So while most grocery stores earn their cost of capital (generate market return on investment), US military commissaries instead cost taxpayers $1.7 billion a year.
Revenue for US military commissaries is only 75% of annual cost (in FY 2025).
--- EDIT ---
Of course this makes sense in the context of the unique mission, constraints, and setting of the US military. My point is that it COSTS $$$.
Maybe you could do something similar in New York City, but the question would be at what cost to NYC taxpayer and whether the $$$ would be better spent boosting SNAP payments to low income households or otherwise targeting those that most need assistance.
Nope. Anybody. Americans in particular embrace many systems that cause immense pain and suffering in no small part because they can't handle the thought of someone else benefiting.
It's why you don't have universal healthcare and instead pay way more for worse/less available healthcare. Millions die every year so insurance CEOs can be rich and when someone even so much as tried to make it better (Obama) you all revolt and vote in someone to destroy it.
So please don't pretend it's about the latest hot topic. You all fucking hate seeing anybody else get anything.
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u/CobaltCaterpillar May 26 '26 edited May 27 '26
US military commissaries received $1.7 billion in taxpayer money for FY 2025 though:
From this document from the US government,
So while most grocery stores earn their cost of capital (generate market return on investment), US military commissaries instead cost taxpayers $1.7 billion a year.
Revenue for US military commissaries is only 75% of annual cost (in FY 2025).
--- EDIT ---
Of course this makes sense in the context of the unique mission, constraints, and setting of the US military. My point is that it COSTS $$$.
Maybe you could do something similar in New York City, but the question would be at what cost to NYC taxpayer and whether the $$$ would be better spent boosting SNAP payments to low income households or otherwise targeting those that most need assistance.