Thanks Adam - another great summary of specifically what these government departments do, what their funds actually cover and do for actual people, and how those people will be affected when funding / staffing, etc. are cast into Musk's "woodchipper."
Adam, I've become a huge supporter of yours, despite being a lifelong Democrat. My father, may he rest in peace, was also a lifelong Democrat and he too would have been impressed with you. Thanks for trying to meet this moment.
It is beyond my comprehension that, so many people are now finding out that they voted against their best interests. It all was and still is in plain sight for all to see, if you wanted or want to accept reality.
So true! They all said "He's just talking. He won't do that" when we asked them about his crazy threats and promises. ("I'll be a dictator on day one", "I'll pardon the January 6th hostages", "I'll fire everyone in the 'politicised' DOJ that unfairly prosecuted me"). We told them "Yes he will." Now they are finding out that their denial and defense of his worst impulses is negatively affecting their own lives!
Beyond comprehension? Yes, but, as I have said many times, "the day will come when even his supporters will regret voting for him"!
My fervent hope is that they, who are being wronged along with the rest of us, will join us in eliminating what is the greatest threat to democracy ever!
Thank-you, Mr. Kinzinger for clarifying the roles of federal government funding in education. The media & Democrats are missing these critical points, especially which voters will be affected, in their talking points. Sigh.
Great idea DOGE…schools are already feeling the pain of the uphill battle of closing achievement gaps. This should really make our schools great again (insert sarcasm)!
“ bad form” to have the richest person in the world gloating about stealing milk from children.
Apparently, now he is applauded for that and so much more ( at least in enough circles to have been responsible for electing T-rump in the first place) .
Let’s hope that some time in the future, the country will look at this period with the same disdain that we have for McCarthyism, the internment of Japanese Americans and other atrocities that have stained our past .
Unlike any act of compassion … such as Build bridges not walls. Hand up to those in need. Love others…. (I could go)” those “Christian Nationalist” actions are contrary to the teachings of Christ. Regardless of each person’s belief or non-belief these people do not echo Christ’s teachings. As Adam once said in his post, I paraphrase, No Jesus he knows would vote for MAGA principles (ie DT). . .
I agree. But I have a sister who is a real Christian and being catholic she voted for Trump. She was told he would be better and Harris slept her way to the top. These religious sites know how to push the button .
I am Catholic. I have never voted for Trump. There are plenty of other Catholics who have never voted for Trump either. Don’t blame people voting for Trump on Catholicism.
I agree, I lied and said I didn’t vote(I did)because it would have been too confrontational. Now that Trump won , my sister is in such denial, she says why is Trump picking all the horrible people for his cabinet. I have all I can do to keep my mouth shut. We are both in our 80’s and I want to keep piece . Many people do have buyers remorse but won’t admit it.
I know what you’re saying about keeping the peace. God, I pray someone or something comes crashing down on this Administration because what he’s done to America on global front is beyond betrayal of our founding fathers, principles and to me shameful in our once allies.
How any American that know our history would support the clown in WH & the useful idiots he surrounds himself with is beyond despicable should be remove. How Americans voted to place spineless Republicans in Congress to follow without protecting our children, senior citizens & first foremost our Military families who don’t live a life of luxuries but will fight for America is shamefully ignorant and sickening.
How got here was by lies, deceitfulness, Russian propaganda, and pure uneducated citizens that were too lazy to do their own research but listen to right wing extremist podcast unable to think for themselves they sallowed others to feed them lies. As Americans I find sickening that this Country put a liar, sexual assaulter, felon in our sacred White House for?
We must do something now before DJT GOES MUCH FARTHER if continue this path can we come back it? I am trying to wrap my head around this mess.
History won’t be kind to America or maybe even American as we go forward. The Greed by Musk is down right disgusting and illegal moves he’s doing on DJT behave is Evil. No DJT will throw Musk under the bus if Trump is Corner. Which we have to do something soon to take America back
We can’t wait for midterms chances of that happening he closed election offices, cyber offices that protect our elections tells me he doesn’t want another one. He likes the status quo if we don’t fight, it might be too late just like Hungary
I do hope that you take care of yourselves as we will all need our strength
I was wondering why we have heard from any former President, VP speak up for our Democracy?
