Bearmanly said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Great work by the @usairforce in partnership with @DOGE in substantially reducing a wasteful program serviced by external consultants.

The Air Force Strategic Transformation Support I ("AFSTS I") was a $2.75B contract awarded to eight management consulting firms in 2020 to… pic.twitter.com/NIImiyKLxX

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 20, 2025

---

Gotta make room for that Qatar plane re-fit.

---

Why get rid of CPI? I thought that is what DOGE wanted? How do you move forward without CPI?

You sole source it to Space X, watch...

Doc Holliday said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Besides the Census itself, the @USCensusBureau performs 102 additional surveys costing $2.2 billion, many of them obsolete with the results not being used to drive any action nor even looked at.

The Census Bureau and DOGE are reviewing them one-by-one. So far, 5 wasteful…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 20, 2025

---

My question updating systems, analysis, metrics, etc... All good things and should be done periodically. Why is it being framed as massive waste and even negligence, malicious and even criminal?

Those 5 analysis metrics may have outlived their usefulness, but it is not abnormal when dealing with analysis. I can't think of any system that doesn't have reports that don't get used even though the system measures it.

---

From what it appears we are seeing, these analyses haven't been done and publicized either for a long time or in some cases, forever. Once the fringe groups found out that they could get away with abusing them due to this neglect, they did. Once government officials found out that they could redirect the funds to specific companies to line their own pockets, they did.

Now it's only been a few months. And DOGE is simply a group that recommends. They are dealing with agencies still loaded with pro-liberal/Biden officials who appear to be delaying implementation as long as possible.

What we need, is an independent agency like DOGE that does these inspections on both a regular and irregular basis, so as to catch these events prior to the funds being disbursed, and also government officials that don't pass these items through that arent in the best interest of America. And hold their feet to the fire.

---

I have no problem with this. DOGE making recommendations, the Agency implementing and GAO monitoring results is the way the system should work. Good positive interactions and execution. Love it. I just hate the negative showmanship for Party politics. Party Politics should not impact the Agencies.

---

That horse and buggy left the station once parties were formed in the 1790's. It is why bureaucratic positions should all be "at will" positions with very few exceptions for information and organizational continuity only. The cabinet should be able to clean house of workers no longer needed due to policy/needed work changes, poor work, reorganization of agencies, dissolution of agencies founded by the executive branch, etc. The executive branch hires them, they need to be able to let them go as needed. There are legal means to fight any retaliation grievances..

---

Where did I say anything about that? I just don't get the normal stuff having to be negative victories. This stuff happens every year. GAO has a report every year. This is nothing unusual, including the submitted budget being higher regardless of cuts.

---

You're right to feel uneasy, and here's why -- all the stuff about efficiency is smoke and mirrors. The real purpose of DOGE is to break the civil service and replace it with a corrupt system of patronage. That's why Trump wants the "at will" power to terminate anyone who is less than loyal.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/

---

Why are you married to the status quo?

Anyone going against the norm is essentially a threat to democracy according to you.

The status quo is tyrannical. It's $37T in debt. It's bureaucrats overpaying contractors because they're promised high paying jobs for doing so. You think red tape is designed to eliminate corruption when it's actually designed to empower corruption.

You need to practice skepticism against the status quo, not solely those questioning and challenging it. You should never practice faith in our country which is ran by man who is by nature evil and corrupt.

---

I have a long record of criticizing the status quo. You just can't tolerate any criticism of Trump.

Look at history. How many fascist regimes started by battling a broken status quo? All of them did. Then they became even more tyrannical and corrupt than the systems they replaced.

You're the one who urgently needs a dose of skepticism.

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Besides the Census itself, the @USCensusBureau performs 102 additional surveys costing $2.2 billion, many of them obsolete with the results not being used to drive any action nor even looked at.

The Census Bureau and DOGE are reviewing them one-by-one. So far, 5 wasteful…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 20, 2025

---

My question updating systems, analysis, metrics, etc... All good things and should be done periodically. Why is it being framed as massive waste and even negligence, malicious and even criminal?

Those 5 analysis metrics may have outlived their usefulness, but it is not abnormal when dealing with analysis. I can't think of any system that doesn't have reports that don't get used even though the system measures it.

---

From what it appears we are seeing, these analyses haven't been done and publicized either for a long time or in some cases, forever. Once the fringe groups found out that they could get away with abusing them due to this neglect, they did. Once government officials found out that they could redirect the funds to specific companies to line their own pockets, they did.

Now it's only been a few months. And DOGE is simply a group that recommends. They are dealing with agencies still loaded with pro-liberal/Biden officials who appear to be delaying implementation as long as possible.

What we need, is an independent agency like DOGE that does these inspections on both a regular and irregular basis, so as to catch these events prior to the funds being disbursed, and also government officials that don't pass these items through that arent in the best interest of America. And hold their feet to the fire.

---

I have no problem with this. DOGE making recommendations, the Agency implementing and GAO monitoring results is the way the system should work. Good positive interactions and execution. Love it. I just hate the negative showmanship for Party politics. Party Politics should not impact the Agencies.

---

That horse and buggy left the station once parties were formed in the 1790's. It is why bureaucratic positions should all be "at will" positions with very few exceptions for information and organizational continuity only. The cabinet should be able to clean house of workers no longer needed due to policy/needed work changes, poor work, reorganization of agencies, dissolution of agencies founded by the executive branch, etc. The executive branch hires them, they need to be able to let them go as needed. There are legal means to fight any retaliation grievances..

