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Dear Casper,
We have heard “Make America Great Again” for almost a decade now; it’s a key refrain of the Trump administration. As we review his administration’s actions and priorities since January, we all should ask ourselves: what is being done to make America great?
The administration’s policy, trade and funding changes are disastrous for the American people. This week, the president moved to quadruple Argentine beef imports, which will significantly impact American ranchers and beef producers. Why isn’t the administration focused on supporting ranchers and beef producers on American soil? The administration also gave Argentina a $20 billion bailout while abandoning American soybean farmers as their crops rot in fields. This is a direct result of tariffs on China, which is now purchasing soybeans from Argentina. Now the money that would have come to our economy for soybeans is also going to Argentina in addition to the billions of our tax dollars. How do these decisions make America great?
This week, recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were informed they may not be paid out come Nov. 1. In Wyoming alone, close to 30,000 individuals — many of them children — rely on this funding to stay fed. Grocery prices are skyrocketing, and people are already struggling to feed their families. SNAP benefits offer food security to our neighbors, and they pump millions of dollars back into our economy. If this money is withheld, the market and major corporations and food suppliers will make up for it by raising grocery prices again. This decision will affect us all. This administration promised lower grocery prices on day one. Yet, decisions like these compound the problem, threatening to raise costs for everyone.
This government shutdown has impacted hundreds of thousands of federal workers who are not receiving paychecks. While these hard working Americans struggle to feed their families and pay their bills, the administration is ripping apart the White House for a vanity project. The cost of this renovation is expected to be closer to $300 million, including a new ballroom and upgrades to the presidential underground bunker.
Along with these unnecessary renovations, the president is demanding that the Department of Justice pay him $230 million in restitution for legal fees, and claims he has the ultimate authority to decide if they have to or not. Ethics aside, these egocentric demands beg the question: who does this administration truly support? This money belongs to the taxpayers and should be used for the needs of the American people. Does this spending make America great for anyone other than those in power?
Political ideology and affiliation are important parts of one’s identity, and this letter is not a personal attack on anyone. Our community members are losing the social safety nets they rely on, and we must act with great compassion and urgency. Consider engaging with your neighbors and asking tough questions. Whose life is materially getting better with this administration’s changes? Are anyone’s bills and debt getting more manageable? Is it getting harder to afford everyday necessities? Are the people you love struggling to afford their next meal? Are your neighbors afraid to leave their homes, fearing they’ll be kidnapped off the street?
It’s OK to be afraid, change your viewpoints and make adjustments. It’s OK to stop and think about what you’re seeing, and to consider who is behind the fear, anger, misery and strife we are all experiencing. This administration is only making America great for the people they care about. That is not you, me, or anyone else outside of their circle of power.
Look for the helpers. They are at the Food Bank of the Rockies and the Food for Thought Project. They are in local networks of moms and people who are stocking food pantries and helping where it is needed. They are everyday, working people who have their own struggles and stressors, stepping up to ensure those in our community who need help the most can receive it.
We cannot rely on the federal government right now as it withholds funding and abandons its vulnerable citizenry. As we pay our federal taxes, this administration refuses to use them to support our communities, educate and feed kids, or provide services to enhance our lives. There is no representation, despite this taxation. Our tax dollars are being used for destruction, violence, and the pockets of the 1%. Does this make America great?
Writing in solidarity for a better future for all Americans,
Allyse Taylor
Casper
