The ABCs of DOGE: Why Federal Workers Are the Backbone of Democracy

Imagine waking up one morning to find that the essential systems and services you rely on—air traffic control, food safety inspections, national security, disaster response, infrastructure maintenance—have come to a screeching halt. Trash piles up in national parks, social security payments are delayed, and critical weather forecasts no longer reach those in the path of devastating storms. This is not a dystopian fantasy; it is the harsh reality of what happens when federal workers disappear.

A Democracy Without Experts? 

Federal workers are not just employees; they are the experts who keep critical systems running smoothly. These professionals—scientists, engineers, analysts, healthcare workers, and security experts—have sworn an oath to uphold the values of the United States. They do this work at a fraction of what private corporations would charge the government, not for personal gain, but because they believe in democracy and public service.

Yet, an alarming trend is emerging: the systematic dismantling of the federal workforce in favor of privatization. If Trump and Elon Musk succeed in their vision of replacing federal workers with privatized, corporate-run alternatives, the consequences will be devastating.

The Dangers of Privatization 

Privatizing the federal workforce is a direct attack on democracy. Why? Because corporations do not serve the public—they serve profit. The so-called efficiency of the private sector comes at a cost: higher prices, reduced transparency, and a lack of accountability.

Think about what happens when you outsource essential government services to private mega-corporations:

• Cost Explosion: Private companies will charge double, triple, even ten times what federal workers do now for the same services. Why? Because they exist to maximize shareholder profits, not to serve the public.
• Tax Burden Shift: While billion-dollar corporations receive massive tax breaks under a privatized government, the working-class citizen will be left footing the bill. Your tax dollars won’t be funding public services; they will be funneled into the pockets of the ultra-wealthy.
• Corporate Control: When the government is run like a business, citizens are no longer participants in a democracy—they become customers of an authoritarian oligarchy. Public interest will take a backseat to corporate agendas, and policies will be dictated by the highest bidder.

The Real DOGE: Democracy Over Government Exploitation 

This is why the ABCs of DOGE matter. “DOGE” isn’t just a meme—it’s a rallying cry: Democracy Over Government Exploitation. The fight to preserve our federal workforce is a fight to preserve our democracy itself.

The acronyms used to talk about federal departments and agencies may seem like a bunch of nonsense that MAGA is falsely accusing of being superfluous and telling the American people that there is so much waste, fraud, and abuse going on inside of them. However, in the two months of Elon’s chainsaw massacre of federal agencies, not one case of fraud has been brought to the courts, not one iron-clade example of waste or abuse has been brought to Congress or the People to demonstrate the validity of of their lie. 

And no case of waste, fraud, or abuse ever will be brought to Congress or the People because it is a BIG, FAT lie. It is a ploy concocted by the most extreme of the MAGA mindset to get the American people to rollover and let the MAGA maniacs dismantle our democracy and replace it with an Authoritarian Oligarchy. The pathetic examples that Elon does cite, such as there is a 350 year old man receiving Social Security is simply an admission of his vast ignorance and immense stupidity in not understanding or even attempting to learn about the systems, the people, the agencies that he and his teenage racists hackers are dismantling.

America to Elon is like his Cybertrucks that are built with crappy glue so that pieces of its exterior panelling fall off while driving or like his crappy rockets that blow up in mid-air causing airplanes to turn around in mid-air to avoid colliding with the pieces of his rocket crashing back down to Earth. Elon likes to call this” ‘a rapid unscheduled disassembly.’

Charlie Warzel summed it up incredibly accurately in The Atlantic on February 3, 2025 in his article: The ‘Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly’ of the United States Government.  He says, “Elon Musk, a foreign-born billionaire, is exercising significant influence over the U.S. government through his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He has overseen workforce cuts, implemented an insecure email server, and gained access to sensitive government systems, raising concerns about national security and data privacy.”

Are we going to let Elon keep cutting our federal workforce?

