I think it's humorous that Trump is now demonizing Politico even though it's been a reliable source of columns like this, propping him up and sneering at Democrats. I stopped reading it long ago because it's firmly on the right.
Gutting USAID also threatens billions of dollars for U.S. farms says wash post. Since many farmers support Trump I wish this aspect would get more press.
I am always thankful for your essays, but this is one of your finest (even as the content is some of the hardest to digest for any thinking/caring human being).
What comes to mind for me is that by failing to put a constant spotlight on USAID work for decades, people have largely forgotten the relevance of it. Thus a lot of people being duped into thinking it's just wasteful spending. I realize it's too late for this - but there is nothing stopping the press from highlighting the death/illness coming from the dismantling of USAID, but given how little coverage there is of foreign news, it seems unlikely which is an equally harmful consequence of this action as well.
Going after USAID is clever because it gets Democrats riled up over an issue that the public sides with Trump. Sure you can make a case that this is all illegal and Trump is usurping Congress, but you know what? The average American voter doesn't give a crap about that, all they see is a bunch of Dems defending foreign aid.
Democrats need to stop missing the forest for the trees
A good corroboration of the public's general indifference to distant horrors is the reaction to Trump's Riviera Plan for Gaza (at not a Penny's cost to the USA). While there is significant valid concern, about the harm done to the Gaza population, by forced relocation. There seems to be no reflection about the death and destruction of Gaza by the joint US (bombs provider)-Israel (delivery) bombing campaign. As if the cease fire cancelled that history.
Under Biden's leadership the Gaza campaign was bipartisan, thus depriving the Democrats of the valor to be had by opposing, or limiting, the massacre. Musk and Trump, with their substantial political and popular support, capitalize on this shortfall of humanity.
With every passing day, the United States is no longer a force for good in the world. I wanted to cry when I read the label on the front of the bags of grain waiting for distribution - "Gift of the People of the United States of America".
Not that it would make any difference to Trump and company, but if they weren't too lazy and ignorant to study the invaluable efforts of USAID, they would realize with its demise the spread of catastrophic infectious diseases would be inevitable and devastating, to distant nations and the US.
Democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it. Although we're hoping the courts will curtail some of the lawlessness and harebrained, infuriating edicts gushing from the White House, the power of our laws comes from 'we the people' making sure those words on paper are enforced, and make no mistake - standing/marching together in peaceful protests does make a difference.
I think it's humorous that Trump is now demonizing Politico even though it's been a reliable source of columns like this, propping him up and sneering at Democrats. I stopped reading it long ago because it's firmly on the right.
Gutting USAID also threatens billions of dollars for U.S. farms says wash post. Since many farmers support Trump I wish this aspect would get more press.
I am always thankful for your essays, but this is one of your finest (even as the content is some of the hardest to digest for any thinking/caring human being).
What comes to mind for me is that by failing to put a constant spotlight on USAID work for decades, people have largely forgotten the relevance of it. Thus a lot of people being duped into thinking it's just wasteful spending. I realize it's too late for this - but there is nothing stopping the press from highlighting the death/illness coming from the dismantling of USAID, but given how little coverage there is of foreign news, it seems unlikely which is an equally harmful consequence of this action as well.
Thanks for the kind words! The problem is that "government agency doing important work" is not the kind of story that gets much coverage.
Going after USAID is clever because it gets Democrats riled up over an issue that the public sides with Trump. Sure you can make a case that this is all illegal and Trump is usurping Congress, but you know what? The average American voter doesn't give a crap about that, all they see is a bunch of Dems defending foreign aid.
Democrats need to stop missing the forest for the trees
A good corroboration of the public's general indifference to distant horrors is the reaction to Trump's Riviera Plan for Gaza (at not a Penny's cost to the USA). While there is significant valid concern, about the harm done to the Gaza population, by forced relocation. There seems to be no reflection about the death and destruction of Gaza by the joint US (bombs provider)-Israel (delivery) bombing campaign. As if the cease fire cancelled that history.
Under Biden's leadership the Gaza campaign was bipartisan, thus depriving the Democrats of the valor to be had by opposing, or limiting, the massacre. Musk and Trump, with their substantial political and popular support, capitalize on this shortfall of humanity.
With every passing day, the United States is no longer a force for good in the world. I wanted to cry when I read the label on the front of the bags of grain waiting for distribution - "Gift of the People of the United States of America".
Not that it would make any difference to Trump and company, but if they weren't too lazy and ignorant to study the invaluable efforts of USAID, they would realize with its demise the spread of catastrophic infectious diseases would be inevitable and devastating, to distant nations and the US.
Democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it. Although we're hoping the courts will curtail some of the lawlessness and harebrained, infuriating edicts gushing from the White House, the power of our laws comes from 'we the people' making sure those words on paper are enforced, and make no mistake - standing/marching together in peaceful protests does make a difference.