It's @searcher 's fault saying he wants interest on his contribution. Lol
Explain to me why Israel has no right to exist.
- Thread starter foolsgold
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Because Trump's war on iran for israel will probably kill Social Security in the long run. Those who want the war are willing to take my Social security for it.
I'll go with Joe's statement
It was taken long ago. All that's ever been in the SS trust fund is a buncha Treasury Bonds.
Been that way since before you were born.
And it won't be long before the government won't be able to or willing to hold up to its end of the bargain come maturity time.
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Grok:
As of late March 2026 (about four weeks into the conflict), the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran—launched on February 28, 2026, and known as Operation Epic Fury—has involved extensive airstrikes, naval operations, and strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, leadership targets, and proxies.
en.wikipedia.org +1
Direct U.S. military costs so far are estimated in the range of $12–25+ billion, with projections for significantly higher totals if the conflict continues. These figures come from Pentagon briefings, Trump administration statements, and independent analyses, though exact accounting is incomplete (e.g., it may exclude full pre-war buildup, long-term replenishment, or indirect costs like veteran care).Key cost breakdowns
americanprogress.org
Global supply chain disruptionsThe conflict has severely disrupted the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint carrying ~20–31% of global seaborne crude oil and significant liquefied natural gas—leading to near-halt of tanker traffic, attacks on vessels, and widespread rerouting.
reuters.com +1
As of late March 2026 (about four weeks into the conflict), the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran—launched on February 28, 2026, and known as Operation Epic Fury—has involved extensive airstrikes, naval operations, and strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, leadership targets, and proxies.
en.wikipedia.org +1
Direct U.S. military costs so far are estimated in the range of $12–25+ billion, with projections for significantly higher totals if the conflict continues. These figures come from Pentagon briefings, Trump administration statements, and independent analyses, though exact accounting is incomplete (e.g., it may exclude full pre-war buildup, long-term replenishment, or indirect costs like veteran care).Key cost breakdowns
- The first six days alone cost at least $11.3 billion, primarily on precision munitions (e.g., missiles costing $1–4 million each vs. cheap Iranian drones at ~$20,000).
reuters.com +1 - By mid-March (around day 15–18), Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett cited ~$12 billion; other estimates (e.g., Center for Strategic and International Studies) put it at ~$16.5 billion by day 12, with early daily burn rates near $891 million to $1 billion.
aljazeera.com +1 - As of late March, cumulative costs have likely exceeded $20–25 billion (and could hit that threshold by the end of the week of March 24), with daily spending now lower due to a reduced operational tempo and cheaper munitions.
americanprogress.org +1 - Pre-war military buildup in the region added hundreds of millions (one estimate: ~$630 million).
theintercept.com - The Pentagon is seeking a $200 billion supplemental appropriation for ongoing operations, munitions replenishment, and related costs—on top of the regular defense budget. Longer scenarios project $40–95 billion for a two-month conflict or up to hundreds of billions (potentially trillions long-term) if it drags on.
bbc.com +1
americanprogress.org
Global supply chain disruptionsThe conflict has severely disrupted the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint carrying ~20–31% of global seaborne crude oil and significant liquefied natural gas—leading to near-halt of tanker traffic, attacks on vessels, and widespread rerouting.
reuters.com +1
- Oil and energy: Regional production has been slashed (by more than two-thirds in some estimates), spiking global crude prices above $100/barrel for the first time since 2022. In the U.S., gasoline prices rose roughly a third (to an average around $3.98/gallon early on), with diesel climbing even higher (near $5/gallon in some reports). This drives inflation in transportation, manufacturing, and consumer goods worldwide.
americanprogress.org +1 - Shipping and logistics: Over 150 vessels (including oil/LNG tankers) were stranded or anchored; at least four tankers damaged/ablaze, with insurance companies canceling war-risk coverage or imposing massive premium hikes. Many carriers reroute around the Cape of Good Hope (adding 10–14 days and higher fuel costs per voyage), causing port backups, container shortages, and elevated freight rates across Asia-Europe and other lanes. About 10% of global container ships have been affected.
reuters.com +1 - Other commodities: Beyond oil, disruptions hit oil-derived products like fertilizers (raising food prices), pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals (e.g., from India/Middle East routes), semiconductors/electronics (via broader Asian shipping delays), and helium. Industrial production and global supply chains face knock-on shortages and cost increases.
finance.yahoo.com +1
Viking
Yellow Jacket
Lancers32
Often Wrong Never In Doubt
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Since we're off topic you know a number of decades ago one of these morons came up with the idea of tying a portion of SS to the stock market itself. I know stocks on boards like these are as popular as the clap but take a look at what would have happened to your SS.
It would depend.
If self-directed (the wise would get financial advising) it would have worked better than Ponzi Security has worked. Taking money in the front door (withholding) and paying it right out the back door (as happens) provides NO returns.
If it were centrally directed by political hacks, hacks who had been bought by Wall Street...no, it would not have gone so well.
If we'd been given the option to put some of it in stocks, AND put away the wet-dream of the Mastermind Class - the Managed Market, with Plunge Protection - we'd have been fine. In fact, we'd not be here, now - much of our insanity comes from fiat money; mal-spending by government; the resultant inflation, and that these Masterminds NEED inflation to manage the public DEBT from this incorrigable spending-beyond-income.
Various state pension plans (that give government employees an OUT of antiSocial inSecurity) have fabulous benefits, with comparable withholding. By investing.
Viking
Yellow Jacket
I asked chat gpt what the difference in the trust fund size would be had the excess SS money collected since 1983 had been invested in the s&p as opposed to government bonds.
This was it's answer.
Using 1983–2024 cumulative Social Security surpluses invested in the S&P 500 total return, a reasonable, simple estimate is that the combined trust funds would be worth roughly $8–12 trillion today (May 29, 2026) — about $5.3–$9.3 trillion more than the actual $2.72 trillion in Treasury securities.
in hindsight, it looks like what should have been done.
Edited to add: but then the gov wouldn't have gotten to spend that money, which was the main purpose of SS. Ie: a new tax for gov revenue.