I just talked to a friend out west who works for the federal government as a law enforcement officer in the Forest Service. He has received a letter from the Trump administration stating that his position will be terminated soon. If he resigns now, he was told, he would get full pay and benefits until the end of the fiscal year at the end of September 2025. After that, it is adios for good. A check with a local USFS ranger station verified this as accurate.
Getting rid of federal inspector generals in agencies was just the beginning. “Conservatives” want “less government” to the point where there will be basically no oversight as to what is beneficial or not for corporations, businesses, and the general public. Whether it be pollution control, timber harvest, mineral extraction or other issues, the OIC (oligarchs in charge) will set the standards.
For decades, Republicans have wanted to give U.S. public lands back to the states or put them on the auction block to be sold to the highest bidder. Our national parks, national forests, BLM lands, monuments and grasslands are all threatened with being sold to the very rich, or another country.
I don’t think many here in the Northland realize yet what the election of DJT and fellow oligarchs has done to jeopardize the democracy they supposedly hold so dear.
Mark Roalson
Hoyt Lakes