---

Where did I say anything about that? I just don't get the normal stuff having to be negative victories. This stuff happens every year. GAO has a report every year. This is nothing unusual, including the submitted budget being higher regardless of cuts.

---

You're right to feel uneasy, and here's why -- all the stuff about efficiency is smoke and mirrors. The real purpose of DOGE is to break the civil service and replace it with a corrupt system of patronage. That's why Trump wants the "at will" power to terminate anyone who is less than loyal.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/

---

You say you are a conservative and keep using The Atlantic to make your argument?

---

Are conservatives only allowed to use arguments from their own tribe?

I thought that was what leftists did.

---

It's a far-left argument. Not middle of the road by any means.

---

What about the Christian Science Monitor? Also "far left?"

Quote:

---

They've watched democracies fail. They see it happening under Trump.
By Cameron Joseph
May 9, 2025

Mr. Trump, his political allies, and his core supporters say he is reasserting the rightful power of the president and bringing an overdue reckoning for an administrative state of unelected bureaucrats who wield undemocratic authority over the lives of Americans.

Among those who study authoritarian regimes, a consensus has emerged that his early moves display common characteristics of burgeoning autocracies.

The Monitor talked to a dozen experts who have spent their careers studying, and working to defend, democratic institutions from Hungary to Colombia to El Salvador. They were nearly unanimous in their assessment that President Trump is following a familiar pattern.

Would-be autocrats often move to eliminate structural checks on their power. They intimidate opposition parties, threaten potential dissenters within their own ranks, and defy the courts. Autocrats punish and bully the news media, protect allies from legal prosecution while targeting political opponents, and purge senior military and government ranks of career staff in favor of loyalists.

President Trump has checked all of those boxes, says Larry Diamond, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution who has spent four decades studying how and why democracies fail.

"If we were slipping into an authoritarian situation, step by step, it would pretty much look like what's happening right now," he says.

For years, Bright Line Watch, a survey of American political scientists, had steadily delivered fairly positive ratings of U.S. governance including during most of Mr. Trump's first term.

But its two surveys since Mr. Trump's return to office showed a plunge in their confidence in the strength of American democracy. The 760 political scientists surveyed in the latest round, released in early May, now rank the U.S. below Poland and Mexico for its democratic performance. Their evaluations of U.S. democracy dropped most sharply on questions of free speech protections, whether government agencies are used to punish political opponents, freedom of the press, the impartiality of criminal investigations, and judicial independence.

"Political scientists are in a state of alarm I've never seen before," says Brendan Nyhan, Bright Line Watch co-director and Dartmouth professor of presidential studies. "We know what this looks like, and what we're seeing is right out of the authoritarian playbook."

Other surveys reflect this view. In its 2025 annual report released in February, Freedom House no longer listed the U.S. among the world's most stable democracies. Similarly, the academic Germany-based Democracy Matrix recently classified the U.S. as a "deficient democracy," ranking behind Chile and Latvia.

The U.S. is currently moving faster toward autocracy than any other fully democratic government that has backslid in the 21st century besides El Salvador--faster even than Hungary, Poland, or Venezuela, says Steven Levitsky, senior democracy fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, Harvard professor, and co-author of the book "How Democracies Die."

"If you compare [Mr. Trump to] the behavior of those governments in their first months all of them, all of them this is much worse," he says.

When the Monitor first talked to Dr. Levitsky, in late February, he expressed deep concern about where Mr. Trump's early actions were leading. Just a few weeks later, in a follow-up conversation, he said he'd underestimated how bad things would get and how fast. "The pace and actions are almost unprecedented among electoral autocracies in the 21st century," he says.

https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2025/0509/donald-trump-authoritarian-playbook-democracy

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Besides the Census itself, the @USCensusBureau performs 102 additional surveys costing $2.2 billion, many of them obsolete with the results not being used to drive any action nor even looked at.

The Census Bureau and DOGE are reviewing them one-by-one. So far, 5 wasteful…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 20, 2025

---

My question updating systems, analysis, metrics, etc... All good things and should be done periodically. Why is it being framed as massive waste and even negligence, malicious and even criminal?

Those 5 analysis metrics may have outlived their usefulness, but it is not abnormal when dealing with analysis. I can't think of any system that doesn't have reports that don't get used even though the system measures it.

---

From what it appears we are seeing, these analyses haven't been done and publicized either for a long time or in some cases, forever. Once the fringe groups found out that they could get away with abusing them due to this neglect, they did. Once government officials found out that they could redirect the funds to specific companies to line their own pockets, they did.

Now it's only been a few months. And DOGE is simply a group that recommends. They are dealing with agencies still loaded with pro-liberal/Biden officials who appear to be delaying implementation as long as possible.

What we need, is an independent agency like DOGE that does these inspections on both a regular and irregular basis, so as to catch these events prior to the funds being disbursed, and also government officials that don't pass these items through that arent in the best interest of America. And hold their feet to the fire.

---

I have no problem with this. DOGE making recommendations, the Agency implementing and GAO monitoring results is the way the system should work. Good positive interactions and execution. Love it. I just hate the negative showmanship for Party politics. Party Politics should not impact the Agencies.

---

That horse and buggy left the station once parties were formed in the 1790's. It is why bureaucratic positions should all be "at will" positions with very few exceptions for information and organizational continuity only. The cabinet should be able to clean house of workers no longer needed due to policy/needed work changes, poor work, reorganization of agencies, dissolution of agencies founded by the executive branch, etc. The executive branch hires them, they need to be able to let them go as needed. There are legal means to fight any retaliation grievances..

