When it comes to progressive proposals aimed at social well-being, the associated costs are always the first explanation for why such efforts are either unrealistic “pie in the sky”.

Medicare for All. But how you gonna pay for it?

Tuition-free public college. But how you gonna pay for it?

Paid family leave and sick leave. But how you gonna pay for it?

The urgently-needed rapid and just transition to 100 percent renewable energy? But how you gonna pay for it?

Meanwhile, news outlets reported Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s so-called “Space Force”—if approved—would require $13 billion in funding over its first five years alone and word from the U.S. Air Force on Monday was that it wants to acquire an additional 70 squadrons—which would include scores of new aircraft—in the coming years. 

According to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, her branch of the military intends to grow its fighting force by nearly 25 percent in the coming years. That would include:

• 5 additional bomber squadrons

• 7 more fighter squadrons

• 7 additional space squadrons

• 14 more tanker squadrons

• 7 special operations squadrons

• 9 nine combat search-and-rescue squadrons

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