I am so horrified by the rampaging and pillaging of OUR federal government and the terrible things they are doing for NO good reason. We rely on career government employees for so many things and they aren’t going to be able to do many of those things for us anymore. Stuff most of us don’t even know they do that keeps us safe, healthy and further our interests. Why why why are they doing this? Why aren’t more people outraged by this? It’s sickening, like watching a pack of coyotes take down a venerable old elephant. And yes, I mean that to feel ludicrous and horrifying. for some reason Americans weep for coal Miners or factory workers who lose their jobs but if you work for the government it’s like screw you! No respect let alone sympathy. I don’t understand it.
My dad works for a government contractor who just lost contracts since they DOGE is slashing funding for cancer research at NIH and DoD. Half his team and himself are being laid off because Elon Musk feels like that stuff doesn’t matter…..worse still, that cancer research won’t continue. Why?? Why does Elon need more money? Why do they get to make these decisions for us?
It’s because for 40 years or more we’ve been told government workers are lazy and fleecing us. Remember when Reagan said the scariest words in the English language are “I’m from the government, I’m here to help”? I watched Jon Stewart interview Ezra Klein(worth catching, BTW) and Klein described the Byzantine way laws can be forced to be enacted. I think the civil servants get blamed for this when, in fact, it’s often Congress that puts these layers and layers of rules in. Finally, since there are many people who no longer get retirement, health care, and generous PTO packages from their employers , they resent that government employees do. In fact, the vast majority of civil servants work hard, just as those in the private sector.
That’s actually a really good answer. Thanks for taking the time. I live in Maryland and know lots of state and federal employees, both active and retired. Overall my feeling is they take their jobs very seriously and with some pride. So it’s hard for me to understand the trope of the lazy government worker.
The resentment over government employees getting retirement benefits, health insurance and PTO - what should be the bare minimum that human beings are entitled to - is obviously misplaced. It is the private sector that is screwing its workers. American workers in the private sector should be demanding those benefits too, not acquiescing to firing government workers because they have them.
"(Among your republican colleagues) Is there any recognition that this has gone really off the rails?"
"Jen, I get asked that question a lot and I have many, many friends, I think about a hundred that I consider, you know, cheerful colleagues, but none of them have given a hint that they are willing to break with Donald Trump. When you do, there's a hell to pay with your base on Twitter.
You get a primary opponent right away. And we've seen that in the reign of Trump these last eight years, to break with him as a Republican means you can measure your political career in days or weeks. And that's just sad. And so our larger picture strategy is that all the terrible things Trump is doing begin to hit Americans in their home, in their pocketbook, in their families. As his popularity goes down, not just personal popularity, but as the impact of his leadership hits us, the Republicans will be willing one by one to step away. And that has to be our long term hope."
This to me is the problem. I don't care how "cheerful" his traitorous republican "friends" are, they are not friends to the United States. He shouldn't be letting them off the hook. They won't make a peep as their party destroys our country because they're afraid of a mean tweet. The most mind-blowing aspect of MAGA to me has been the complete betrayal of patriotism of the entire republican party. They sold us all out and they will let it all be destroyed because of their lack of seriousness and character.
Right? They're all spineless cowards who are more worried about preserving their precious careers rather than actually living up to the oath they swore. It's disgusting. And utterly appalling.
Thank you, chief editor, and your team for bringing in such interesting voices that I would never have heard from. I 'discovered' substack the day you left the wp (canceled my 15 yr old subscription immediately too) and I am really liking the energy here and especially the positive energy that you bring to your interviews and writing.
I always look forward to hearing or reading you 'unedited'! You are a strong voice of resistance!
I don't know why anyone thought Rubio would not become the lackey he is. If he supported Trump and groveled before him after what Trump said about his father and wife?? What man does that...a Trump man. Same with Elise S, what did she think -- she was a favorite of Trump's? All those women and men in the government including Musk would be thrown under the bus if Trump thought it would help him, make him look good, stuff off accountability.
With every new outrage, I console myself with the notion that Trump has just made new enemies, some even among those who voted for him. They don't have to admit they made a mistake -- after all, their ballot is still secret -- but let's hope they correct it in 2026.
FWIW, I have written to both of my senators (both Democrats) urging them to use their platforms to amplify the outrageous actions of the administration, particularly the rendition of immigrants to black holes without due process.
While people are occupied with bathrooms, DEI displays, transgender athletes, deportations, we are missing the foundational, heart of the matter. The current regime is trying to establish a new belief system for America. This belief system is based upon self-interest, wealth, power and control, discrimination and total freedom without accountability, defying the rule of law. Yes, a dictatorship. They have abandoned the national values of individual sovereignty, personal freedoms, respect for the rule of law, respect for the dignity of every human being, and fair distribution of burdens and benefits. We need to shout it from the rooftops, “Whoa, wait a minute, you’re not gonna transform us into a merciless, cruel, self-interested, lawless nation in which every system and every person feeds the dictator!”