---

Where did I say anything about that? I just don't get the normal stuff having to be negative victories. This stuff happens every year. GAO has a report every year. This is nothing unusual, including the submitted budget being higher regardless of cuts.

---

You're right to feel uneasy, and here's why -- all the stuff about efficiency is smoke and mirrors. The real purpose of DOGE is to break the civil service and replace it with a corrupt system of patronage. That's why Trump wants the "at will" power to terminate anyone who is less than loyal.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/

---

Why are you married to the status quo?

Anyone going against the norm is essentially a threat to democracy according to you.

The status quo is tyrannical. It's $37T in debt. It's bureaucrats overpaying contractors because they're promised high paying jobs for doing so. You think red tape is designed to eliminate corruption when it's actually designed to empower corruption.

You need to practice skepticism against the status quo, not solely those questioning and challenging it. You should never practice faith in our country which is ran by man who is by nature evil and corrupt.

---

I have a long record of criticizing the status quo. You just can't tolerate any criticism of Trump.

Look at history. How many fascist regimes started by battling a broken status quo? All of them did. Then they became even more tyrannical and corrupt than the systems they replaced.

You're the one who urgently needs a dose of skepticism.

---

Not everyone opposing a corrupt system is a tyrant-in-waiting.

Yes, some authoritarian regimes rose by attacking the establishment…but so did every meaningful revolution or reform. The American Revolution? Anti-status quo. Civil Rights Movement? Anti-status quo. Your logic would've labeled them threats to democracy too.

What's dangerous isn't challenging the system, it's blindly defending a failing one out of fear of what might come next. That's how tyranny survives, not how it's born.

Do you not agree that we have a massive spending problem and wasteful government? If you agree that we do, how would you solve the problem?

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Contract Update!

Over the last two days, agencies terminated 120 wasteful contracts with a ceiling value of $3.1B and savings of $908M, including a $288k DoD consulting contract for “culture services”, and $4.05M for “technical services” in Mozambique. pic.twitter.com/7G8FFAQzmr

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 21, 2025

---

You guys don't see the difference between different Platforms, programs, or goals between Administrations?

Most everything that is being deemed "wasteful" was for a program that a sitting Administration wanted to do. Is that really wasteful or different goals? Based on the Budget submitted, we are not "saving" anything as we are just funding different programs. This is not unusual. It is also not savings as the proposed Budget is 5T deficit.

---

If a program was not given proper supervision or has an unclear goal, it is likely wasteful. Ask any public school teacher how that works.

---

It is wasteful because Trump won and doesn't want it. There are PLENTY of programs that are well run being cut and others that are disasters allowed because he is for it. This is a political exercise. Look at his budget.

---

You do know those added programs under Biden were not overseen by him, or likely requested by him, correct?
I'm not even sure the Biden cabinet had a handle on what was going on in their name.

---

This is not a Biden thing. Some have been in place since Reagan. It is not a Party thing, even the same Political Party has different agendas.

I have NO issue with cleaning up, I have a problem with the way it is portrayed and the inference that there is something illegal or underhanded happening. All of these have been on the GAO list and all were legally put in place. The show and attitude that these people have done something wrong is what gets me pissed.

---

What is from the Reagan era that is being axed?

---

These contracts are the latest iteration of programs that started long ago. USAID has been in effect for 63 years. DOE was started under Carter. Reagan created the Bureau for Private Enterprise which had 65 Billion cancelled. This is not new, it goes on every year. GAO has a report, funny DOGE is following it.

What is new is the marketing around it. Brought in by Trump and Musk (the PT Barnum of our time). The DOGE marketing is working on the MAGA crowd, they do love a show...

---

USAID wasn't corrupted?

Great work by @DrOzCMS and @CMSGov to begin cracking down on overbilling by Medicare Advantage plans.

The government is 7 years behind on its required audits of these plans, but will now catch up on all audits by the end of this year. These audits should result in billions of… https://t.co/bZc0sIqzfz

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 22, 2025

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Besides the Census itself, the @USCensusBureau performs 102 additional surveys costing $2.2 billion, many of them obsolete with the results not being used to drive any action nor even looked at.

The Census Bureau and DOGE are reviewing them one-by-one. So far, 5 wasteful…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 20, 2025

---

My question updating systems, analysis, metrics, etc... All good things and should be done periodically. Why is it being framed as massive waste and even negligence, malicious and even criminal?

Those 5 analysis metrics may have outlived their usefulness, but it is not abnormal when dealing with analysis. I can't think of any system that doesn't have reports that don't get used even though the system measures it.

---

From what it appears we are seeing, these analyses haven't been done and publicized either for a long time or in some cases, forever. Once the fringe groups found out that they could get away with abusing them due to this neglect, they did. Once government officials found out that they could redirect the funds to specific companies to line their own pockets, they did.

Now it's only been a few months. And DOGE is simply a group that recommends. They are dealing with agencies still loaded with pro-liberal/Biden officials who appear to be delaying implementation as long as possible.

What we need, is an independent agency like DOGE that does these inspections on both a regular and irregular basis, so as to catch these events prior to the funds being disbursed, and also government officials that don't pass these items through that arent in the best interest of America. And hold their feet to the fire.

---

I have no problem with this. DOGE making recommendations, the Agency implementing and GAO monitoring results is the way the system should work. Good positive interactions and execution. Love it. I just hate the negative showmanship for Party politics. Party Politics should not impact the Agencies.

