By James B. EwersJr. Ed.D.
There are a lot of people asking that question these days. Your friends and my friends are wondering what’s happening. Is Old Glory up or down?
In recent months, some would say that America is in a tailspin. Those in control are out of control.
Because they have lost control many of our venerable institutions are tossing and turning. Executive orders are being written by the hour. Keeping up with them is confusing. Is that on purpose?
There are people asking about the need for these orders which seem to be extreme and wrongly placed.
It is being said by some that we are living in nightmarish conditions. The headlines are never favorable for most of us. They always say that programs are being cut, and funding is being reduced.
Is this good for America? Doom and gloom are never good, always bad.
The wealthy are guiding the country now and they are unfeeling and unfazed by the increased cost of goods and services.
We the people go to the store, so we know the cost of things. Our budgets are stretched, and our pocketbooks are lighter. Do they care? You know the answer to that question.
I heard someone talking recently about toys and that girls should limit the number of dolls they get. It was a bit sarcastic as the economy is worsening and the analogy was about toys.
Recent reports say, “Seventy-six percent of workers expect layoffs to increase in 2025, while 63% expect more business closures compared to 2024. Additionally, 53% anticipate a rise in the unemployment rate.”
We already know that food insecurity is rampant in America. How can food insecurity occur in the richest nation in the world? It would be safe to assume that people would not go hungry here, but they do.
A related report says, “The USDA cut over $1 billion in funding for food programs impacting food banks and school lunch programs across the country. The cuts could affect millions of students and families.”
What these cuts mean is that some children won’t be eating on a regular basis. Those in charge should be ashamed and embarrassed as they are taking food out of the mouths of kids.
Organizations receiving grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities are in danger. Recently the White House announced they are freezing all monies.
If you are a dance company or a company that produces plays, then your budget will be compromised.
Another move by this current administration has caused concern among military personnel. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth plans to eliminate 20% of four-star general positions. According to those who follow this news, it will mean the early forced retirement of approximately 150 senior officers.
There are 38 active duty four-star positions in the U.S. military. Some are saying we are at a tipping point in the U.S. Armed Services.
Will this have reverberations for new recruits and for seasoned officers looking for promotions? I believe it will. Recruiters will have their work cut out for them as they try to reach their recruitment goals.
Veterans are also getting bad news from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It has been reported by FoxNews.com that 80,000 workers will lose their jobs with the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a result, there will be a 15% drop in their workforce.