To talk about Marco Rubio having been a man of principle prior to being DJT's Sec of State suggests to me he was never a man of principle. He is merely an actor with self interests coming first in his role as a public servant. It's no wonder he made team #47.
Enjoyed Representative Beyer's interview with Jen. Crazy to learn about what what appears to be a gross mistake with the Institute of Peace. I have never understood why any of our congressional persons would have backed Trump, especially seeing how Trump is totally destroying our government and so bent on hurting people. Why are our honest legislators not banding together against Trump/Musk in their Project 2025 ruination?
Rubio will never be President after this. He proved he never had actual moral scruples.
Just hiring on to the Trump mob shows incredible lack of judgment. But standing idly by while people are disappeared is disqualifying from any further public office.
I think it’s sad that his Republican counterparts have no conscience and prefer to remain complicit in what’s happening rather than stick their necks out. How do they sleep at night?
I wonder on something that comes up tho. At 13:56 Jenn asks about Republicans' outlooks on these events. According to this Representative, who has a wide network in the Chamber, the whole lot essentially is terrified of being primaried out if falling out of goosestep.
Yeah, duh.
But that still makes me assume any R congressman pre 2016 is not a fan of current "dynamics", so I wonder what's being done politically about that (provided any of that breed were left, that is.) Particularly because last time I checked crossover primaries are held in eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Beyer's own Virginia. A firm believer of Democracy and Constitution who happens to be a "traditional" Republican like Cheney sounds a lot better running for Congress at this time, than a pablum squawking not-fish-nor-meat Democrat who tries to get a pass through the local hoary media with a smile, and who inevitably gets his or her ass handed over every time anyhow. Democrats should and must cross over, and some Republicans in this congress should be able to bank on that!
Interesting comment, thank you!Having a lot of personal experience with MOC over the years, it is more than the fear of being primaried! Yes, that is certainly one aspect of their political commitment to the Party, but it is very unfortunate that they actually fear more the social ostracism back home, not only of themselves but also of their spouse and children! This is one of the stark elements of Republicanism today as compared to what it was twenty years ago. I guarantee you that Liz Cheney is socially ostracized in Wyoming! That’s a scary fate for the typical Republican MOC today and most likely for at least a generation ahead, so they shut up and get in line?
I am so horrified by the rampaging and pillaging of OUR federal government and the terrible things they are doing for NO good reason. We rely on career government employees for so many things and they aren’t going to be able to do many of those things for us anymore. Stuff most of us don’t even know they do that keeps us safe, healthy and further our interests. Why why why are they doing this? Why aren’t more people outraged by this? It’s sickening, like watching a pack of coyotes take down a venerable old elephant. And yes, I mean that to feel ludicrous and horrifying. for some reason Americans weep for coal Miners or factory workers who lose their jobs but if you work for the government it’s like screw you! No respect let alone sympathy. I don’t understand it.
My dad works for a government contractor who just lost contracts since they DOGE is slashing funding for cancer research at NIH and DoD. Half his team and himself are being laid off because Elon Musk feels like that stuff doesn’t matter…..worse still, that cancer research won’t continue. Why?? Why does Elon need more money? Why do they get to make these decisions for us?
It’s because for 40 years or more we’ve been told government workers are lazy and fleecing us. Remember when Reagan said the scariest words in the English language are “I’m from the government, I’m here to help”? I watched Jon Stewart interview Ezra Klein(worth catching, BTW) and Klein described the Byzantine way laws can be forced to be enacted. I think the civil servants get blamed for this when, in fact, it’s often Congress that puts these layers and layers of rules in. Finally, since there are many people who no longer get retirement, health care, and generous PTO packages from their employers , they resent that government employees do. In fact, the vast majority of civil servants work hard, just as those in the private sector.
That’s actually a really good answer. Thanks for taking the time. I live in Maryland and know lots of state and federal employees, both active and retired. Overall my feeling is they take their jobs very seriously and with some pride. So it’s hard for me to understand the trope of the lazy government worker.
Thanks! It’s always nice when someone appreciates your point of view.
The resentment over government employees getting retirement benefits, health insurance and PTO - what should be the bare minimum that human beings are entitled to - is obviously misplaced. It is the private sector that is screwing its workers. American workers in the private sector should be demanding those benefits too, not acquiescing to firing government workers because they have them.
Well said, Laura!
I agree 100%.
"(Among your republican colleagues) Is there any recognition that this has gone really off the rails?"
"Jen, I get asked that question a lot and I have many, many friends, I think about a hundred that I consider, you know, cheerful colleagues, but none of them have given a hint that they are willing to break with Donald Trump. When you do, there's a hell to pay with your base on Twitter.
You get a primary opponent right away. And we've seen that in the reign of Trump these last eight years, to break with him as a Republican means you can measure your political career in days or weeks. And that's just sad. And so our larger picture strategy is that all the terrible things Trump is doing begin to hit Americans in their home, in their pocketbook, in their families. As his popularity goes down, not just personal popularity, but as the impact of his leadership hits us, the Republicans will be willing one by one to step away. And that has to be our long term hope."