---

That horse and buggy left the station once parties were formed in the 1790's. It is why bureaucratic positions should all be "at will" positions with very few exceptions for information and organizational continuity only. The cabinet should be able to clean house of workers no longer needed due to policy/needed work changes, poor work, reorganization of agencies, dissolution of agencies founded by the executive branch, etc. The executive branch hires them, they need to be able to let them go as needed. There are legal means to fight any retaliation grievances..

---

Where did I say anything about that? I just don't get the normal stuff having to be negative victories. This stuff happens every year. GAO has a report every year. This is nothing unusual, including the submitted budget being higher regardless of cuts.

---

You're right to feel uneasy, and here's why -- all the stuff about efficiency is smoke and mirrors. The real purpose of DOGE is to break the civil service and replace it with a corrupt system of patronage. That's why Trump wants the "at will" power to terminate anyone who is less than loyal.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/

---

You say you are a conservative and keep using The Atlantic to make your argument?

---

Are conservatives only allowed to use arguments from their own tribe?

I thought that was what leftists did.

---

It's a far-left argument. Not middle of the road by any means.

---

What about the Christian Science Monitor? Also "far left?"

Quote:

---

They've watched democracies fail. They see it happening under Trump.
By Cameron Joseph
May 9, 2025

---

---

Only slightly left: https://www.allsides.com/news-source/christian-science-monitor

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Besides the Census itself, the @USCensusBureau performs 102 additional surveys costing $2.2 billion, many of them obsolete with the results not being used to drive any action nor even looked at.

The Census Bureau and DOGE are reviewing them one-by-one. So far, 5 wasteful…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 20, 2025

---

My question updating systems, analysis, metrics, etc... All good things and should be done periodically. Why is it being framed as massive waste and even negligence, malicious and even criminal?

Those 5 analysis metrics may have outlived their usefulness, but it is not abnormal when dealing with analysis. I can't think of any system that doesn't have reports that don't get used even though the system measures it.

---

From what it appears we are seeing, these analyses haven't been done and publicized either for a long time or in some cases, forever. Once the fringe groups found out that they could get away with abusing them due to this neglect, they did. Once government officials found out that they could redirect the funds to specific companies to line their own pockets, they did.

Now it's only been a few months. And DOGE is simply a group that recommends. They are dealing with agencies still loaded with pro-liberal/Biden officials who appear to be delaying implementation as long as possible.

What we need, is an independent agency like DOGE that does these inspections on both a regular and irregular basis, so as to catch these events prior to the funds being disbursed, and also government officials that don't pass these items through that arent in the best interest of America. And hold their feet to the fire.

---

I have no problem with this. DOGE making recommendations, the Agency implementing and GAO monitoring results is the way the system should work. Good positive interactions and execution. Love it. I just hate the negative showmanship for Party politics. Party Politics should not impact the Agencies.

---

That horse and buggy left the station once parties were formed in the 1790's. It is why bureaucratic positions should all be "at will" positions with very few exceptions for information and organizational continuity only. The cabinet should be able to clean house of workers no longer needed due to policy/needed work changes, poor work, reorganization of agencies, dissolution of agencies founded by the executive branch, etc. The executive branch hires them, they need to be able to let them go as needed. There are legal means to fight any retaliation grievances..

---

Where did I say anything about that? I just don't get the normal stuff having to be negative victories. This stuff happens every year. GAO has a report every year. This is nothing unusual, including the submitted budget being higher regardless of cuts.

---

You're right to feel uneasy, and here's why -- all the stuff about efficiency is smoke and mirrors. The real purpose of DOGE is to break the civil service and replace it with a corrupt system of patronage. That's why Trump wants the "at will" power to terminate anyone who is less than loyal.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/

---

You say you are a conservative and keep using The Atlantic to make your argument?

---

Are conservatives only allowed to use arguments from their own tribe?

I thought that was what leftists did.

---

It's a far-left argument. Not middle of the road by any means.

---

What about the Christian Science Monitor? Also "far left?"

Quote:

---

They've watched democracies fail. They see it happening under Trump.
By Cameron Joseph
May 9, 2025

---

---

Only slightly left: https://www.allsides.com/news-source/christian-science-monitor

---

Can't get much more middle of the road than that.

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Besides the Census itself, the @USCensusBureau performs 102 additional surveys costing $2.2 billion, many of them obsolete with the results not being used to drive any action nor even looked at.

The Census Bureau and DOGE are reviewing them one-by-one. So far, 5 wasteful…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 20, 2025

---

My question updating systems, analysis, metrics, etc... All good things and should be done periodically. Why is it being framed as massive waste and even negligence, malicious and even criminal?

Those 5 analysis metrics may have outlived their usefulness, but it is not abnormal when dealing with analysis. I can't think of any system that doesn't have reports that don't get used even though the system measures it.

---

From what it appears we are seeing, these analyses haven't been done and publicized either for a long time or in some cases, forever. Once the fringe groups found out that they could get away with abusing them due to this neglect, they did. Once government officials found out that they could redirect the funds to specific companies to line their own pockets, they did.

Now it's only been a few months. And DOGE is simply a group that recommends. They are dealing with agencies still loaded with pro-liberal/Biden officials who appear to be delaying implementation as long as possible.

What we need, is an independent agency like DOGE that does these inspections on both a regular and irregular basis, so as to catch these events prior to the funds being disbursed, and also government officials that don't pass these items through that arent in the best interest of America. And hold their feet to the fire.

---

I have no problem with this. DOGE making recommendations, the Agency implementing and GAO monitoring results is the way the system should work. Good positive interactions and execution. Love it. I just hate the negative showmanship for Party politics. Party Politics should not impact the Agencies.

