Bernie Sanders Slams ‘Panic’ Over Iran War, Warns of Job Losses

Sanders Criticizes Casual Approach to War, Calls for End to Trumpism

Senator Bernie Sanders has sharply criticized what he calls the “glibness” and “casualness” of President Trump’s approach to foreign conflict, particularly concerning the escalating situation with Iran and ongoing arms sales to Israel. Speaking on the gravity of war and its impact on soldiers and civilians, Sanders expressed deep concern over a president he described as a “pathological liar” with “very little empathy for his fellow human beings.” He emphasized the need to build a political movement focused on working people to end “Trumpism” and address critical domestic issues.

Resolutions Aim to Curb War, But Face Uphill Battle

Three resolutions have been introduced in Congress aimed at restraining the war and halting U.S. arms sales to Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Sanders acknowledged the difficulty of passing such measures, suggesting many lawmakers are influenced by special interests like AIPAC. He argued that providing additional weapons to a country accused of genocide in Gaza violates American law, which prohibits arms sales to nations that disregard international law and human rights.

“The bottom line is that to give another 20,000 bombs to a country which committed genocide in Gaza happens to be, among many other things—forget the moral issue—happens to be a violation of American law.”

Israel’s Role in Escalating Conflict and Human Rights Concerns

Sanders pointed to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s long-standing desire for a war with Iran, suggesting the current president has aligned with this goal. He highlighted the immense suffering in Gaza, with approximately 15% of Lebanon’s population displaced and aggressive actions in the West Bank making a two-state solution seem impossible. Sanders questioned the rationale behind continuing to fund Israel, calling it a partner in the current war and noting the International Court of Justice’s decision to allow a genocide case against Israel to proceed.

Massive War Spending Sparks Outrage Amid Domestic Needs

The White House is requesting a $200 billion war supplemental from Congress, adding to an already substantial $1 trillion appropriation. Sanders expressed skepticism about the vote’s success, calling the request for additional funds for a war that “should never have been fought” outrageous, especially when many Americans struggle to afford healthcare and childcare. He contrasted this spending with tax breaks for billionaires, suggesting the Trump administration is out of touch with the needs of ordinary citizens. Sanders believes the administration is “in a bit of panic” and “losing ground” due to widespread discontent over the war and rising gas prices.

Bezos’s AI and Automation Plans Spark Fears of Mass Unemployment

Beyond foreign policy, Sanders raised alarms about the growing influence of wealthy individuals like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg, who are investing billions in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Bezos’s plan to use robots to replace potentially hundreds of thousands of Amazon workers and invest in automating manufacturing jobs was highlighted as a major concern. Sanders warned that such actions, driven by corporate greed, could lead to mass unemployment, questioning how an economy can function if people have no money to spend.

“Hey, we can automate, put robots in manufacturing plants all over America, throw workers out on the street. We can make these companies have more and more money and more and more profits. The only thing that maybe Bezos hasn’t considered is if you create mass unemployment, if people are not earning any money, how the hell are they going to buy anything?”

The Economic Threat of Automation and the Pursuit of Wealth

Sanders argued that the goal of these tech titans is to increase profits by replacing human labor, a move he believes is fundamentally flawed. He questioned the long-term economic consequences of widespread job displacement caused by AI and automation, suggesting it’s a dangerous path driven by “endless amounts of greed.” The senator urged a serious consideration of the impact of these technologies on the American workforce and economy.

Source: ‘They’re losing ground’: Bernie says Trump in a ‘panic’ as Iran war spirals (YouTube)