DJT is so evil at heart that it wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't burst into Spontaneous Human Combustion (generally considered to be a myth) and burn himself to ashes. Others have been found burned to ashes with no other explanation of how it happened, but who knows what caused it? Or what led up to it?
Jesus had SO many teachings that Mike Johnson should study if he really wants to be considered a good Christian! For example: “anyone who causes these little ones to stumble, it would be better to have a millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” To my way of thinking, defunding public education, especially for the poorer schools, is causing the little ones stumble.
It’s okay to feel what you feel. We are here for you and for all Americans who are sick about what we have become and now value as a nation. It’s grotesque, but we will push through and emerge stronger on the other side.
The Republican President doesn't really give a damn about the people in Red States who voted for him. In fact, he doesn't care about governing at all. This is proven by the clowns he has nominated to Cabinet and sub-Cabinet positions. He does seem to care about grifting and maintaining tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.
Excellent post. But you’re too kind when you write “It’s simple: these men are callous, cruel, and completely out of touch with the realities…”. It’s even simpler. They want a 2-tiered world: the very very rich and the serfs. That’s the real reason for being anti abortion and anti universal healthcare. As long as the serfs reproduce enough so that the serving class is adequate, then life is good for the rich. The serfs will die young because of injury, disease, no protection from foul air and polluted water, and of course no vaccines, but that’s ok. The top dogs only want the young healthy ones. Once they’re not both, they’re just excess baggage, to be treated as such. I write “they” but of course it’s “we.”
Meals on Wheels is also on the chopping block. To speak for that service not only does it connect a senior who is in need of nutrition and/or the reminder to eat something nutritious (appetite decreases in the elderly and even minor cognitive issues can cause them to not shop or plan or prepare a meal) -- Meals on Wheels connects the elderly to the supports in place in the community. It alerts the community as to who they are and what they need now or in the future. Families can partner with the local Senior Center to monitor and care for the elderly within the community; but more importantly Meals On Wheels which are delivered by volunteers and for which most seniors pay a small amount weekly creates a check on the senior. In my experience it was a comfort to know that if at 10 a.m. my parent did not open the door for Meals on Wheels there would be a call placed to the local police for a wellness check and a call to the family. My parent resisted Meals on Wheels but once it started no matter what she was doing at 10 a.m. she joyfully opened her front door so she could personally thank and greet the volunteer whom she knew by their first name.
These cuts to Medicaid will not only affect beneficiaries, it will lead to the closure of small rural hospitals who are already hurting. These institutions rely heavily on Medicare and Medicaid. These cuts, in addition to hurting recipients of these insurers, will lead to job cuts and loss of services. Same for the cuts to education. Unconscionable.
As a retired California school district superintendent, I offer: the fed money to education supports a system that struggles to assure special need students are provided the individualized instruction needed by those with learning disabilities. Also a federal law (PL94142)mandates districts to provide well deserved but consistently underfunded services for those with special needs. the federal dollars are rarely enough to provide mandated services; therefore, general fund budgets are tapped to meet requirements. Also, School meal programs provide the only hot meal in a day for many children living with
families unable to provide. The greedy oligarchs say many federally funded programs are wasteful. They seem to echo the phrase “let them eat cake” … heartless leadership.
The general population seems to lack understanding (and willingness to understand) that money spent in fed programs is usually off set by money saved and/or added. Tax those with little while those with excess pay none and now rule.
Perhaps as an educator I share the blame that people who attended k-12 education systems don’t have an understanding of economics, propaganda, data analysis and critical thinking in general. In fact,during the GWBush era “no child left behind”(good sound bite) led to educators teaching narrowly to the test and not empowering or teaching critical thinking.
My heart sinks daily as I learn the MAGA force is upending (exploding) democracy. I find hope to be hard to hold. Then…without hope we’re doomed. Country first movement provides hope. May hope become successful actions that save democracy and respect for our constitution.
No king! Long live our constitution. Lift up humanitarian outreach. Care for equity … and inclusion and diversity. These three words (along with WOKE) have been demeaned by right wing commentators without respecting the intent of these terms is about respect, regard, awareness for humanity. Instead the oligarchs without concern paraphrase “let them eat cake.”
