sashayed:

I haven’t written anything about what’s happening at USAID, i think because I feel so sickened and overwhelmed by it. the number of vulnerable people worldwide who have died and will die because of the psychological defects of earth’s wealthiest, most pathetic men is astonishing.

If you live in a represented territory in the U.S., here is a script from a beloved friend and ex-USAID staffer that you can say to your Congressional reps. Find their numbers here.

“Hello Representative [XYZ],
My name is [XYZ] and I live in [XYZ]. I’m calling to urge you to reclaim Congressional power and ensure USAID’s continued operations.
The agency has broad bipartisan support, positively impacts US businesses and domestic security, and is crucial to US influence abroad.  Protecting this agency and its mission from biased political interference during your tenure will impact my vote in the next election. Thank you.”

I understand that a phrase like "US influence abroad” might feel distasteful to those of us who think US influence abroad is, and has been, Bad Actually. I think of it like I am playing a part where I have to pretend that we all agree this country is good so that fewer people die. USAID is one of the few agencies that is redistributing this country’s resources globally in a useful way; I believe that is worth making an effort to protect.

I also haven’t urged people to call their reps in a while. I understand why you might feel it is pointless. However I also think often it is good to do something pointless for the sake of having done it. IDK try it and see.