If Elon-Trump keep cutting Federal Workers using their rabid DOGE, America loses, BIG. Here are some of the endangered letters of the alphabet of American democracy, the departments, agencies and services Americans depend upon and perhaps have long taken for granted for too long that the whistle of conmen appealed to enough people to put crooks into the White House. Strongmen-conmen who lie, cheat, steal, and are willing to use violence to get what they want. And if they do, our American democracy may soon be a thing of the past, an extinct species of nation-states, a failed state. 

Following are just a few of democracy’s alphabet that we will soon lose:

• No CDC – No warning or protections from pandemics.
• No CPSC – No safe products. Dangerous toys, electronics, and appliances.
• No CFPB – No protection from scams & fraud. Banks, lenders, and corporations run wild.

• No DEA – No enforcement against drug trafficking. Rise in illicit drug flow.
• No DHS – No border security, cyber defense, or emergency response.
• No DOD – No national defense. Weak military. No cybersecurity.

• No DOE – No safe nuclear or renewable energy. No quantum computing experts.
• No DOI – No national parks. No wildlife protections. No public land stewardship.
• No DOJ – No justice. Corruption, discrimination, and corporate crime run unchecked.
• No DOL – No workplace safety, fair wages, or unemployment support.
• No DOT – No safe roads, bridges, or railways. More accidents, failing infrastructure.
• No ED (Department of Education) – No public education. Schools defunded. Student aid gone.

• No EPA – No clean water. No fresh air. No safe environment.
• No FAA – No flights or safe skies. More plane crashes. Air travel chaos.
• No FCC – No net neutrality. No affordable broadband. Corporate control of media.
• No FDA – No safe food, drugs, or vaccines.
• No FEMA – No disaster relief. Communities left to fend for themselves after hurricanes, floods, fires.

• No FHFA – No oversight of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Housing market instability.
• No FEC – No election oversight. Dark money and fraud flourish in politics.
• No FTC – No protection against monopolies, corporate abuse, and scams.
• No HHS – No public health protections. No medical research funding.
• No HUD – No housing assistance. More homelessness, unaffordable rents.
• No ICE – No immigration enforcement. Border security weakens. Or more frightening, becomes a piece of the authoritarian arm piece used to frighten, intimidate, and destroy anyone considered an enemy of the state, which in an authoritarian oligarchy is anyone who does not go along with all the lies and con games being played upon the people.

• No IRS – No tax enforcement. Billionaires pay zero taxes while working Americans foot the bill.
• No NASA – No space exploration. No climate monitoring. No satellites. Elon will get to blow up as many of his crappy rockets as he wants and We The People will pay for his light show showering hazardous waste over the United States and the world.
• No NHTSA – No car safety regulations. More vehicle recalls, dangerous roads. Instead, Elon will use this hole to jam through executive orders signed by his puppet President Trump to force people to drive his dangerous autopilot cars… the fully automatic ones that he wants to roll out this year. Watch this video and report: The Hidden Autopilot Data That Reveals Why Teslas Crash | WSJ
• No NIH – No cures. No medical research. No advancements in medicine.

Since the "DOGE cuts" (referring to the Department of Government Efficiency's proposed cuts) to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there have been significant concerns about the future of medical research, including workforce reductions, grant delays, and a cap on indirect cost reimbursements, which has led to a temporary freeze on some of the cuts. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the situation: 

1. Workforce Reductions and Uncertainty: [9, 10] 

• Planned Cuts: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is planning to reduce the NIH workforce by around 3,400 employees, aiming to reset staffing levels to those employed at the end of fiscal year 2019. [9, 10] 
• Layoffs and Early Retirements: The NIH is bracing for layoffs, with officials expecting cuts similar to those seen at the end of the Trump administration. [9] 
• Internal Turmoil: The NIH has faced internal turmoil, with two high-ranking officials resigning and the agency still lacking a permanent director. [11, 12] 
• Early-Career Scientists Affected: Some scientists, including those with tenured positions, are facing uncertainty about their job security as contract renewals are no longer automatic. [8] 

