Cuts, Chaos, Consequences

When federal funding for essential support programs is slashed and thousands of jobs are eliminated, the consequences go far beyond paychecks. Children lose access to vital resources and struggle in school without proper support. Bullying rises, mental health crises deepen, and some are pushed to the brink of suicide. Families already on the edge slip further into hardship. Meanwhile, abandoned pets flood shelters, stray cats overrun neighborhoods, and environmental protections are gutted, poisoning the air, land, and water our children depend on. As people under strain lash out, abuse of animals, children, and spouses increases. Crime rates surge as families and communities lose the support they desperately need. Hatred spreads. Empathy fades. Substance abuse increases as people try to cope with overwhelming stress and hopelessness. Do people really believe they’ve won just because these men did? The hatred and bigotry of many who supported him—driven by racism, homophobia, and fear—must be overwhelming for anyone to think the above is acceptable?

I remember when those protesting fracking’s harmful chemicals were told, “Pipe down, the changes you want will cost jobs!” But now, these two vipers, their wealthy politician supporters, and the voters who back them are perfectly fine with cutting thousands of jobs, stripping away protections that keep kids healthy, gutting regulations meant to safeguard wildlife and the environment, and ignoring climate change altogether. Their wealth insulates them from the devastation they impose on the rest of us. It’s a double standard, and the real cost is felt by everyone but the rich. 

 "All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the children of the Earth." – Chief Seattle