This to me is the problem. I don't care how "cheerful" his traitorous republican "friends" are, they are not friends to the United States. He shouldn't be letting them off the hook. They won't make a peep as their party destroys our country because they're afraid of a mean tweet. The most mind-blowing aspect of MAGA to me has been the complete betrayal of patriotism of the entire republican party. They sold us all out and they will let it all be destroyed because of their lack of seriousness and character.
Right? They're all spineless cowards who are more worried about preserving their precious careers rather than actually living up to the oath they swore. It's disgusting. And utterly appalling.
Don Beyer is an extraordinary leader!
Thank you, chief editor, and your team for bringing in such interesting voices that I would never have heard from. I 'discovered' substack the day you left the wp (canceled my 15 yr old subscription immediately too) and I am really liking the energy here and especially the positive energy that you bring to your interviews and writing.
I always look forward to hearing or reading you 'unedited'! You are a strong voice of resistance!
I don't know why anyone thought Rubio would not become the lackey he is. If he supported Trump and groveled before him after what Trump said about his father and wife?? What man does that...a Trump man. Same with Elise S, what did she think -- she was a favorite of Trump's? All those women and men in the government including Musk would be thrown under the bus if Trump thought it would help him, make him look good, stuff off accountability.
With every new outrage, I console myself with the notion that Trump has just made new enemies, some even among those who voted for him. They don't have to admit they made a mistake -- after all, their ballot is still secret -- but let's hope they correct it in 2026.
FWIW, I have written to both of my senators (both Democrats) urging them to use their platforms to amplify the outrageous actions of the administration, particularly the rendition of immigrants to black holes without due process.
While people are occupied with bathrooms, DEI displays, transgender athletes, deportations, we are missing the foundational, heart of the matter. The current regime is trying to establish a new belief system for America. This belief system is based upon self-interest, wealth, power and control, discrimination and total freedom without accountability, defying the rule of law. Yes, a dictatorship. They have abandoned the national values of individual sovereignty, personal freedoms, respect for the rule of law, respect for the dignity of every human being, and fair distribution of burdens and benefits. We need to shout it from the rooftops, “Whoa, wait a minute, you’re not gonna transform us into a merciless, cruel, self-interested, lawless nation in which every system and every person feeds the dictator!”
I so enjoy this. I grew up as a Republican in Alexandria, was a YR and worked for
a Republican administration at the WH. I left the party in early 2000, actually it
left me.
Don Beyer, stand firm! We all stand behind all who are on the “right” side!
To talk about Marco Rubio having been a man of principle prior to being DJT's Sec of State suggests to me he was never a man of principle. He is merely an actor with self interests coming first in his role as a public servant. It's no wonder he made team #47.
Enjoyed Representative Beyer's interview with Jen. Crazy to learn about what what appears to be a gross mistake with the Institute of Peace. I have never understood why any of our congressional persons would have backed Trump, especially seeing how Trump is totally destroying our government and so bent on hurting people. Why are our honest legislators not banding together against Trump/Musk in their Project 2025 ruination?
These Rs are so guided. How dare they not stand by their oath!
Rubio will never be President after this. He proved he never had actual moral scruples.
Just hiring on to the Trump mob shows incredible lack of judgment. But standing idly by while people are disappeared is disqualifying from any further public office.
I think it’s sad that his Republican counterparts have no conscience and prefer to remain complicit in what’s happening rather than stick their necks out. How do they sleep at night?
Beyer is the genuine article.
I wonder on something that comes up tho. At 13:56 Jenn asks about Republicans' outlooks on these events. According to this Representative, who has a wide network in the Chamber, the whole lot essentially is terrified of being primaried out if falling out of goosestep.
Yeah, duh.
But that still makes me assume any R congressman pre 2016 is not a fan of current "dynamics", so I wonder what's being done politically about that (provided any of that breed were left, that is.) Particularly because last time I checked crossover primaries are held in eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Beyer's own Virginia. A firm believer of Democracy and Constitution who happens to be a "traditional" Republican like Cheney sounds a lot better running for Congress at this time, than a pablum squawking not-fish-nor-meat Democrat who tries to get a pass through the local hoary media with a smile, and who inevitably gets his or her ass handed over every time anyhow. Democrats should and must cross over, and some Republicans in this congress should be able to bank on that!
I would love to get schooled on this...
Interesting comment, thank you!Having a lot of personal experience with MOC over the years, it is more than the fear of being primaried! Yes, that is certainly one aspect of their political commitment to the Party, but it is very unfortunate that they actually fear more the social ostracism back home, not only of themselves but also of their spouse and children! This is one of the stark elements of Republicanism today as compared to what it was twenty years ago. I guarantee you that Liz Cheney is socially ostracized in Wyoming! That’s a scary fate for the typical Republican MOC today and most likely for at least a generation ahead, so they shut up and get in line?