Who’s running the government?

by Marilyn Wolff, Stevensville

Did you vote for Elon and his DOGE teenage-no government experience coders?  I didn’t and neither did thousands of others. The cruel and illegal actions taken in closing US agencies, departments, and firing of employees is going to have horrible consequences. There will not be enough financial gain to cover the $4.5 billion tax cut bill for the wealthiest individuals and corporations that Musk and the Oval Office demand from Congress. Sixty percent of Americans don’t get that sweetheart deal.

Our democracy damage report is growing as Musk adds more parts of our government along with employees to his “wood chipper”method. The National Federation of Federal Employees says 500,000 federal employees have and will be fired with crass emails claiming poor performance. It’s just the opposite, many are hard working individuals with excellent skills. There has been no review process of their job performance, and Congress is required to manage these job cuts. BLM and the National Park Service face the same fate. Parks near gateway communities will feel the financial effects. National parks will have less services.  Montana’s biggest economic driver now is tourism, a nearly $6 billion industry. Montana public lands will have less maintenance and cleanup. It’s all a domino effect, many small business owners offering rafting, outfitting and other outdoor experiences will have less users. Some businesses on federal land may not get permits to operate.

I’ve mentioned only a few impacts. I’m sure many reading my letter can think of other serious consequences.  

Please call or email Congressmen Daines, Sheehy, Zinke, and Downing.