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To the Editor:

On Nov. 5, 2024, the American people voted and, by a plurality, chose change in electing Donald Trump the 47th president of the United States. He promised the American people that he would reveal fraud, waste and abuse within the federal agencies that make up the foundation of our country. He immediately appointed an unelected oligarch, Elon Musk, to head up the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). What the American people didn’t realize is that Musk, without any governmental experience or auditing skills, along with his college-aged computer gurus, would take a “chainsaw” to the various agencies we all rely on.

Perhaps you are a veteran needing the various services the VA has to offer. Or maybe you are a farmer who relies on selling your harvested goods to the government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), only to experience that there is no longer a buyer for you, with your efforts rotting on a shipping dock. Maybe you are a Social Security recipient who relies on your monthly check to pay for rent, food, prescription medications and more. Lastly, all Americans should be horrified knowing that their personal data has been stolen as well by Musk and his minions.

With the firing of hundreds of thousands of federal workers without just cause, our agencies are greatly understaffed, reducing their ability to serve you. If you are outraged at this theft, perhaps you should contact your Republican U.S. senators and U.S. House representative to demand accountability and correction to this gutting of our country. You can reach your senators and your representative at (202) 224-3121. These changes are unsustainable for you, me and the survival of our country. You must make your voice heard before we don’t have a country anymore.

Garrick Balk
South Elgin, Illinois