---

That horse and buggy left the station once parties were formed in the 1790's. It is why bureaucratic positions should all be "at will" positions with very few exceptions for information and organizational continuity only. The cabinet should be able to clean house of workers no longer needed due to policy/needed work changes, poor work, reorganization of agencies, dissolution of agencies founded by the executive branch, etc. The executive branch hires them, they need to be able to let them go as needed. There are legal means to fight any retaliation grievances..

---

Where did I say anything about that? I just don't get the normal stuff having to be negative victories. This stuff happens every year. GAO has a report every year. This is nothing unusual, including the submitted budget being higher regardless of cuts.

---

You're right to feel uneasy, and here's why -- all the stuff about efficiency is smoke and mirrors. The real purpose of DOGE is to break the civil service and replace it with a corrupt system of patronage. That's why Trump wants the "at will" power to terminate anyone who is less than loyal.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/

---

You say you are a conservative and keep using The Atlantic to make your argument?

---

Are conservatives only allowed to use arguments from their own tribe?

I thought that was what leftists did.

---

It's a far-left argument. Not middle of the road by any means.

---

What about the Christian Science Monitor? Also "far left?"

Quote:

---

They've watched democracies fail. They see it happening under Trump.
By Cameron Joseph
May 9, 2025

---

---

Only slightly left: https://www.allsides.com/news-source/christian-science-monitor

---

Can't get much more middle of the road than that.

---

Be honest Sam, you thought it was right to far right, correct?

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Besides the Census itself, the @USCensusBureau performs 102 additional surveys costing $2.2 billion, many of them obsolete with the results not being used to drive any action nor even looked at.

The Census Bureau and DOGE are reviewing them one-by-one. So far, 5 wasteful…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 20, 2025

---

My question updating systems, analysis, metrics, etc... All good things and should be done periodically. Why is it being framed as massive waste and even negligence, malicious and even criminal?

Those 5 analysis metrics may have outlived their usefulness, but it is not abnormal when dealing with analysis. I can't think of any system that doesn't have reports that don't get used even though the system measures it.

---

From what it appears we are seeing, these analyses haven't been done and publicized either for a long time or in some cases, forever. Once the fringe groups found out that they could get away with abusing them due to this neglect, they did. Once government officials found out that they could redirect the funds to specific companies to line their own pockets, they did.

Now it's only been a few months. And DOGE is simply a group that recommends. They are dealing with agencies still loaded with pro-liberal/Biden officials who appear to be delaying implementation as long as possible.

What we need, is an independent agency like DOGE that does these inspections on both a regular and irregular basis, so as to catch these events prior to the funds being disbursed, and also government officials that don't pass these items through that arent in the best interest of America. And hold their feet to the fire.

---

I have no problem with this. DOGE making recommendations, the Agency implementing and GAO monitoring results is the way the system should work. Good positive interactions and execution. Love it. I just hate the negative showmanship for Party politics. Party Politics should not impact the Agencies.

---

That horse and buggy left the station once parties were formed in the 1790's. It is why bureaucratic positions should all be "at will" positions with very few exceptions for information and organizational continuity only. The cabinet should be able to clean house of workers no longer needed due to policy/needed work changes, poor work, reorganization of agencies, dissolution of agencies founded by the executive branch, etc. The executive branch hires them, they need to be able to let them go as needed. There are legal means to fight any retaliation grievances..

---

Where did I say anything about that? I just don't get the normal stuff having to be negative victories. This stuff happens every year. GAO has a report every year. This is nothing unusual, including the submitted budget being higher regardless of cuts.

---

You're right to feel uneasy, and here's why -- all the stuff about efficiency is smoke and mirrors. The real purpose of DOGE is to break the civil service and replace it with a corrupt system of patronage. That's why Trump wants the "at will" power to terminate anyone who is less than loyal.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/

---

You say you are a conservative and keep using The Atlantic to make your argument?

---

Are conservatives only allowed to use arguments from their own tribe?

I thought that was what leftists did.

---

It's a far-left argument. Not middle of the road by any means.

---

What about the Christian Science Monitor? Also "far left?"

Quote:

---

They've watched democracies fail. They see it happening under Trump.
By Cameron Joseph
May 9, 2025

---

---

Only slightly left: https://www.allsides.com/news-source/christian-science-monitor

---

Can't get much more middle of the road than that.

---

Be honest Sam, you thought it was right to far right, correct?

---

It's a well respected moderate paper. Have you not heard of it?

If you want a source from the right, how about The Rutherford Institute?

Quote:

---

Martial Law Disguised as Law and Order: The Oldest Trick in the Authoritarian Playbook

https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/martial_law_disguised_as_law_and_order_the_oldest_trick_in_the_authoritarian_playbook

---

Sam
I agree, and also utilize Allsides, based on their methodology:

" AllSides Media Bias Ratings reflect the average judgment of all Americans, not just a panel of insiders or biased AI.

AllSides balances the input of experts and ordinary people across the political spectrum so that our bias ratings reveal the average judgment of all Americans, not one elite group. We use multi-partisan Editorial Reviews by trained experts and Blind Bias Surveys in which participants rate content without knowing the source.

Our patented media bias ratings system drives what is arguably the world's most trustworthy media bias ratings. On the media bias rating page for any given source, you'll see the methods we used listed with a check mark next to them. Learn more about each of our methods below."

