The U.S. Central Command claims its airstrikes are meant to impose “heavy costs” on Iran. But let’s get real here: what does “heavy costs” even mean? If you think this is about protecting American interests and values, think again. It’s just a numbers game cooked up by the government elites telling us who’s the enemy this week.

Let’s look at the corporate media—CNN reports on these strikes as if they’re delivering a public service, spinning it to suggest a heroic tale of defending democracy. They’re pushing the narrative that we’re the good guys, while conveniently ignoring the body count and the collateral damage. Meanwhile, Fox News, with its bombastic style, frames it as a necessary action to keep the oily wheels of capitalism turning smoothly. Both channels are in bed with the military-industrial complex, each playing their respective roles to keep the American populace in check.

What’s lost in all this choreographed drama? The real question—who benefits? The average American does not see a dime of this action. Instead, we see billions funneled into war and conflict while our own infrastructure crumbles, schools struggle for funding, and healthcare remains a luxury. It’s high time we call out this pathetic game of geopolitical chess. Our leaders need to stop framing aggression as “necessary” when they’re just lining their pockets and feeding us propaganda.