2. Impact on Research Funding and Grants: [13, 14] 

• Indirect Cost Cap: The NIH announced a policy to cap indirect cost reimbursements at 15% for all new and existing research grants, effective February 10, 2025. [13, 14] 
• Grant Delays and Freezes: Federal courts have temporarily frozen plans to slash the rate NIH pays for “indirect costs” and the administration’s temporary “pause” on federally funded grants and loans. [6] 
• Grant Terminations: The NIH has terminated a growing list of research projects, including studies on HIV in children, reducing mold exposure and its effect on asthma, and LGBTQ+ related studies. [15, 16] 
• Concerns about Medical Innovation: Scientists and researchers are concerned that these cuts could delay medical advances and hinder the development of treatments for various diseases. [3, 11, 17] 
• Impact on Universities and Research Institutions: Universities and research institutions are facing significant budget cuts and are struggling to maintain their research programs. [2, 3, 6, 7] 
• Examples of Affected Research: A research project on cannabis use disorder impacting non-heterosexual women at Ohio State University was canceled after DOGE pulled funding. [15] 

3. Ongoing Legal Challenges and Political Backlash: [5, 18] 

• Temporary Restraining Order: A federal judge in Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order, halting the directive to slash NIH grants. [5, 18] 
• Lawsuits: Lawsuits have been filed by attorneys general challenging the proposed cuts in indirect costs. [7] 
• Political Opposition: Some politicians have criticized the DOGE cuts, calling them “dangerous and short-sighted” and expressing concerns about the impact on medical research and public health. [2, 3] 

Generative AI is experimental.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eav5gyrgExo

[2] https://www.iowapublicradio.org/health/2025-02-14/universities-dodge-major-nih-funding-cuts-for-now-heres-what-you-need-to-know

[3] https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/trumps-nih-budget-cuts-threaten-research-stirring-panic-rcna191744

[4] https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/22/nx-s1-5305276/trump-nih-funding-freeze-medical-research

[5] https://healthpolicy-watch.news/nih-limits-overhead-cost-funding-to-15-cutting-off-9-billion-to-biomedical-research-institutions/

[6] https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/musk-doge-science-cuts-universities-fallout

[7] https://www.opb.org/article/2025/03/12/how-far-could-trumps-nih-funding-cuts-set-medical-innovation-back-by-decades-uw-researchers-warn/

[8] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/health/nih-doge-trump.html

[9] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-nih-hhs-layoffs-doge-rfk-jr-restructuring/

[10] https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/03/nih-faces-renewed-doge-directive-cut-staff-pre-covid-levels-putting-thousands-line-rifs/403593/

[11] https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/news/nih-research-funding-drops-1b-under-trump-administration/

[12] https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5143563-nih-leaders-retire-doge-cuts/

[13] https://cu-citizenaccess.org/2025/03/university-of-illinois-research-already-suffering-from-federal-funding-cuts-and-doge/

[14] https://www.bdo.com/insights/industries/nonprofit-education/understanding-the-nih-s-new-indirect-cost-rate-policy-what-nonprofit-and-higher-education-cfos-need

[15] https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/doge-cuts-nih-funding-ohio-state/530-9b8aca01-852e-4c3b-b8be-06bb60d0aee4

[16] https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00828-3

[17] https://fortune.com/2025/02/21/doge-national-institute-health-funding-indirect-funds-elon-musk-medical-research-science/

[18] https://filtermag.org/harm-reduction-research-doge-cuts/amp/

[-] https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/musk-doge-science-cuts-universities-fallout

[-] https://www.bdo.com/insights/industries/nonprofit-education/understanding-the-nih-s-new-indirect-cost-rate-policy-what-nonprofit-and-higher-education-cfos-need

