You are brave. I am. Canadian physician who relies on your column and Kaitlyn’s daily for truthful comment and insight. In Canada , many of us are apprehensive about the Trump administration’s incoherent and impulsive policies that risk the health of Americans and all living beings. Bravo for your courage and tenacity
And it bears saying, many, many of us here are embarrassed and appalled at the way Trump/Musk are treating our wonderful allies like Canada. We are getting a swift lesson in what it feels like to have a dictatorial gov that we don't support...and we're supposed to be the prime example of democracy. Formerly known for our trading of health research and aid for the benefit of all.
My small group of "activists" here prepare scripts and call our Senators each day, following up with contact form emails. We feel better doing this rather than sitting on the sidelines.
A great example of using a flamethrower to light a birthday candle. These probationary employees can be the backbone of a department because they may bring a wealth of knowledge to the organization. For many, they have changed roles, putting seasoned workers on ‘probation’ in their new role. I’m hopeful that the DOJ will be able to represent these people but if they are weaponized by the current administration, it may not end well.
Yes, this is a VERY good point. Many of them were actually "promoted" into their new roles. So they were actually the ones who were seen as up-and-coming. Hardly draining the swamp.
My husband came into the Feds from a senior state position in Maryland on an IPA contract. Something Feds do when they want an experienced person fast.
This why our resistance must be as David French says “to support the vulnerable & speak truth”. Your efforts to get truthful information out is invaluable & we must share it to larger audiences. We need to tap each other’s skills as our finances will be spread thin among so many. Help them find jobs so they can get back to contributing their knowledge. I have friends there as well. One lost her job, another still has hers for now.
Over the 1,300 FTEs that were released on Friday, approximately 550 of them were asked to return to the CDC. Apparently, DOGE is not efficient or effective as they would like us to believe.
Both ! But I admire your candid and coherent writing. Most of all I think the fact that you stand up for the foundational principle of medicine ‘ to care’ for all without bias or judgement is inspiring.
I started listening to yesterday’s “The Daily Podcast” which featured federal employees in their own words describing what they’ve been going through. It was gut wrenching & I couldn’t continue listening. I joined Indivisible https://indivisible.org & participate in their Zoom calls as well as contact my elected officials daily. My GOP Senator & Congressman are unresponsive & continue to support the administration’s destruction of the federal workforce.
Know many are making calls and writing to Congress. Kudos with demands is a good balance. I found non-violent trainings to know your legal rights and that of others is important. Also recommend organizations like Indivisible which is national but has individual chapters around the country including DC. They offer events, information updates, anything from calling from home to more overt actions on addressing the many "fires". https://indivisible.org/about
Now this is what I’ve been talking about in terms of what we can DO proactively…give those most impacted/vulnerable voice especially if we have larger “microphones”. Sharing Jaimie’s story gives her face, voice, and upholds her courage. In such an in depth way that it also speaks to what so many Fed workers contribute. Over a week ago my husband lost a Fed co-worker with a similar profile. It was crushing, and yet she wrote the most eloquent “good bye” to the others remaining in her department, trying to show gratitude and bolster them. Then in the “Valentine’s Massacre”, another woman he worked with received her cold note that she was not needed. And there are so many more we know…
AND it your substack today that fights against what you call the “Brandolini’s Law” which I love. Though we used to call that “Circular Logic” where someone basically states that something’s true and therefor it must be true. Or takes a tiny kernel of truth and blows it up proportionally. In both, it isn’t about finding solutions, it’s about rationalization, asserting an opinion, diversion, and round and round obfuscation.
Thank you for sharing "Jamie's" story. I am grateful for her bravery in writing a letter to challenge the unfounded decision to fire her, and I wish her well. Every day I hear of more cases like hers, and I hear of career professionals resigning in acts of resistance, or filing court cases to resist, to protest. This is so important.
Near the opening of your post today, you wrote that "Your federal government - the Musk-Trump attempted takeover... " I think we need to realize that they HAVE taken over. We are in the midst of a full-blown coup. We need to recognize this and act on it. There are actions that each of us can take, and it is important that we do so. I can recommend a group called Choose Democracy which has several resources.
You are brave. I am. Canadian physician who relies on your column and Kaitlyn’s daily for truthful comment and insight. In Canada , many of us are apprehensive about the Trump administration’s incoherent and impulsive policies that risk the health of Americans and all living beings. Bravo for your courage and tenacity
Me? Or "Jamie"? I think she's the brave one!
You’re all brave. Putting yourselves and your careers on the line. Thank you
And it bears saying, many, many of us here are embarrassed and appalled at the way Trump/Musk are treating our wonderful allies like Canada. We are getting a swift lesson in what it feels like to have a dictatorial gov that we don't support...and we're supposed to be the prime example of democracy. Formerly known for our trading of health research and aid for the benefit of all.
My small group of "activists" here prepare scripts and call our Senators each day, following up with contact form emails. We feel better doing this rather than sitting on the sidelines.