The most galling thing about these republicans that are taking away the funding for children is that they profess to be pro-life! Ha! They are only pro-birth if they are unwilling to take care of children after they are born!!!
Adam, they will be stealing education from fascists who gradually made it theirs for decades now. Democracy fell apart because of our schools and a person like you must know this for democracy to have a chance.
I’m a former teacher who has made exposing this my life’s work since 1995. Leaders have ignored this at this nation’s peril. Check out EndTeacherAbuse.com and WhiteChalkCrime.com. Listen to teachers blowing the whistle. Learn the real reason we have school shootings. I promise you that if you do Trump taking over will make total sense and you’ll have an issue that will win his fans back!
The Dept of Education, as Adam points out above, does not have control over these schools and teachers, but simply provides extra funding in areas needed, so how will what Trump proposes help or how then can the Dept of Education be a cause of what you claim?
To me your argument, in support of Trump's actions, does not make any sense.
The individual states have control over curriculum and teacher qualifications and actions - not the Federal government.
I would love to see a mandate for more than one teacher or a teacher + assistant to be in every room, to make sure all are behaving as they should and have the help they need, etc.
Thank you for your post today Adam!This fits perfectly with what happened to me this morning-my daughter lives and works in Ohio.She called me this morning and told me that the Head Start program in her area had to close because of funding.Now she has either find someone else to watch my grandson Connor (this was his preschool)or move and find another job.Unfortunately this was the only preschool that was in the area.
Thanks Adam - another great summary of specifically what these government departments do, what their funds actually cover and do for actual people, and how those people will be affected when funding / staffing, etc. are cast into Musk's "woodchipper."
Yes, this description is excellent.
ECONOMIC BLACKOUT: FEBRUARY 28TH
https://events.pol-rev.com/events/195b58f4-a38b-4248-b977-71b06346096d
PROTEST INFO: MARCH 4TH
https://bsky.app/profile/50501movement.bsky.social
https://www.fiftyfifty.one/
https://events.pol-rev.com/events/calendar
Agreed.
Adam, I've become a huge supporter of yours, despite being a lifelong Democrat. My father, may he rest in peace, was also a lifelong Democrat and he too would have been impressed with you. Thanks for trying to meet this moment.
It is beyond my comprehension that, so many people are now finding out that they voted against their best interests. It all was and still is in plain sight for all to see, if you wanted or want to accept reality.
So true! They all said "He's just talking. He won't do that" when we asked them about his crazy threats and promises. ("I'll be a dictator on day one", "I'll pardon the January 6th hostages", "I'll fire everyone in the 'politicised' DOJ that unfairly prosecuted me"). We told them "Yes he will." Now they are finding out that their denial and defense of his worst impulses is negatively affecting their own lives!
Beyond comprehension? Yes, but, as I have said many times, "the day will come when even his supporters will regret voting for him"!
My fervent hope is that they, who are being wronged along with the rest of us, will join us in eliminating what is the greatest threat to democracy ever!
Thank-you, Mr. Kinzinger for clarifying the roles of federal government funding in education. The media & Democrats are missing these critical points, especially which voters will be affected, in their talking points. Sigh.
Great idea DOGE…schools are already feeling the pain of the uphill battle of closing achievement gaps. This should really make our schools great again (insert sarcasm)!
Once upon a time it would have been considered
“ bad form” to have the richest person in the world gloating about stealing milk from children.
Apparently, now he is applauded for that and so much more ( at least in enough circles to have been responsible for electing T-rump in the first place) .
Let’s hope that some time in the future, the country will look at this period with the same disdain that we have for McCarthyism, the internment of Japanese Americans and other atrocities that have stained our past .
DOGE... Department Of Gutting Education. Those 4 letters have far more negative impacts than going impacts.
...than good impacts. (Spell checkers 😒)!
Mike Johnson talks about being a Christian! Makes me sick!
Unlike any act of compassion … such as Build bridges not walls. Hand up to those in need. Love others…. (I could go)” those “Christian Nationalist” actions are contrary to the teachings of Christ. Regardless of each person’s belief or non-belief these people do not echo Christ’s teachings. As Adam once said in his post, I paraphrase, No Jesus he knows would vote for MAGA principles (ie DT). . .