• No NOAA – No weather forecasts. No hurricane or tornado warnings.
• No NPS – No national parks. No wildfire protection. No forests to enjoy. Find out which National Parks will not be open for visitors this summer: Here is what national park services got cut or closed this month. And DOGE and Trump are not done slashing America’s national parks and treasures. Here are some of the other plans they have for our wilderness areas: Trump wants to use the ‘God Squad’ to increase logging, but it must follow strict rules; National Parks at Escalated Wildfire Risk, Thanks to DOGE Cuts; How DOGE threatens the Forest Service and public lands.
• No NSA – No cybersecurity. More cyberattacks on government, businesses, and individuals.
• No NSF – No science. No research funding. No innovation.
• No NTSB – No investigations into plane, train, and highway crashes. Elon’s crappy cars benefit again!
• No OSHA – No workplace safety. More injuries, deaths, and labor abuses. All the oligarchs benefit from this one.
• No SBA – No small business support. Corporate monopolies take over.

• No SSA – No Social Security. Seniors and disabled left without income. Fact check: Elon Musk calls Social Security a Ponzi scheme, this is very RICH coming from a South African who made billions from American tax payers! The real reason Elon wants to take Social Security away from our seniors and disabled is so he can get major tax breaks as he continues to sell the United States crappy products and inferior services.

• No TSA – No airport security. More terrorist threats and hijackings.
• No USDA – No help for farmers. No food safety inspections.
• No USPS – No mail. No rural delivery. No affordable shipping.
• No VA – No veterans’ services. More homeless and neglected veterans. his is just a small peek into the outrage growing all over the USA: Veterans, workers speak out against proposed cuts to the VA Department; Doug Collins answers questions regarding veterans’ benefits and budget cuts for VA; Veteran speaks out after job at VA terminated in DOGE purge. DOGE-Trump is just getting started.
• No SEC – No regulation of Wall Street. More stock market crashes, Ponzi schemes, and fraud. The oligarchs love this one!

We must ask ourselves: Do we want to live in a society where decisions are made for the benefit of all, or one where billionaires dictate every aspect of our lives for their own gain? The answer should be clear.

The MAGA Contagion: When Extremism Becomes Policy 

The erosion of federal institutions is not happening in a vacuum. It is part of a broader, more insidious phenomenon: the contagion of MAGA ideology. What began as a political movement has metastasized into an extremist agenda, one that now silently endorses mass layoffs of federal employees, the shutdown of USAID, the Department of Education, and even an attempt to dismantle the U.S. Institute of Peace—a non-profit organization, not even a federal agency.

This movement is no longer confined to rhetoric. The so-called “DOGE boys”—young men ranging from 18 to 26—have been emboldened to take physical action, showing up armed and forcing their way into government agencies and organizations that attempt to resist their intrusion. This is not governance. This is intimidation. This is authoritarianism creeping in through the back door.

Every American should be deeply concerned. Is this what MAGA voters truly wanted? A government dismantled by corporate greed and enforced through violence? A society where expertise is abandoned, institutions are gutted, and democracy is reduced to a hollow shell controlled by billionaires? This is the reality we are facing if we do not push back.

Symbols of Hate: Then & Now – Vinyl Activist Sticker

History repeats itself when hate goes unchecked. This bold vinyl sticker draws a powerful parallel between past and present, featuring the infamous 1939 swastika and today’s red MAGA hat—both symbols of division and extremism. Designed for activists, educators, and socially conscious individuals, this sticker sparks conversation and challenges the normalization of hate.

Perfect for laptops, water bottles, notebooks, and more, these high-quality vinyl stickers are made to last. Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and available in five versatile sizes, they’re ideal for those who refuse to stay silent. Use them to make a statement at protests, events, or as a meaningful gift for those passionate about social justice.