Sam Lowry said:

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Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

Besides the Census itself, the @USCensusBureau performs 102 additional surveys costing $2.2 billion, many of them obsolete with the results not being used to drive any action nor even looked at.

The Census Bureau and DOGE are reviewing them one-by-one. So far, 5 wasteful…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 20, 2025

---

My question updating systems, analysis, metrics, etc... All good things and should be done periodically. Why is it being framed as massive waste and even negligence, malicious and even criminal?

Those 5 analysis metrics may have outlived their usefulness, but it is not abnormal when dealing with analysis. I can't think of any system that doesn't have reports that don't get used even though the system measures it.

---

From what it appears we are seeing, these analyses haven't been done and publicized either for a long time or in some cases, forever. Once the fringe groups found out that they could get away with abusing them due to this neglect, they did. Once government officials found out that they could redirect the funds to specific companies to line their own pockets, they did.

Now it's only been a few months. And DOGE is simply a group that recommends. They are dealing with agencies still loaded with pro-liberal/Biden officials who appear to be delaying implementation as long as possible.

What we need, is an independent agency like DOGE that does these inspections on both a regular and irregular basis, so as to catch these events prior to the funds being disbursed, and also government officials that don't pass these items through that arent in the best interest of America. And hold their feet to the fire.

---

I have no problem with this. DOGE making recommendations, the Agency implementing and GAO monitoring results is the way the system should work. Good positive interactions and execution. Love it. I just hate the negative showmanship for Party politics. Party Politics should not impact the Agencies.

---

That horse and buggy left the station once parties were formed in the 1790's. It is why bureaucratic positions should all be "at will" positions with very few exceptions for information and organizational continuity only. The cabinet should be able to clean house of workers no longer needed due to policy/needed work changes, poor work, reorganization of agencies, dissolution of agencies founded by the executive branch, etc. The executive branch hires them, they need to be able to let them go as needed. There are legal means to fight any retaliation grievances..

---

Where did I say anything about that? I just don't get the normal stuff having to be negative victories. This stuff happens every year. GAO has a report every year. This is nothing unusual, including the submitted budget being higher regardless of cuts.

---

You're right to feel uneasy, and here's why -- all the stuff about efficiency is smoke and mirrors. The real purpose of DOGE is to break the civil service and replace it with a corrupt system of patronage. That's why Trump wants the "at will" power to terminate anyone who is less than loyal.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/

---

You say you are a conservative and keep using The Atlantic to make your argument?

---

Are conservatives only allowed to use arguments from their own tribe?

I thought that was what leftists did.

---

It's a far-left argument. Not middle of the road by any means.

---

What about the Christian Science Monitor? Also "far left?"

Quote:

---

They've watched democracies fail. They see it happening under Trump.
By Cameron Joseph
May 9, 2025

---

---

Only slightly left: https://www.allsides.com/news-source/christian-science-monitor

---

Can't get much more middle of the road than that.

---

Journalist's credentials
Follow Cameron Joseph on

• @cameronjoseph.bsky.social
• @cam_joseph

Cameron Joseph is a senior Washington reporter for The Christian Science Monitor.
Prior to that, he was a freelance reporter with work in publications including The Guardian, The Columbia Journalism Review, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Politico Magazine.

Sam Lowry said:

---

If you want a source from the right, how about The Rutherford Institute?

Quote:

---

Martial Law Disguised as Law and Order: The Oldest Trick in the Authoritarian Playbook

https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/martial_law_disguised_as_law_and_order_the_oldest_trick_in_the_authoritarian_playbook

---

---

Rutherford Institute is run by attorney John Whitehead and is not rated on bias as far as I can tell.

This article likely makes a lot of people upset on the left and right. He's really not a fan of law enforcement of any kind. I guess that would put him squarely in the middle.

He is dead on that Congress has abdicated much of their authority to the executive. His hope that judges taking authority that Congress has (oversight of executive spending and enforcement) is anything but a ringing endorsement of anti-authoritarianism. The only branch with any real authority over the others is the legislative branch (power of the purse) for a reason. It is closest to the people. As long as the reps we elect are more fearful of their party than for their constituents, we will have the grave danger of continuing the march to an all powerful executive. It will be the only branch that gets anything substantial done until Congress gets it together and does its job.

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

If you want a source from the right, how about The Rutherford Institute?

Quote:

---

Martial Law Disguised as Law and Order: The Oldest Trick in the Authoritarian Playbook

https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/martial_law_disguised_as_law_and_order_the_oldest_trick_in_the_authoritarian_playbook

---

---

Rutherford Institute is run by attorney John Whitehead and is not rated on bias as far as I can tell.

This article likely makes a lot of people upset on the left and right. He's really not a fan of law enforcement of any kind. I guess that would put him squarely in the middle.

He is dead on that Congress has abdicated much of their authority to the executive. His hope that judges taking authority that Congress has (oversight of executive spending and enforcement) is anything but a ringing endorsement of anti-authoritarianism. The only branch with any real authority over the others is the legislative branch (power of the purse) for a reason. It is closest to the people. As long as the reps we elect are more fearful of their party than for their constituents, we will have the grave danger of continuing the march to an all powerful executive. It will be the only branch that gets anything substantial done until Congress gets it together and does its job.

---

The Rutherford Institute is undeniably on the right. It became well known for its work on the Paula Jones lawsuit. It is primarily interested in religious liberty and has defended such things as school prayer and anti-sodomy laws.

There's not one syllable in Whitehead's post about hoping that judges take authority away from Congress. He argues for congressional debate and judicial review. These are the two (not just one) constitutional checks and balances against executive power.

