“Woe Be to the Shepherds That Destroy and Scatter the Sheep” Jeremiah 23:1-2.

As a Lay Franciscan, a retired carpenter, a husband, father, and grandfather, I carry a heavy heart filled with sorrow and indignation as I witness the violence—both literal and figurative—being inflicted on the people of the United States. This pain is not the act of some distant enemy; it is our own family, our friends, and our neighbors who play roles in this destruction. Our politicians, pastors, and even our Bishops contribute to the suffering. They are tearing at the fabric of our nation, attacking the very idea of self-government and independence that defines us as a people.

I struggle to understand how those who have sworn an oath to defend the Constitution—including our Supreme Court Justices and military officers—can remain passive as these acts of violence are carried out. Instead of protecting the ideals entrusted to them, they allow the dismantling of government programs, the mass layoffs of workers, and the dismantling of structures meant to serve the common good.

The assault is profound: on our government, on our community, and on the hope, we hold for our future as a nation united. It leaves a deep wound in the soul of our country, affecting not just policies but lives—our lives and the lives of generations yet to come. It is a profoundly personal act of violence, eroding trust and solidarity, and forcing families like mine to confront the disheartening reality of what we are becoming. This pain is devastating, and as a man of faith and principle, I cannot remain silent while watching the principles of self-determination and the dignity of governance undermined in such an aggressive and calculated way.

Reflection on the Violence Inflicted on the American People by the Government of the United States.

As of 03:44 PM PDT on Friday, March 14, 2025, the Trump administration’s aggressive agenda to dismantle parts of the federal government has sparked significant concern and sorrow among observers and affected individuals. This reflection, written from the perspective of a concerned citizen, expresses deep sadness at the violence—both emotional and social—being inflicted upon the American people, particularly through the closure of government programs and mass layoffs. The analysis is informed by recent news articles, policy documents, and personal accounts, highlighting the deliberate nature of these actions to overwhelm and cause pain.

Background and Context

The Trump administration, in its second term starting January 2025, has pursued an agenda to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, often referred to as dismantling the administrative state. This effort, driven by executive orders, budget cuts, and policy proposals like Project 2025, overseen by figures like Elon Musk through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), targets both domestic and international operations. By March 14, 2025, confirmed actions include rescinding 78 Biden-era executive orders, eliminating DEI programs, halting UNRWA funding, and firing 5,400 civilian employees in the Department of Defense, among others An agency-by-agency look at Trump’s plan to overhaul government. Planned actions, such as closing the Department of Education and integrating USAID into the Department of State, are pending, with potential further reductions in military spending and overseas operations.

Confirmed Actions and Their Impact

By March 14, 2025, the administration has implemented closures and stoppages, directly affecting American citizens:

Personal Stories and Emotional Toll

The human cost of these actions is profound, with personal stories highlighting the emotional and social violence inflicted. For instance, a federal worker, fearing retaliation, described feeling “completely blindsided” by a layoff notice after over 10 years of service, stating, “It’s devastating”. ‘You lose all hope’: Federal workers gripped by mental health distress amid Trump cuts.

Another, a mother of two, expressed worry about making ends meet, saying, “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I have to find another job quickly, but in this economy, that’s not easy”. Sweeping cuts hit recent federal hires as Trump administration slashes workforce.

These accounts reflect the financial and mental health crises, with reports of overwhelming stress, rapid weight loss, and panic attacks among federal workers.

Past government shutdowns, like in 2019, provide a precedent, with an estimated 800,000 federal workers missing paychecks, leading to missed rent, spoiled credit ratings, and food emergencies, particularly affecting African Americans in federal employment. America shuts down: how the federal government closure is impacting millions.

The Capital Area Food Bank held free grocery pop-ups for furloughed workers, underscoring the severity. America shuts down: how the federal government closure is impacting millions.

Planned and Hypothetical Actions

Planned actions, such as eliminating the Department of Education, would stop functions like Pell Grants and student loans, directly impacting students and families. US Education Department to cut half its staff as Trump eyes its elimination.

Hypothetical actions, like 8% annual budget cuts to the Department of Defense, could lead to further layoffs, affecting mainland and overseas operations. Trump’s dramatic plan to cut the federal workforce.

These potential changes add to the uncertainty and fear among Americans.

Design and Intent

It is my belief that these actions are “by design. Designed to overwhelm and cause pain” is supported by critics and legal experts. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden confirmed that doctors in all 50 states were unable to secure Medicaid payments during the funding freeze, highlighting the disruption. Trump aid freeze stirs chaos before it is blocked in court.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights described the first week as “Chaos, Confusion, & Abuse of Power,” with executive orders targeting civil rights and attempting to dismantle diversity efforts. Chaos, Confusion, & Abuse of Power: Trump’s First Week Back in Office.

Legal scholars, like Steven Smith from Arizona State University, argued that the OMB memo’s breadth has no precedent, suggesting a deliberate strategy to bypass congressional authority. Fact check: What might Trump’s federal funding freeze stop?.

Voices of Concern “A Global Health Massacre”

Others express similar feelings of sadness and urgency. Elisha Dunn-Georgiou, President and CEO of the Global Health Council, described the USAID cuts as “horrible,” reflecting the gravity. Nearly all USAID programs have been cut by the Trump administration.

A humanitarian official called it “a global health massacre,” emphasizing the life-threatening impact. Nearly all USAID programs have been cut by the Trump administration.

Congressman Steve Cohen criticized past shutdowns as unnecessary and harmful, resonating with the user’s concerns. Criticizing Trump’s Government Shutdown.

Caritas Czech Republic highlighted that USAID’s shutdown endangers millions, indirectly affecting American security. 5 impacts of Trump’s decision to shut down USAID.

Table: Summary of Confirmed Actions and Impacts on Americans

Agency/DepartmentAction Taken by March 14, 2025Impact on American People
EOPRescinded 78 Biden-era executive orders, eliminated DEI programsDeepened social divides, affected marginalized communities
DODFired 5,400 civilian employees, ended DEI programsFinancial distress, mental health crises for federal workers
DOS/USAIDHalted UNRWA funding, paused foreign aidIndirect impact on American security through global instability
DOJAttempted to end birthright citizenship, blockedAffected immigrant communities, increased uncertainty
HHSRolled back ACA protectionsAnxiety among those reliant on health insurance, disrupted care
OMBHalted federal financial assistance, partially rescindedConfusion, disrupted state services, affected education centers
USDA, DOE, DOT, DOI, DHSVarious freezes and rollbacksDisrupted rural services, energy access, border security

Conclusion

The violence inflicted upon the American people through these government closures is real and tangible, manifesting as financial hardship, mental health crises, and disrupted services. It is designed to overwhelm and cause pain, as evidenced by the deliberate nature of the actions and the reactions from affected individuals and critics. This reflection expresses my own deep sorrow for the suffering endured, but also a resolve to resist and work towards a future where government serves all with compassion and equity.

Mike

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Author: Mikeofs

Secular (Lay) Franciscan

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