Seeking truth together
The concept of “peace through strength,” rooted in ancient Rome, has resurfaced in modern politics. This foreign policy rhetoric compliments historical patterns of extractive governance. Unchecked concentration of power and influence threatens pluralism, political representation, and inclusive economics/institutions. Any drift towards tyranny necessitates active civic engagement.
Robert Kennedy Jr.’s tenure as HHS Secretary presents significant drawbacks, including misrepresentation of health facts and the downsizing of vital health programs. Essential services like infectious disease tracking, smoking cessation, and support initiatives such as Meals on Wheels are adversely affected, raising concerns about public health and safety.
Trump, Musk, and DOGE are rapidly downsizing government. But are these billionaires looking out for the interests of the American people or gutting government to enrich themselves?
Government needs transparency and people who do the right thing. Resilient and rational government employees represent the best of our government’s civil servants. But three other types of government workers are more common: riders, risers, and rescuers or wannabe humanitarians. The current executive branch appears to be targeting left-leaning humanitarian or rescuer types in order to (1) consolidate power and (2) cut spending. But, would mandatory annual itemized financial reports do the job for them?
