To the Editor:
Re “Chaos as Ripple Effects From V.A. Cuts Spread” (information article, March 11):
Nothing may have been extra predictable: Elon Musk and his associates rampage via the Division of Veterans Affairs. The Division of Authorities Effectivity amateurs fail to differentiate important companies from waste, fraud and abuse. And the result’s chaos, harming actual folks.
It is a case research in poor coverage judgment. The V.A. is much from excellent, however a lot of its packages serve Individuals with critical wants, demonstrating that authorities generally works. The states can’t present veterans with all of the companies they want, in order that should be completed by a big, costly federal company, one definitely past the comprehension of the founders.
The inhabitants of america in 1789 was practically 4 million. The V.A. now offers medical look after greater than 9 million veterans.
Authorities may be greatest when it governs least, however compassion and customary sense should prevail.
President Trump doesn’t perceive that disruption is a way, by no means an finish. If ruthless cost-cutting imposed with a series noticed on the manager departments will produce a greater authorities, Mr. Trump would possibly need to be honored as an ideal president, an accolade for which he ceaselessly thirsts. However historical past will probably be unkind to him if he merely produces a society that’s extra fragmented and unequal.
Steven S. Berizzi
Norwalk, Conn.
The author is an emeritus professor of historical past and political science at Connecticut State Group School, Norwalk.
To the Editor:
Re “Veterans Affairs Department Plans to Eliminate More Than 80,000 Workers” (information article, nytimes.com, March 5):
Our household is stuffed with army service members, relationship again to the Revolutionary Battle (we have now the paperwork!). Each my mom and sister have been nurses in Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics. Nothing appalls me fairly as a lot as macho, jingoistic males in authorities doing every part they will, within the absence of army service or regardless of it, to cut back or cancel companies to veterans.
There have been reports about contract terminations on the V.A. that finish compounding pharmacies for chemotherapy, inspections of radiological devices that diagnose and observe illness, and follow-up most cancers remedy.
These straight have an effect on folks like my brother-in-law, who has Agent Orange-related most cancers from his excursions in Vietnam. It’s unattainable to have faith that veterans’ companies will thrive, a lot much less survive, within the face of the drastic cuts to personnel.
How can “thanks in your service” be something however a glib, computerized response when that is the fact for our veterans?
Kim Maphis
Early Nashville
To the Editor:
I’m an 82-year-old blind Vietnam veteran who is aware of that funds cuts are slowing down or eliminating the advantages I have to survive.
Are there no leaders prepared to cease the White Home and Elon Musk’s staff from dismantling our democracy?
Bruce W. Rider
Floresville, Texas
Cuts at U.S. Embassies and Consulates
To the Editor:
Re “State Dept. Looking to Close Missions and Thin Its Ranks” (information article, March 7):
Enormous cuts to U.S. embassies and consulates can have disastrous penalties for our nation.
As a profession diplomat, now retired, I noticed how our abroad missions responded to Americans in misery. When one among them misplaced a passport, was robbed or turned unwell, a consular officer was instantly obtainable to assist.
And such emergencies don’t happen simply in capital cities, but additionally in locations in style with American vacationers like Florence and Strasbourg, the place consulates could quickly be shuttered. If this occurs, help will probably be hours away.
Diplomats present advocacy for American companies in cities like Hamburg, the place there’s one other threatened consulate. In small U.S. embassies in Africa, the place I served as an envoy, International Service officers work with native legislation enforcement to counter terrorism and worldwide crime, and to safeguard important maritime transport lanes.
Closing diplomatic missions and lowering the employees will undermine our nationwide safety and endanger Americans. It’s time to talk out in opposition to these unwise plans earlier than they change into dangerous realities.
Mark L. Asquino
Santa Fe, N.M.
The author had a 37-year profession within the International Service. His last task was because the U.S. ambassador to Equatorial Guinea (2012-15).