After 11 weeks, @SocialSecurity has finished this major cleanup initiative: ~12.3M individuals aged 120+ have now been marked as deceased.

Some complex cases remain, such as individuals with 2+ different birth dates on file. These will be investigated in a follow-up effort. https://t.co/u942yTxlsG pic.twitter.com/DaXyqx5e4k

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 23, 2025

Assassin said:

---

After 11 weeks, @SocialSecurity has finished this major cleanup initiative: ~12.3M individuals aged 120+ have now been marked as deceased.

Some complex cases remain, such as individuals with 2+ different birth dates on file. These will be investigated in a follow-up effort. https://t.co/u942yTxlsG pic.twitter.com/DaXyqx5e4k

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 23, 2025

---

Good job. No issues with this at all. This should be done.

Sam Lowry said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Sam Lowry said:

---

If you want a source from the right, how about The Rutherford Institute?

Quote:

---

Martial Law Disguised as Law and Order: The Oldest Trick in the Authoritarian Playbook

https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/martial_law_disguised_as_law_and_order_the_oldest_trick_in_the_authoritarian_playbook

---

---

Rutherford Institute is run by attorney John Whitehead and is not rated on bias as far as I can tell.

This article likely makes a lot of people upset on the left and right. He's really not a fan of law enforcement of any kind. I guess that would put him squarely in the middle.

He is dead on that Congress has abdicated much of their authority to the executive. His hope that judges taking authority that Congress has (oversight of executive spending and enforcement) is anything but a ringing endorsement of anti-authoritarianism. The only branch with any real authority over the others is the legislative branch (power of the purse) for a reason. It is closest to the people. As long as the reps we elect are more fearful of their party than for their constituents, we will have the grave danger of continuing the march to an all powerful executive. It will be the only branch that gets anything substantial done until Congress gets it together and does its job.

---

The Rutherford Institute is undeniably on the right. It became well known for its work on the Paula Jones lawsuit. It is primarily interested in religious liberty and has defended such things as school prayer and anti-sodomy laws.

There's not one syllable in Whitehead's post about hoping that judges take authority away from Congress. He argues for congressional debate and judicial review. These are the two (not just one) constitutional checks and balances against executive power.

---

The courts have authority to determine - with a case - if the executive is interpreting/using laws correctly or not, or if a statute is in conflict with the Constitution. But enforcement of their decisions is dependent on Congress and the executive branch - particularly with Congress' power to defund and/or rewrite statutes.

Also, after perusing the site of the institute, their work is very much on both sides of the spectrum. Nothing wrong with being in the middle when the group is there due to their leader's guiding principles on keeping enforcement in a tight box. His descriptions of his cases are, of course, quite biased to his views. He leaves out information in the cases that might counter his defense. His motives are noble, but both liberal and conservative would take issue with many of his cases.

🚨JUST IN: The DOGE has officially submitted 163 Members of Congress for “immediate IRS audit” — and 156 are reportedly Democrats.

Is it finally time to follow the money?
YES – Audit them ALL
NO – This is political targeting pic.twitter.com/t7GauTL4cR

— Elon Musk News (@ELonMuskNewssX) May 24, 2025

Assassin said:

---

🚨JUST IN: The DOGE has officially submitted 163 Members of Congress for “immediate IRS audit” — and 156 are reportedly Democrats.

Is it finally time to follow the money?
YES – Audit them ALL
NO – This is political targeting pic.twitter.com/t7GauTL4cR

— Elon Musk News (@ELonMuskNewssX) May 24, 2025

---

Audit them all

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Assassin said:

---

🚨JUST IN: The DOGE has officially submitted 163 Members of Congress for “immediate IRS audit” — and 156 are reportedly Democrats.

Is it finally time to follow the money?
YES – Audit them ALL
NO – This is political targeting pic.twitter.com/t7GauTL4cR

— Elon Musk News (@ELonMuskNewssX) May 24, 2025

---

Audit them all

---

I have a feeling a few Congressman are about to be slapped on the wrist and sent to bed early with no dessert! I would bet they are probably laughing their asses off as we speak. Swamp gonna swamp. It is not a Democrat or Republican thing.

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Assassin said:

---

🚨JUST IN: The DOGE has officially submitted 163 Members of Congress for “immediate IRS audit” — and 156 are reportedly Democrats.

Is it finally time to follow the money?
YES – Audit them ALL
NO – This is political targeting pic.twitter.com/t7GauTL4cR

— Elon Musk News (@ELonMuskNewssX) May 24, 2025

---

Audit them all

---

I have a feeling a few Congressman are about to be slapped on the wrist and sent to bed early with no dessert! I would bet they are probably laughing their asses off as we speak. Swamp gonna swamp. It is not a Democrat or Republican thing.

---

Maybe an annual IRS audit of the whole of Congress might be a good thing. And for 10 years after they leave office. Make it law.

Audit all agency heads and supervisors while we're at it.

Not to mention all Cabinet members and the president. Should be a regular thing with the job.

Assassin said:

---

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Assassin said:

---

🚨JUST IN: The DOGE has officially submitted 163 Members of Congress for “immediate IRS audit” — and 156 are reportedly Democrats.

Is it finally time to follow the money?
YES – Audit them ALL
NO – This is political targeting pic.twitter.com/t7GauTL4cR

— Elon Musk News (@ELonMuskNewssX) May 24, 2025

---

Audit them all

---

I have a feeling a few Congressman are about to be slapped on the wrist and sent to bed early with no dessert! I would bet they are probably laughing their asses off as we speak. Swamp gonna swamp. It is not a Democrat or Republican thing.