I agree. But I have a sister who is a real Christian and being catholic she voted for Trump. She was told he would be better and Harris slept her way to the top. These religious sites know how to push the button .
I am Catholic. I have never voted for Trump. There are plenty of other Catholics who have never voted for Trump either. Don’t blame people voting for Trump on Catholicism.
Glad to know that.
Except for their fervent worship of the Antichrist, what’s to criticize?
I agree, I lied and said I didn’t vote(I did)because it would have been too confrontational. Now that Trump won , my sister is in such denial, she says why is Trump picking all the horrible people for his cabinet. I have all I can do to keep my mouth shut. We are both in our 80’s and I want to keep piece . Many people do have buyers remorse but won’t admit it.
I know what you’re saying about keeping the peace. God, I pray someone or something comes crashing down on this Administration because what he’s done to America on global front is beyond betrayal of our founding fathers, principles and to me shameful in our once allies.
How any American that know our history would support the clown in WH & the useful idiots he surrounds himself with is beyond despicable should be remove. How Americans voted to place spineless Republicans in Congress to follow without protecting our children, senior citizens & first foremost our Military families who don’t live a life of luxuries but will fight for America is shamefully ignorant and sickening.
How got here was by lies, deceitfulness, Russian propaganda, and pure uneducated citizens that were too lazy to do their own research but listen to right wing extremist podcast unable to think for themselves they sallowed others to feed them lies. As Americans I find sickening that this Country put a liar, sexual assaulter, felon in our sacred White House for?
We must do something now before DJT GOES MUCH FARTHER if continue this path can we come back it? I am trying to wrap my head around this mess.
History won’t be kind to America or maybe even American as we go forward. The Greed by Musk is down right disgusting and illegal moves he’s doing on DJT behave is Evil. No DJT will throw Musk under the bus if Trump is Corner. Which we have to do something soon to take America back
We can’t wait for midterms chances of that happening he closed election offices, cyber offices that protect our elections tells me he doesn’t want another one. He likes the status quo if we don’t fight, it might be too late just like Hungary
I do hope that you take care of yourselves as we will all need our strength
I was wondering why we have heard from any former President, VP speak up for our Democracy?
He's a CINO - Christian in name only - who is a Seven Mountain Mandate adherent: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Mountain_Mandate
He'll be very surprised when a CLOSED sign is attached to the Pearly Gates, and Ole' Scratch turns him out for not wanting the competition.
DJT is so evil at heart that it wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't burst into Spontaneous Human Combustion (generally considered to be a myth) and burn himself to ashes. Others have been found burned to ashes with no other explanation of how it happened, but who knows what caused it? Or what led up to it?
Jesus had SO many teachings that Mike Johnson should study if he really wants to be considered a good Christian! For example: “anyone who causes these little ones to stumble, it would be better to have a millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” To my way of thinking, defunding public education, especially for the poorer schools, is causing the little ones stumble.
They need to go
One way or another
Someone please
They are gutting everything
The Medicaid recipients are going to revolt before the budget passes.
I just want to scream
It’s okay to feel what you feel. We are here for you and for all Americans who are sick about what we have become and now value as a nation. It’s grotesque, but we will push through and emerge stronger on the other side.
The Republican President doesn't really give a damn about the people in Red States who voted for him. In fact, he doesn't care about governing at all. This is proven by the clowns he has nominated to Cabinet and sub-Cabinet positions. He does seem to care about grifting and maintaining tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.
Excellent post. But you’re too kind when you write “It’s simple: these men are callous, cruel, and completely out of touch with the realities…”. It’s even simpler. They want a 2-tiered world: the very very rich and the serfs. That’s the real reason for being anti abortion and anti universal healthcare. As long as the serfs reproduce enough so that the serving class is adequate, then life is good for the rich. The serfs will die young because of injury, disease, no protection from foul air and polluted water, and of course no vaccines, but that’s ok. The top dogs only want the young healthy ones. Once they’re not both, they’re just excess baggage, to be treated as such. I write “they” but of course it’s “we.”
