Concerned about cuts at federal level
I am extremely concerned about the Administration’s actions and plans to eliminate several governmental agencies and to cut funding for others.
Should we be reducing medical research? Elon Musk plans a $4 billion reduction that would eliminate the infrastructure necessary for research funded by the National Institutes of Health. As a person with several chronic health conditions I’m very concerned about these cuts and what they will mean for me and those I care about.
Is 1% of the federal budget too much for humanitarian assistance provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). I think our country can afford at least a small amount of compassion for those who are facing drought or fleeing political violence in other parts of the world. Musk’s actions to eliminate or sharply reduce USAID will hurt American farmers who produce USAID’s food assistance and will help China it its battle for hearts and minds in the Middle East and Africa. I strongly feel cutting USAID is the wrong course of action.
Are there too many protections for consumers? I think not, but recent actions show the administration does not agree. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been ordered to stop work and its director has been fired. The CFPB was formed in the aftermath of the recession of 2008 to protect Americans from financial scams and dodgy practices. I think we still need these protections so all of us can feel safer in our financial transactions. As a retiree on a fixed income, I know I can’t afford any risk to my finances.
If you feel as concerned as I am about these actions, I urge you join me and be in touch with your elected representatives to express your thoughts and feelings on these actions that bypass Congress and will hurt Americans and our country’s standing in the world.
Suzette Astley
Mount Vernon
Executive order overload
Democrats did it, and now this Republican administration has made executive orders the main way to govern us. Each day more orders are given. I am now to say Gulf of America. The Anti-Christian bias I don’t remember experiencing is now – and was – forbidden. Accomplished women of NASA have been insulted. So many more – you know the orders.
Will there be an order to buy and control Gaza, to absorb Greenland, to make Canada our 51st state? And tariffs – sometimes one, then off, but more coming.
Sometimes I am confused. Which actions taken by the President and which by Elon Musk? I know Musk is sending whole agencies to “the wood chipper.” For instance, AID (Agency for International Development). Reagan once called it Food for Peace. The Consumer Protection Bureau, FEMA and Department of education are probably also headed to that chipper.
It’s not that I believe there is no waste in government. I’m sure there is plenty. But is this the best way to find and reduce it? I hope Senators and Congress will reclaim their powers outlined in the Constitution.
Well, that’s my opinion; what is yours?
Sharon Hill
Mount Vernon
Support Ace Hardware
The helpful hospitality at Ace Hardware in Mount Vernon is refreshing and an asset to our community.
On February 6, I entered and was met as usual with a cheery greeting. With no delay, Kathy listened as I explained my need for a box…24 by 24 by 7 inches…so Julie could ship pottery tools to a fellow potter in Mississippi. She walked me to the box aisle and we found a suitable but not perfect box for $5.49. Then she said she had another idea.
She measured a box which had arrived at the store containing the Burpee’s seed rack. It was perfect. Together we removed the rack and I was on my way with a free box and best wishes for a great day.
Let’s shop at Ace Hardware and keep this hometown hardware convenience for the next generation.
Marvin Knoot
Mount Vernon