Once again Democrats are celebrating additional funding for a US military base in Michigan

Last year I wrote about how Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin had sent a letter to President Trump to secure a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County., Michigan. Part of that letter read:

“We appreciate your recent commitment to base a new fighter mission at Michigan’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Michigan has always stepped up to defend our nation. In World War II, Detroit earned the title “Arsenal of Democracy,” by producing the tanks, airplanes, and equipment that powered the forces of freedom’s victory over fascism and tyranny. Today, that same spirit of grit and innovation lives on at Selfridge. Selfridge is the ideal location for a future fighter mission with the experienced pilots, crews and maintainers, access to world class exercises and training ranges with state-of-the-art infrastructure. As you highlighted, Selfridge has enjoyed bipartisan support from the Michigan Congressional delegation, state and local leaders and the Macomb County community to recapitalize the 107th Fighter Squadron’s A10 aircraft with an advanced fighter. Your announcement is an important step towards realizing our long-held goal and we are ready to work with you, the Department of Defense and the Air Force to identify and base a new advanced fighter mission at Selfridge.”

Besides supporting the economic system of capitalism, the Democratic Party has always supporter US militarism.

At the state level Democrats are once again celebrating additional legislation for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County., Michigan. On a recent Facebook post, State Senator Winnie Brinks posted the photo above, along with the following comments:

Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation to strengthen the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base and ensure our state is ready to lead the next generation of defense missions. This a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we work together across the aisle in support of those who selflessly serve our country — a meaningful win for Michigan that we can all be proud of. And a special thanks to Senator Kevin Hertel for his key leadership on this effort.

I highlighted the phrases that stood out the most, all of which suggest that more funding for militarism keeps the public safe and that we should all be proud of it. US militarism has rarely ever brought justice or saved lives. For a detailed account of US military spending check out all the data at https://www.nationalpriorities.org/, along with their blog section, which includes great analysis.

In Senator Brinks’ comments she gave hi praise to Gov. Whitmer who said during the announcement for the $152 million for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base:

“Today’s funding is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan that will grow our economy and make our country safer. Since securing a new F15-EX fighter mission last year, I’ve been working closely with our federal partners and Congressional delegation to prepare Selfridge with upgrades to runways and taxiways. But we needed state funding to ensure the base will be ready for new aircraft to start arriving by 2028.”

In that same Press Release, Gov. Whitmer’s office also provided an overview of her office’s commitment to the US Military Industrial Complex, sharing what has happened during her tenure as Governor:

Growing Michigan’s Defense Industry 

Governor Whitmer has worked hard to grow Michigan’s defense industry, create good-paying jobs, and build more cars, chips, drones, and batteries right here in Michigan. 

• Announced Michigan’s NADWC was designated by the U.S. Department of War as a National Range for Deep Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Training.  
• Launched the Uncrewed Triple Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition to drive innovation in autonomous drone technology.  
• Established new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, enhancing Michigan’s defense and aerospace ecosystem.  
• Announced the release of Michigan’s Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan, which is designed to grow the state’s defense and aerospace sectors, strengthen national security, and create high-paying jobs that support Michigan’s economy.  
• Announced an innovative partnership between U of M and the Los Alamos national Laboratory to build a computing facility to research national security, cybersecurity, AI, energy, and more.  
• Announced a $50 million partnership to build Michigan’s defense manufacturing workforce. 

Again, US militarism is and has always been a deeply bi-partisan reality. This bi-partisan commitment to US militarism has translated into funding for war, while thousands of families in Michigan struggle to survive. It is never about whether or not there is enough money to support families, rather it is a matter of priorities. The US, Senators Peters and Slotkin, Gov. Whitmer and Senator Brinks all choose to fund militarism over basic community needs.