Meals on Wheels is also on the chopping block. To speak for that service not only does it connect a senior who is in need of nutrition and/or the reminder to eat something nutritious (appetite decreases in the elderly and even minor cognitive issues can cause them to not shop or plan or prepare a meal) -- Meals on Wheels connects the elderly to the supports in place in the community. It alerts the community as to who they are and what they need now or in the future. Families can partner with the local Senior Center to monitor and care for the elderly within the community; but more importantly Meals On Wheels which are delivered by volunteers and for which most seniors pay a small amount weekly creates a check on the senior. In my experience it was a comfort to know that if at 10 a.m. my parent did not open the door for Meals on Wheels there would be a call placed to the local police for a wellness check and a call to the family. My parent resisted Meals on Wheels but once it started no matter what she was doing at 10 a.m. she joyfully opened her front door so she could personally thank and greet the volunteer whom she knew by their first name.
These cuts to Medicaid will not only affect beneficiaries, it will lead to the closure of small rural hospitals who are already hurting. These institutions rely heavily on Medicare and Medicaid. These cuts, in addition to hurting recipients of these insurers, will lead to job cuts and loss of services. Same for the cuts to education. Unconscionable.
Death to the peasants. Never turns out as planned.
As a retired California school district superintendent, I offer: the fed money to education supports a system that struggles to assure special need students are provided the individualized instruction needed by those with learning disabilities. Also a federal law (PL94142)mandates districts to provide well deserved but consistently underfunded services for those with special needs. the federal dollars are rarely enough to provide mandated services; therefore, general fund budgets are tapped to meet requirements. Also, School meal programs provide the only hot meal in a day for many children living with
families unable to provide. The greedy oligarchs say many federally funded programs are wasteful. They seem to echo the phrase “let them eat cake” … heartless leadership.
The general population seems to lack understanding (and willingness to understand) that money spent in fed programs is usually off set by money saved and/or added. Tax those with little while those with excess pay none and now rule.
Perhaps as an educator I share the blame that people who attended k-12 education systems don’t have an understanding of economics, propaganda, data analysis and critical thinking in general. In fact,during the GWBush era “no child left behind”(good sound bite) led to educators teaching narrowly to the test and not empowering or teaching critical thinking.
My heart sinks daily as I learn the MAGA force is upending (exploding) democracy. I find hope to be hard to hold. Then…without hope we’re doomed. Country first movement provides hope. May hope become successful actions that save democracy and respect for our constitution.
No king! Long live our constitution. Lift up humanitarian outreach. Care for equity … and inclusion and diversity. These three words (along with WOKE) have been demeaned by right wing commentators without respecting the intent of these terms is about respect, regard, awareness for humanity. Instead the oligarchs without concern paraphrase “let them eat cake.”
Thanks Marty for this information!
The most galling thing about these republicans that are taking away the funding for children is that they profess to be pro-life! Ha! They are only pro-birth if they are unwilling to take care of children after they are born!!!
Adam, they will be stealing education from fascists who gradually made it theirs for decades now. Democracy fell apart because of our schools and a person like you must know this for democracy to have a chance.
I’m a former teacher who has made exposing this my life’s work since 1995. Leaders have ignored this at this nation’s peril. Check out EndTeacherAbuse.com and WhiteChalkCrime.com. Listen to teachers blowing the whistle. Learn the real reason we have school shootings. I promise you that if you do Trump taking over will make total sense and you’ll have an issue that will win his fans back!
The Dept of Education, as Adam points out above, does not have control over these schools and teachers, but simply provides extra funding in areas needed, so how will what Trump proposes help or how then can the Dept of Education be a cause of what you claim?
To me your argument, in support of Trump's actions, does not make any sense.
The individual states have control over curriculum and teacher qualifications and actions - not the Federal government.
I would love to see a mandate for more than one teacher or a teacher + assistant to be in every room, to make sure all are behaving as they should and have the help they need, etc.
Thank you for saying this so plainly. We have plenty of money to go around but choose to subsidize people like musk and Trump
Thank you for your post today Adam!This fits perfectly with what happened to me this morning-my daughter lives and works in Ohio.She called me this morning and told me that the Head Start program in her area had to close because of funding.Now she has either find someone else to watch my grandson Connor (this was his preschool)or move and find another job.Unfortunately this was the only preschool that was in the area.
Sorry, Lynette. This is heartbreaking and SO unnecessary brought on my greedy tyrants.