to make their ultimate demise challenging, and a long, drawn-out process. Creating much death, pain, and suffering in their wake.
And here today stands this core of activists who sought community and came out to speak, fight, and champion something better than the status quo, not just for themselves, but for all people everywhere. Their numbers, like today, are sometimes small. However, their messages, ideals, and values speak loudly and broadly. It is they that we owe a debt of gratitude for being a voice when most remain silent.