Product Features:

✅ Bold & Striking Design – A visual statement that speaks volumes
✅ Premium Vinyl Material – Durable, waterproof, and scratch-resistant
✅ Versatile Use – Perfect for laptops, water bottles, notebooks & more
✅ Multiple Sizes Available – Choose the perfect fit for your needs
✅ Easy to Apply & Remove – Leaves no residue

Care Instructions:

Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away dust or dirt.

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🧟🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️MAGA Apocalypse Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt, Bold Graphic Tee for Political, Resistance apparel🪬😈👹

Introducing our vibrant, bold MAGA Apocalypse Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt, it is perfect for your next protest! This tee radiates an edgy vibe that challeges the assumed mandate MAGA thinks it has gained. Wear it to your next resistance meet up or just wear your values whereever you go.

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Just a little side trip through history:

Himmler, pictured with Nazi leader Adolph Hitler as he salutes passing SS troops. Courtesy of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. 

In 1929, Hitler appointed Himmler Reichsführer of the Schutzstaffel (SS.) At the time, the SS served as bodyguards for Hitler and other top Nazi leaders. As the newly appointed leader of the SS, Himmler sought to develop an elite faction of the Nazi Party. In 1929, the SS totaled 280 men. By the time the Nazis came to power in 1933, Himmler had grown the SS to 52,000. Himmler inducted two new functions for the SS—internal security and guardianship over racial purity. In 1931, Himmler established the Sicherheitsdienst (Security Service, or SD) to gather intelligence and monitor opponents within the Nazi Party, leaders of other political parties, and government officials. In 1934, the SD was distinguished as the sole political intelligence agency for Germany. Five years later, in September 1939, Himmler fused the SD with the Reich Security Main Office (RSHA.)

Following the Nazi’s invasion of Poland, in 1939 Hitler appointed Himmler as the Reich Commissar for the Strengthening of the German Ethnic Stock. This new position authorized Himmler and the SS to have complete control over German resettlement in areas of occupied Poland and eventually the Soviet Union in 1941. Himmler had complete say over who was German, where ethnic Germans should live, and which populations should be moved out or destroyed to make room for resettled Germans. Himmler’s plan for resettlement would be conducted with the help of the Einsatzgruppen, also known as the SS’s mobile killing units. The Einsatzgruppen was tasked to initiate and partake in mass murder of Jews, government officials, Roma, and people with disabilities, no matter the age or gender.

Source: An Architect of Terror: Heinrich Himmler and the Holocaust

Bad DOGE: Manifestation of the Mind Contagion Called MAGA

As town halls in Republican-controlled districts fill with outraged voters, it becomes clear that many who supported Trump never intended for him, Elon Musk, and the GOP to dismantle the federal workforce, gut agencies, and set their sights on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Yet, a deeply entrenched MAGA loyalist base still cheers on the destruction. This unwavering 40% of the electorate includes January 6 insurrectionists—some of whom Trump pardoned on his first day back in office—violent agitators, and those who celebrate chaos and cruelty as political strategy.

Surrounding these extremists are legions of keyboard warriors, relentless in their pursuit of anyone who dares oppose the Trump-Elon regime. They harass and threaten those who stand for truth, expertise, and democracy. They despise professionals, intellectuals, and anyone who possesses knowledge beyond their limited worldview. Their reality is small, insular, and designed to benefit only one group: rich, white men who hoard power and wealth.

These individuals do not engage in rational debate; they demand reality conform to their beliefs. They are hostile to facts, science, and history. They lash out violently—both online and in the streets—against anyone who challenges their narrative.

Who are these people? How did they become this way? Can they still be reached, or are they a malignant force eating away at democracy from within? And if democracy can be wrestled back from their grip, what do we do with them? Their response to opposition is clear: intimidation, suppression, and violence. The question remains—how will the rest of America respond?

