Save the USAID!

After receiving my architecture degree, one of my first projects involved a new USAID-funded school. In 1976, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Friuli region of Northern Italy, killing 976 people and leaving 70,000 homeless. In 1978, the USAID commissioned Mitchell Giurgola Architects in NYC to rebuild three schools in Northern Italy. I was placed on one of three project teams.  This area was devastated by an earthquake. So, I am very familiar with the importance of USAID and its important work. This project was an excellent example of the global impact of USA soft power on the people of our world.

Sadly, the USAID is in the process of being completely dismantled by our government.  This venerable organization has been hijacked by one of the least qualified people in our history to hold the office of President. We now have a government populated not by the “Best and the Brightest” but by the “Worst and the Most incompetent” collection of henchmen ever assembled by a sitting President. Why call these jokers “Henchmen?” Because, for the most part, they have no qualifications or relevant background for their appointed cabinet or federal departmental positions other than a slavish loyalty to our new Chief Executive and their unfailing ability to say, “Yeah, boss, OK, boss!” On top of this, we now have a republican majority in both houses of Congress who are unwilling to carry out their constitutional duty to hold these idiots in check!

Ironically, in 1998, the USAID was made an independent agency, meaning it falls under no other department’s jurisdiction! As an act of Congress did this, President Trump has no legal standing to defund them or shut them down. He cannot put them under the control of the State Department, either! Only an act of Congress can do this, and they have not. This reality is just now being adjudicated in the courts.

This current flock of Republican sheep are not just afraid of Trump; they are afraid of their voters, and well, they should be! Just wait until the 2026 midterms, you weasels! It is time for a Democratic call to action; stop asking us for money; ask for ideas! We need to develop a systemic, global strategy.

#SaveForeignAid
#StandwithUSAID