February 24, 2025. An in-depth and up-to-date deep-dive on where things really stand in the Trump administration's assault on USAID, which has long been one of the United States' greatest assets.
When my sister was diagnosed with terminal Stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer 3 years ago and began her sojourn to fight for quality of life in her remaining 2 years, I told her about Dr Atul Gawande and got his book, "Mortal Bound" for myself and sent her one. You had introduced him awhile ago as a mentor of yours. My sis and I spent many hours talking about the need to address dying while living as we read his book. I did not realize till more recently that he was at USAID. And somehow it made complete sense. How much more tired and stricken he looked in just a week. Though it's crushing, I was glad to hear him speak the harsh truth and even his own anger and disgust. The legal process is long and winding and Trump/Musk have the $$ to hire endless line up of lawyers. (WE already saw that in the few years with all Trump's court cases.)Congress controls the purse, but we (those who know this is a dangerous and serious track) do not control Congress. We saw Trump impeached twice and they just blew it off. Many of his followers refused subpoenas. Why would he worry about that now when he owns the enforcement agencies. I feel like the only chance we have is when ALL Americans really feel the devastation already begun and who is responsible bond together to go to their City Halls and never let up on their Representatives and Senators. But recovery will take a long time.
I found this reading a NY Times article today & sadly it is applicable to the abhorrent actions of Trump & his band of equally deplorable actors.
"The United States is an outlier compared with most other Western countries, which are far less religious. America’s persistent religious and spiritual curiosity is visible in its centers of power. In Washington, President Trump and JD Vance **talk** a lot about God in their quest to remake America. Vance may have his religious convictions, Trump has none, he believes he is the 'all powerful'.
As the phrase goes... walk the talk...!
The pain in the hearts of the American people & particularly the truly front-line workers & especially those in healthcare who are witnessing the tragic impact inflicted upon 1,000's of individuals abroad & soon within the US is profound. It may be figuritive to say the "pain in your hearts", however there is no doubt in my mind it's visceral 😢 I wish you the strength to continue the fight for change.
Our contemporary vernacular now includes, "an existential threat" which may not directly apply to most Americans yet the actions I refer to will certainly compound the day to day challenges of many Americans & unquestionably has & with continue to afflict thousands of people worldwide e.g. the estimated 20 million who no longer have access to lifesaving treatments for HIV and the food millions need to survive.
When my sister was diagnosed with terminal Stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer 3 years ago and began her sojourn to fight for quality of life in her remaining 2 years, I told her about Dr Atul Gawande and got his book, "Mortal Bound" for myself and sent her one. You had introduced him awhile ago as a mentor of yours. My sis and I spent many hours talking about the need to address dying while living as we read his book. I did not realize till more recently that he was at USAID. And somehow it made complete sense. How much more tired and stricken he looked in just a week. Though it's crushing, I was glad to hear him speak the harsh truth and even his own anger and disgust. The legal process is long and winding and Trump/Musk have the $$ to hire endless line up of lawyers. (WE already saw that in the few years with all Trump's court cases.)Congress controls the purse, but we (those who know this is a dangerous and serious track) do not control Congress. We saw Trump impeached twice and they just blew it off. Many of his followers refused subpoenas. Why would he worry about that now when he owns the enforcement agencies. I feel like the only chance we have is when ALL Americans really feel the devastation already begun and who is responsible bond together to go to their City Halls and never let up on their Representatives and Senators. But recovery will take a long time.
I found this reading a NY Times article today & sadly it is applicable to the abhorrent actions of Trump & his band of equally deplorable actors.
"The United States is an outlier compared with most other Western countries, which are far less religious. America’s persistent religious and spiritual curiosity is visible in its centers of power. In Washington, President Trump and JD Vance **talk** a lot about God in their quest to remake America. Vance may have his religious convictions, Trump has none, he believes he is the 'all powerful'.
As the phrase goes... walk the talk...!
The pain in the hearts of the American people & particularly the truly front-line workers & especially those in healthcare who are witnessing the tragic impact inflicted upon 1,000's of individuals abroad & soon within the US is profound. It may be figuritive to say the "pain in your hearts", however there is no doubt in my mind it's visceral 😢 I wish you the strength to continue the fight for change.
Our contemporary vernacular now includes, "an existential threat" which may not directly apply to most Americans yet the actions I refer to will certainly compound the day to day challenges of many Americans & unquestionably has & with continue to afflict thousands of people worldwide e.g. the estimated 20 million who no longer have access to lifesaving treatments for HIV and the food millions need to survive.
Faithfully yours, JJF 🇨🇦