What You Can Do

• Raise Awareness: Share this message with friends, family, and colleagues. The more people understand the stakes, the harder it will be for privatization efforts to move forward unchallenged.
• Support Federal Workers: Show your appreciation for the people who keep our country running. From TSA agents to environmental researchers, these individuals dedicate their lives to serving the public.
• Use Your Voice: Protest, petition, and vote against policies that seek to dismantle our federal workforce and hand control to private corporations.
• Display Your Support: Our ABCs of DOGE stickers, shirts, and signs are designed to start conversations and spread awareness. Place them on your laptop, water bottle, or car to make a statement wherever you go.

🚫 No Federal Workers? No Future! 🚫 Eye-Catching Yard Sign for Awareness & Activism

What happens when federal workers disappear? This bold and thought-provoking yard sign makes it clear: No Safe Food. No Clean Water. No Flights. No Roads. No Justice. No Future. No Cures.

<p …

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ABCs of Federal Jobs T-Shirt, Retro Adventure Tee for Patriotic Enthusiasts, Bold Statement Graphic

What happens when federal workers disappear? This bold and thought-provoking sticker makes it clear: No Federal Workers. No Democracy. </span…

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Federal Workers Find Cures Kiss-Cut Stickers; Save Our Federal Workforce Finding Cures for Cancer, Alzheimer’s & Diseases

Decorate your space with these eye-catching Federal Workers Find Cures kiss-cut stickers, perfect for expressing your personality. Designed with vibrant colors and a glossy finish, these stickers bring a cheerful vibe to any surface. They easily adhere to laptops, journals, windows, and more, making them a fantastic addition to your daily life or a thoughtful gift for friend…

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Federal Workers Find Cures Matte Vertical Poster; Curing Cancer, Alzheimer’s and More

Elevate your space with our stunning Federal Workers Find Cures Matte Vertical Posters. Each piece exudes a vibrant, artistic vibe that transforms any room into a creative oasis. Perfect for science enthusiasts, healthcare professionals, or anyone who appreciates impactful art, these posters make a thoughtful gift for occasions like birthdays, holidays, or recognition events. Capture the essence of your passion and make a statement in your living room, office, or studio! Ideal for celebrating the hard work of those in research and public health, these posters highlight dedication and inspiration.

Product features
– Museum grade archival paper ensures longevity without fading or yellowing.
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– Indoor use only, making them perfect for personal or professional environments.

Care instructions
– If the print does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, dry cloth.

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No Federal Workers, No Democracy sticker roll!

Introducing our vibrant No Federal Workers, No Democracy Round Sticker Roll… part of the ABCs of DOGE series. This sticker is perfect for Town Halls, Fighting Oligarchy rallies, stand-ins, marches, and visiting your congress person. Add a splash of color and personality to your message to Congress and community that protecting federal workers is essential to protect our de…

$74.90 – $138.42

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The time to act is now. Once federal expertise is lost, it will not easily be regained. If we allow the systematic dismantling of our government workforce, we are not just losing workers—we are losing democracy itself.

Kindness Still Counts

Message of the year… indeed, the decade: “How do you spot an idiot? Look for the person who is cruel. The kindest person in the room is often the smartest.” — Gov Pritzker

Also, see interview with Governor Pritzker’s March 24, 2025 interview with Jen Psaki on the effects of DOGE cuts to his people in Illinois such as cuts to research on soybeans and how they are protecting US soybeans from Red Leaf Blotch.

“People are going to lose their lives due to the cuts Elon is making through DOGE…”, Governor JB Pritzkey

And Check Out The Quip’s Collection’s Resistance Collection

The Resistance Collection

 Resistance Collection

The emerging alliance between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has raised significant concerns regarding the concentration of power and potential conflicts of interest. Musk’s recent appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) grants him substantial influence over federal operations, which, when combined with his extensive business ventures, poses risks to democratic processes and ethical governance. Critics argue that Musk’s involvement in government restructuring could lead to decisions that favor his enterprises, undermining public trust and the integrity of governmental institutions. Immediate scrutiny and resistance are essential to prevent the erosion of checks and balances, ensuring that personal interests do not overshadow public welfare.

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