Elon Musk and his minions have been dismantling the U.S. federal government. Not only does this process hurt citizens by eliminating employees with relevant education and experience – beyond kowtowing to Trump – it dishonors these workers and shows no gratitude for their service.
The U.S. Government Has Thousands of Employees
Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Americans with other party affiliations and no affiliation have served the citizens of the United States for years. They studied and acquired degrees specifically for their work in economics, business, law enforcement, or foreign service. (Several universities in the Washington, D.C. area prepare students for domestic and international government service. They question whether they still can.) Then an immature billionaire and kids in their twenties fired them.
Growing up, many of my neighbors worked for the government. My good friend’s dad worked for Customs. The doctor who lived across the street worked at NIH. My next-door neighbor worked for the CIA. The neighbor living behind me, a Naval officer, worked for the NSA. These are but a few examples.
These men and women were excellent neighbors who worked hard and took their oaths to serve the public seriously. They were public servants.
The idea that a billionaire (who has little to no understanding of household spending) came into agencies and with help from some inadequately informed young men, fired these workers makes me feel ill and angry.
Service, Honor, Gratitude
Once Trump and Musk try to replace veteran agency employees, they will soon realize that government work is complex and requires education and experience. Serving the people of the entire United States necessitates diversity in hiring.
Government employees deserve honor and respect as they leave their positions. They are not receiving the gratitude they merit. These men and women deserve the department lunch or dinner where retirees come back and people reminisce about their careers. They deserve a plaque or other item to honor their contributions. Instead, some employees received notices about their final days that began with Dear [employee first name] [employee last name] rather than personalized letters. Others were fired one day, told that the firing communication was incorrect the next day, and were fired again on the third day.
President Trump and Elon Musk are not taking the time to examine each agency and the relevant facets of its work, including personnel. They replaced 10,000 USAID employees initially with 300 people. Did they think 9700 employees were previously just sitting around before, doing nothing?
Government employees serve the Constitution of the United States, their fellow citizens, and people worldwide. Musk dishonors government employees. Whether changes are needed or not, gratitude goes towards people who have spent their lives serving us.
Thank you to all government employees!
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