The world would be a better place if we all stopped imposing ourselves on others. It pays to be a good neighbor.
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As I continue to read the news and ruminate on this, a lot of my concern (in addition to all the people who lost access to lifesaving food and medical care through our promised foreign aid that was precipitously paused or completely halted, as well as the squandering of the good will which that aid bought our country, and allowing China to fill that vacuum) is that a lot of the federal employees being cut are actually more essential than Trump and Musk realize.
Some are being rehired, either because courts ordered it or because the administration quickly realized, or was reminded of, dire consequences of under staffing those facilities (e.g., the group that oversees nuclear weapons, the scientists researching the bird flu, VA workers dedicated to veteran care, and others). (See After mass layoffs, some federal agencies are trying to bring employees back | 90.5 WESA).
A lot of others are not being rehired: immigration judges (exacerbating an already years long backlog), IRS employees who make it harder for the wealthiest to cheat on their taxes and who process all our taxes per laws that Congress passed (Warnings Issued On IRS Tax Refund Delays - Newsweek), national park rangers who maintain trails and handle bears, and many others that few of us hear about.
(One new link this morning: Trump Administration Axes Two Food Safety Committees - Newsweek)
This firing and rehiring and uncertainty is causing huge stress and morale problems with all federal employees and contractors (some of whom are my friends). How would it feel to work for an organization that treated you that way?
I’m concerned that there will be long term ramifications of these staff shortages and the cutting of experienced, dedicated professionals that won’t be apparent for months or even years, at which time it will be too late to get them back and very difficult to reestablish lost services.
The worst part of it is that all these personnel cuts are only a small part of the federal budget. (Again, listen to the podcast I posted a link to a couple days ago, and see this article from a libertarian site: Trump listing DOGE cuts was the best part of his speech to Congress)
Also, I haven’t read anything about cutting the billions of dollars going to Tesla or Spacex… (See https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/interactive/2025/elon-musk-business-government-contracts-funding/ or search for something like “is the government cutting payments to Tesla or spacex”) Gee, I wonder why?
DOGE should be renamed DOGD - the Department of Government Deficiency… I’m somewhat heartened in the last day or two, though, after reading that after numerous members of Congress and federal agency heads expressed alarm at the public outcry, President Trump has reined in Musk and said that he and DOGD can no longer go over the heads of Cabinet secretaries regarding who gets fired or (re)hired.
I’m also very concerned about the long term repercussions of Trump’s sabotage of our international relationships with our previous long-term friends and allies - primarily Canada, Mexico, and Europe. I’m concerned about how many years or decades it might take until they believe they can trust the United States again. I’m concerned about Trump’s abandonment of Ukraine (halting arms shipments and cutting their access to satellite imagery) and signals in favor of Russia.
In church this morning, though, God brought this verse to mind:
Philippians 4:6-7 NET
[6] Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
I have two main concerns. One is the economy. I am concerned that it is going to get to the point that we cannot afford groceries, medical care, etc. I know it has been expensive for awhile, but it is getting worse as time goes on. My other concern, is that of education for students with special needs. As an educator and grandmother of a special needs child, it is gong to be tough on parents and kids if the programs funded by the federal govrnment through the DOE go away. If there are no rules for these students, their education and care will suffer. I think the way they are going about things is deplorable, but that is just my opinion. I think there must be a better way to accomplish whatever it is they are trying to accomplish. Praying for our nation and our leaders.
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Yes - I’m concerned as well about cuts to special ed services. Several of my relatives are gen ed or special ed teachers.
I also pray daily for wisdom and compassion in our government, both federal and state:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 NET
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
This was probably written when Nero was the Roman emperor.
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Here’s a link from an article by Forbes, which has an AllSides bias rating of “center” (again, related to my concerns about the long term repercussions of the Trump job cuts):
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And another from NPR about some of the consequences of shuttering USAID:
I fear we will not be able to ride out the initial shock waves that his economic initiatives will bring. He knows what those shock will be and believes we can ride them out. But if he does not have enough power or Congress checks some of his plans, he may be wrong. Doge is putting on lots of stress and tariffs will put on more. We must be allowed to make adjustments as needed to digest Trump’s whole plan.
Ontario announces a 25% tarrif on electricity sold to the US
Then—
A few minutes later….
Ontario cancels planned 25% tarrif increase on energy it sells to US
“The termination of these two important advisory committees is very alarming and should serve as a warning to consumers that food safety will not be a priority at USDA in the foreseeable future," Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, shared in a statement provided to Food & Wine. "These expert panels provide impartial scientific advice and recommendations to USDA, FDA, and the CDC on public health issues related to food safety in the U.S. The failure to recognize and leverage the value of this scientific expertise is dangerous and irresponsible.”
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DOGD!
The sky is falling! The sky is falling!
oops. no. It’s just DOGE cutting off the Democrats from siphoning tax dollars.
Again, they’re doing the most harm to the most needy and voiceless - and potentially to all of us who rely on Social Security.
"Beyond immediate accessibility issues, these funding cuts will also lead to dangerous processing delays. Disability claims already take years to resolve, and often require a tedious back-and-forth of appeals to win.
“Deep staffing reductions could make even basic tasks like getting a new Social Security Card or filing for survivor’s benefits take significantly longer. These delays would cause serious financial harm to the low-income people who need these benefits the most.”
Says the guy who said in a previous post elsewhere that he isn’t in America.
Do try to pay attention.
I said I’m not from America.
See the difference?
I will type this slowly so you can grasp it:
Why…are…you…
so…invested…
in…posts…
about…America?
You…sound…
Like…a…child…who…likes
To…
Poke…
At…
Beee…hiiiives…
?
I live in America. I work in America. I pay taxes in America. I’m American.
And I don’t suffer fools.