Cut spending with a scalpel, not a chain saw

There’s no question that a lot of money is wasted in the federal government. The recent article, “DOGE’s work is what government ‘should be doing,’ former federal financial manager says” (March 10), gives testimony to waste that one employee saw. So the key is how to cut out the waste.

When Elon Musk took over Twitter/X and cut the staff significantly, the worst that could happen was someone’s account didn’t work. But if you cut a U.S. Food and Drug Administration team and a drug isn’t approved on time, or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather forecaster and a hurricane warning doesn’t go out, or a Social Security worker and a check isn’t received, you’re dealing with people’s lives.

A scalpel, not a chain saw is needed.

— Wes Michael, Towson

Williams sees Trump through some seriously rose-colored eyewear

Armstrong Williams has extolled the use of the Niccolò Machiavelli adage that it is “better to be feared than loved.” He seems to think that the Machiavellian approach is a winning one that President Donald Trump should use. I know Williams is well read and realizes that Machiavelli promoted the manipulation or deception of others to achieve his own goals. Machiavelli has a total disregard for ethical behavior — if such behavior does not achieve his ends. The Machiavellian cannot be trusted. If you enter into a business agreement or treaty, you cannot be sure it will be followed.

Does Machiavelli sound like someone you would want to be your boss, a business partner or your President (“Armstrong Williams: The age of Trump has arrived,” March 8)? Sure, Machiavellian methods can achieve short-term gains, but what happens in the long run? No one trusts you. No one believes what you tell them. Is this the basis for a strong relationship? Oh, maybe because we are the United States, we do not need treaties or friends. Really? Is this what we want?

President Trump withdraws our sharing of defense intelligence with Ukraine and then says that the subsequent Russian attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure is what he expected to happen. This was an ally. Is Russian President Vladimir Putin waiting at a peace table to sign an agreement, but Ukraine has not agreed? No, Putin is trying to win the war and Trump is helping him.

Finally, the claim that Trump accomplished more than President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the start of their presidencies is puzzling at best. Most of Trump’s actions are destructive. He is taking down government agencies, illegally firing the inspector generals, eliminating aid to starving children in impoverished countries, obstructing and cutting medical research at the world’s premiere biomedical research institution (the National Institutes of Health), firing thousands of staff, undermining NATO, and changing the names of the Gulf of Mexico and Mt. Denali. He has also reduced illegal immigration. Almost all of this by executive orders that can be changed by the next president who does not agree.

However, the destruction and loss of institutional memory by firing 30,000 or more employees will not be so easy to restore. Roosevelt worked with Congress to pass 15 major pieces of legislation to address the Great Depression. Congress passed 77 laws in his first 100 days. Yes, one may like that Trump is dismantling our government, but exaggerating the actions as “achievements” does not make them great.

— Ted Buxton, Columbia

Kudos to Sun and FOX45 for critical coverage

I wish to add my voice to those praising The Baltimore Sun and FOX45 for their collaboration in pursuing highly relevant and critical issues in the pitiful performance of state and city government leadership (“Maryland lawmakers push to ban cell phone use in Montgomery and Carroll County schools,” March 8).

It takes courage and a determination to pursue the truth to face endless pressure from Maryland’s overwhelming liberal majority and highlight the regrettable track record that has led to the deplorable situation we find ourselves in relative to over-spending, juvenile crime and the energy crisis causing significant pain for so many Marylanders.

Please maintain the pressure. You are making a major difference with Maryland’s citizens who will vote next November. We need a change in strategy and a change in leadership to head off pending disaster.

— Curt Rasmussen, Taneytown