---

Maybe an annual IRS audit of the whole of Congress might be a good thing. And for 10 years after they leave office. Make it law.

---

Would be better to do all. This looks like political retribution.

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Assassin said:

---

🚨JUST IN: The DOGE has officially submitted 163 Members of Congress for “immediate IRS audit” — and 156 are reportedly Democrats.

Is it finally time to follow the money?
YES – Audit them ALL
NO – This is political targeting pic.twitter.com/t7GauTL4cR

— Elon Musk News (@ELonMuskNewssX) May 24, 2025

---

Audit them all

---

I have a feeling a few Congressman are about to be slapped on the wrist and sent to bed early with no dessert! I would bet they are probably laughing their asses off as we speak. Swamp gonna swamp. It is not a Democrat or Republican thing.

---

Maybe an annual IRS audit of the whole of Congress might be a good thing. And for 10 years after they leave office. Make it law.

---

Would be better to do all. This looks like political retribution.

---

I agree. All Democrats would be better. Retribution for using the DOJ as a hit machine

Assassin said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Assassin said:

---

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Assassin said:

---

🚨JUST IN: The DOGE has officially submitted 163 Members of Congress for “immediate IRS audit” — and 156 are reportedly Democrats.

Is it finally time to follow the money?
YES – Audit them ALL
NO – This is political targeting pic.twitter.com/t7GauTL4cR

— Elon Musk News (@ELonMuskNewssX) May 24, 2025

---

Audit them all

---

I have a feeling a few Congressman are about to be slapped on the wrist and sent to bed early with no dessert! I would bet they are probably laughing their asses off as we speak. Swamp gonna swamp. It is not a Democrat or Republican thing.

---

Maybe an annual IRS audit of the whole of Congress might be a good thing. And for 10 years after they leave office. Make it law.

---

Would be better to do all. This looks like political retribution.

---

I agree. All Democrats would be better. Retribution for using the DOJ as a hit machine

---

All Congress. GOP and Dem. That is the cleanest.

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Assassin said:

---

🚨JUST IN: The DOGE has officially submitted 163 Members of Congress for “immediate IRS audit” — and 156 are reportedly Democrats.

Is it finally time to follow the money?
YES – Audit them ALL
NO – This is political targeting pic.twitter.com/t7GauTL4cR

— Elon Musk News (@ELonMuskNewssX) May 24, 2025

---

Audit them all

---

Audit Republicans and Democrats….every single one.


Never going to happen

The effort undertaken by @DOGE and @elonmusk is one of the most important of my lifetime and I am committed to not letting the bureaucracy slow it down.

We need to get the costs under control; we need to get government efficiency under control; and we need to make the government… pic.twitter.com/z2bWCMg9bu

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) May 23, 2025

Assassin said:

---

The effort undertaken by @DOGE and @elonmusk is one of the most important of my lifetime and I am committed to not letting the bureaucracy slow it down.

We need to get the costs under control; we need to get government efficiency under control; and we need to make the government… pic.twitter.com/z2bWCMg9bu

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) May 23, 2025

---

The Treasury Secretary will accomplish more than Musk ever dreamed.

And with less opposition.

KaiBear said:

---

Assassin said:

---

The effort undertaken by @DOGE and @elonmusk is one of the most important of my lifetime and I am committed to not letting the bureaucracy slow it down.

We need to get the costs under control; we need to get government efficiency under control; and we need to make the government… pic.twitter.com/z2bWCMg9bu

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) May 23, 2025

---

The Treasury Secretary will accomplish more than Musk ever dreamed.

And with less opposition.

---

I'd like to think that Musk opened the door for him

Assassin said:

---

KaiBear said:

---

Assassin said:

---

The effort undertaken by @DOGE and @elonmusk is one of the most important of my lifetime and I am committed to not letting the bureaucracy slow it down.

We need to get the costs under control; we need to get government efficiency under control; and we need to make the government… pic.twitter.com/z2bWCMg9bu

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) May 23, 2025

---

The Treasury Secretary will accomplish more than Musk ever dreamed.

And with less opposition.

---

I'd like to think that Musk opened the door for him

---

Agreed

🚨 DOGE: "We found the payments to the Taliban, so just a few hours after we got into their headquarters, we found that their chief accountant had actually deleted over a terabyte of accounting records from several leaders, which was later recovered." pic.twitter.com/oH9aFiObd7

— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) May 27, 2025

🚨 BREAKING: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis just went OFF about no DOGE cuts being voted on by Congress.

"DOGE fought the swamp, and so far, the swamp has won."

"DON'T tell me it can't be done."

"@ElonMusk went into this DOGE effort - he was getting LAMPOONED...firebombing his… pic.twitter.com/jYSwJS8doC

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 27, 2025

First DOGE bill coming next week. Not bad for his first four months.

We got good news from Office of Management and Budget (OMB) head Russ Vought on Wednesday when he announced on Fox Business that the first bill codifying DOGE cuts would be coming next week.

https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2025/05/28/whoa-hegseth-makes-big-announcement-about-doge-findings-at-pentagon-and-theyre-massive-n2189742

Credit Card Update!

After 13 weeks, the program to audit unused/unneeded credit cards across 32 agencies has resulted in ~523k de-activated cards.

As a reminder, at the start of the audit, there were ~4.6M active cards/accounts - we are now expanding the program to more… pic.twitter.com/pawuksvRgP

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) May 30, 2025