Thousands of travelers found themselves stranded at airport terminals on May 7. Spirit Airlines has ceased all operations. The budget carrier parked its entire fleet after jet fuel prices hit €153 per barrel. This spike was triggered by the ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington rejected an Iranian peace proposal this week. The move sent shockwaves through the energy markets.

This is "Imperial Triage" in action. The U.S. Navy has launched "Project Freedom." They are using warships to escort commercial vessels. They are prioritizing the transit of energy over the defense of secondary allies. While billions are spent on military escorts, domestic infrastructure is left to rot. The collapse of Spirit Airlines marks the end of low-cost domestic travel. For the working class, the right to move is being revoked.

Citadel CEO Ken Griffin warned that higher energy prices will drive the world into recession. The S&P 500 hit record highs, but the floor is falling out for the average person. 240,000 DHS employees remain unpaid. Former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is under indictment for siphoning FEMA funds. The state is looting its own coffers while the military protects corporate fuel lines.

The blockade has left 20,000 seafarers hostage in the Gulf. Washington’s refusal to negotiate ensures the crisis will deepen. We are seeing a global auction for survival. The rich can afford the €153 fuel premium. The poor are left on the tarmac. This is the logical conclusion of a system that values the transit of oil more than the lives of its people. The sky is now a gated hub for those who can pay.