Politicians used to talk more about saving or fixing social security. It is closer to running out now, and politicians irresponsibly ignore it!
Someone’s willingness to pay isn’t just a function of how much they want the product or service, but also their ability to pay. So, when you have limited seats available for a sports game or concert, the people who go are not simply those who love the sport or the artist the most, but those who can better afford expensive tickets. This can result in rich people who don’t even care that much, having the best seats.
Overall, the scientific evidence finds that Medicaid does improve health. There was a literature that found this, then the Oregon study found that it didn’t! But then with the ACA, some people were randomly sent a reminder to sign up for Medicaid, and those that got the letter, signed up more, and they had better health outcomes. The Oregon study followed people for too short of time and the sample was too small.
Limited patriot missiles may not hurt the US too much in a war with China because China will likely overwhelm patriot batteries, and destroy those batteries in one day. Without batteries to fire the missiles, the missiles are useless.
One reason the US does not build that many missiles in a year is because the fuel in missiles degrades and makes the missiles too dangerous to fire, meaning, if we build a whole lot during peacetime, most of the missiles will go in the trash along with the piles of money it cost to purchase them.
Iran has destroyed a lot of important equipment and radars on US bases around the Middle East. These bases are sitting ducks, and the US was unable to defend them.