If you'd share any of those here, I am sure people would appreciate that!
Thank you. I am sharing your post. You might receive some new subscribers.
I shared this story with the Substack The Contrarian—TY for the vital work you both are doing!
Thank you so much
I joined Sheldon Whitehouse's live call last night--and he's asking for personal stories. https://www.youtube.com/live/If2VZ5YvhH0?si=2udc0bnqY_bcR6E3
I do have a contact in his office, as I'm sure you do as well. Thank you for this vital work. And educating us on Brandolini's law.
it's an important law, right?!
Bernie Sanders wants personal stories too
Call 📞 Congress… Senators and Reps to voice opinions, ideas, feelings regarding what’s happening ~it’s important ~ phone Repubs, Independents and Dems ~ everyone and leave messages
YES!
A great example of using a flamethrower to light a birthday candle. These probationary employees can be the backbone of a department because they may bring a wealth of knowledge to the organization. For many, they have changed roles, putting seasoned workers on ‘probation’ in their new role. I’m hopeful that the DOJ will be able to represent these people but if they are weaponized by the current administration, it may not end well.
Yes, this is a VERY good point. Many of them were actually "promoted" into their new roles. So they were actually the ones who were seen as up-and-coming. Hardly draining the swamp.
My husband came into the Feds from a senior state position in Maryland on an IPA contract. Something Feds do when they want an experienced person fast.
I hope she fights this! Bully’s do not like people who fight back!
Agreed. She seems like a fighter from our conversations, so I am cautiously optimistic. But this admin....they aren't making life easy.
This why our resistance must be as David French says “to support the vulnerable & speak truth”. Your efforts to get truthful information out is invaluable & we must share it to larger audiences. We need to tap each other’s skills as our finances will be spread thin among so many. Help them find jobs so they can get back to contributing their knowledge. I have friends there as well. One lost her job, another still has hers for now.
No, they don’t!!
Over the 1,300 FTEs that were released on Friday, approximately 550 of them were asked to return to the CDC. Apparently, DOGE is not efficient or effective as they would like us to believe.
Both ! But I admire your candid and coherent writing. Most of all I think the fact that you stand up for the foundational principle of medicine ‘ to care’ for all without bias or judgement is inspiring.
I started listening to yesterday’s “The Daily Podcast” which featured federal employees in their own words describing what they’ve been going through. It was gut wrenching & I couldn’t continue listening. I joined Indivisible https://indivisible.org & participate in their Zoom calls as well as contact my elected officials daily. My GOP Senator & Congressman are unresponsive & continue to support the administration’s destruction of the federal workforce.
This is just heartbreaking! I would love to contribute to her “GoFundMe” if it happens. Whoever Jeffrey is, he’s a real Jerk!!
Know many are making calls and writing to Congress. Kudos with demands is a good balance. I found non-violent trainings to know your legal rights and that of others is important. Also recommend organizations like Indivisible which is national but has individual chapters around the country including DC. They offer events, information updates, anything from calling from home to more overt actions on addressing the many "fires". https://indivisible.org/about
Now this is what I’ve been talking about in terms of what we can DO proactively…give those most impacted/vulnerable voice especially if we have larger “microphones”. Sharing Jaimie’s story gives her face, voice, and upholds her courage. In such an in depth way that it also speaks to what so many Fed workers contribute. Over a week ago my husband lost a Fed co-worker with a similar profile. It was crushing, and yet she wrote the most eloquent “good bye” to the others remaining in her department, trying to show gratitude and bolster them. Then in the “Valentine’s Massacre”, another woman he worked with received her cold note that she was not needed. And there are so many more we know…
AND it your substack today that fights against what you call the “Brandolini’s Law” which I love. Though we used to call that “Circular Logic” where someone basically states that something’s true and therefor it must be true. Or takes a tiny kernel of truth and blows it up proportionally. In both, it isn’t about finding solutions, it’s about rationalization, asserting an opinion, diversion, and round and round obfuscation.
Thank you for sharing "Jamie's" story. I am grateful for her bravery in writing a letter to challenge the unfounded decision to fire her, and I wish her well. Every day I hear of more cases like hers, and I hear of career professionals resigning in acts of resistance, or filing court cases to resist, to protest. This is so important.
Near the opening of your post today, you wrote that "Your federal government - the Musk-Trump attempted takeover... " I think we need to realize that they HAVE taken over. We are in the midst of a full-blown coup. We need to recognize this and act on it. There are actions that each of us can take, and it is important that we do so. I can recommend a group called Choose Democracy which has several resources.
Here's a link: https://choosedemocracy.us/what-can-i-do/?link_id=13&can_id=9b525048fb5a4d91fb605cb564393e99&source=email-two-things-12&email_referrer=email_2614561&email_subject=the-attitude-youll-get-a-chance-to-join-us
Contains good resources https://open.substack.com/pub/susanrogan/p/february-20-2025?r=1f1k4d&utm_medium=ios