Letters: USAID cuts a ‘self-inflicted wound’; We didn’t vote for this

USAID cuts a ‘self-inflicted wound’

The recent gutting of USAID is not just a blow to global humanitarian efforts; it’s a direct assault on our own economy, including here in Pennsylvania.

USAID has been more than just a diplomatic arm of our government; it’s been an engine driving economic activity. In fiscal year 2023 alone, USAID managed over $40 billion in appropriations, a significant portion of which flowed back into American communities.

Pennsylvania, with its rich industrial and agricultural sectors, has benefited from these funds. Local companies have secured contracts to support international development projects, providing jobs and stimulating economic growth. The abrupt cessation of these programs now threatens to leave many Pennsylvanians jobless and our local economy in a precarious position.

Moreover, the nationwide impact is staggering. USAID’s partnerships with U.S. small businesses amounted to nearly $1 billion in contracts last year. These businesses are now facing layoffs, adding to the swelling ranks of unemployed Americans.

As importantly, thousands of dedicated public servants have devoted their careers to advancing America’s interests abroad through USAID. Many of these professionals recently found their positions and their futures uncertain. This isn’t just a bureaucratic shake-up; it’s a callous disregard for people who have worked tirelessly to promote our nation’s values and interests on the global stage.

In dismantling USAID, we are not only diminishing our global status but also undermining our own economic stability. It’s time we recognize that these shortsighted cuts are a self-inflicted wound, harming not only those abroad but our citizens here at home.

We didn’t vote for this

Senator Dave McCormick says that Pennsylvanians are getting what they voted for. Don’t you mean slightly over half are getting what they voted for, Senator, since 49.6% of Pennsylvanians did not vote for Trump?

This means that nearly half of all voters who cast a ballot are probably not getting what they voted for. In fact, due to our hyper-polarized politics and Trump’s “my way or the highway” mentality they are very likely getting the opposite.

Furthermore, given Trump’s blitzkrieg ambush on our democracy from his first day in office, I don’t believe for a minute that anywhere near half of Pennsylvanians would say they voted for this.

Hollowing out the government on the backs of middle and working class Americans so the wealthy can get wealthier?

Making over the government with personnel whose primary qualification for their job is their subservience to his wishes?

Eliminating the governmental watchdogs and agencies whose job it was to protect Americans from government and corporate fraud and abuse?

Undermining America’s long-standing allies while realigning the U.S. with authoritarian regimes dedicated to ending democracy around the world?

No ... most Pennsylvanians didn’t vote for this. But I’d bet a large majority would like to know why a West Point grad and combat veteran once so committed to defending our democracy isn’t protecting it now. You painted Senator Bob Casey, a strong guardian of democracy, as weak. What would you call your lack of resistance while a lawbreaking autocrat steals it from us?

Disappointed in Big Ten Championship officiating

Congratulations to the magnificent Penn State wrestling team for capturing the 2025 Big Ten Championship. Now we can all look forward to a hopefully similar performance at the NCAA Championships in two weeks.

However, as former longtime wrestling officials, both my wife and I were again profoundly disappointed in the quality of the officiating. On many many occasions the officials were totally out of position to make accurate calls on the bout in front of them. Additionally, they were utterly slow in reacting to many of the maneuvers of the wrestlers, ultimately creating the possibility for the wrong wrestler to win the match. But worst of all, they were totally reluctant in calling “stalling.” Far too many matches moved well into the final period with little or no scoring and neither wrestler being called for stalling. Wrestling is supposed to be a sport that does not encourage “passivity,” yet far too many bouts provided and supported little action. The officials seem to have forgotten that the goal of each bout is to pin your opponent.

Cael Sanderson’s wrestlers would benefit greatly from accurate stalling calls, as they are utterly aggressive, especially in the neutral position. It’s wonderful to have a coaching staff and group of competitors who truly understand the real nature of the sport.

Best of luck on the mats in Philadelphia.

No ‘efficiency’ in DOGE

It’s clear that Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency don’t really have “efficiency” as a goal. You don’t need a business degree to see all the damage being wrought.

Evidence: Asking employees to write a weekly email on “5 things they’ve done” is a simplistic gauge of productivity. Sending email orders, then reversing them the next day, wastes everyone’s time. Eliminating jobs with no strategic analysis of job descriptions diminishes the quality of government services that I need. Firing meteorologists, park service rangers, and consumer fraud staff replace safety with danger. Eliminating watchdog functions bolsters Musk’s bank accounts, while making us vulnerable to malfeasance.

Now I get it: DOGE is implementing the Project 2025 authoritarian playbook: total presidential control over government agencies and exclusive hiring of Trump loyalists. Let’s give it the more accurate name of “Dept. of Gutting Effectiveness.” I pray that my social security deposit and IRS refund aren’t delayed by this foolishness.