We’ve been spoiled. We have relied on so many agencies to help protect us and rescue us from disasters. Now, those supports are gone.

No more answers to our phone calls, no more safety inspections of food, airplanes, bridges, etc., etc. No more Meals on Wheels or food banks or free lunch programs in our schools. No more emergency help after a flood, fire, tornado or hurricane. No more help trying to prevent an epidemic. The message from Washington is, “You are on your own!” That is the game plan of Project 2025.

But, you will still pay the same or more in taxes. The dollars that used to pay to protect us will still be spent; just not on you. Tax cuts to the wealthy, huge increases in the Pentagon’s budget, and money to pay for gold ornaments covering the Oval Office and military parades to celebrate President Donald Trump’s birthday! Welcome to the new future. Remember all this when you go to the polls in November 2026.

Don’t worry, you still have free speech. … Oh, wait … If you protest too loudly, there is a jail cell waiting for you in El Salvador (or wherever).

Folks, you got the kind of government you voted for. We did this to ourselves.

Dale Hilding

Pendleton