Oppose Us All Dying

I am writing to express my grave concerns regarding proposed policies that could have devastating and even deadly consequences for people. The giant Republican tax-cuts-for-rich-people bill being considered could slash more than $7 billion from Medicaid over the next 10 years and leave nearly 8 million Americans uninsured. These cuts are part of brutal cuts to virtually everything in the U.S. government that helps people who aren’t rich. The bill includes sweeping policies that would harm the health of children and families. Cuts to lifeline programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will devastate the children and families who rely on them for access to health care and the food they need. Furthermore, the Trump administration is gutting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), terminating more than 80 percent of its grants. This action is linked to significant loss of life, with some estimates suggesting approximately 300,000 deaths already resulting from these cuts, primarily among children, and potentially many more expected. These cuts are apparently part of a “suffering-first” agenda. During a town hall, when confronted with the concern that "People are going to die!" as a result of these policies, Senator Joni Ernst reportedly responded by stating, "Well, we all are going to die". Is this the slogan for the Republican Party in the face of these cruel and draconian cuts? I find this situation deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Policies that could lead to millions being uninsured, devastating harm to vulnerable populations, and even hundreds of thousands of deaths are fundamentally opposed to the role of government in protecting its citizens. Responding to these life-and-death consequences with a dismissive statement like "We all are going to die" is not only flippant but suggests a shocking lack of concern for human life. I do not want to die, nor do I want others to suffer or die, as a consequence of legislative or administrative actions. Elected officials should be prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of their constituents and others affected by U.S. policy, not enacting measures that lead to such dire outcomes. I urge you to oppose any measures that would implement devastating cuts to essential programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and USAID. Please prioritize policies that protect and enhance life, rather than those that contribute to suffering and mortality.