The ancients had a word for it, and it was regularly practiced in the Middle Ages. It is called siege. An OMB memo has ordered a “full review” of government funding to programs in 14 states. Unsurprisingly, they are all states that voted Democratic in the last election. At this point, there’s no immediate elimination of programs planned, only the claim to root our waste, fraud, and abuse, the threat to starve them out.
But earlier this month, HHS announced a freeze on $10 billion in social assistance to such programs for five Democratic led states, which includes child care, homeless shelters, and job training. For now, a federal judge has halted this attack on states opposing the president’s policies.
Of course, money is being poured into Big Oil and ICE, not to mention programs that are enriching the president and his family. The siege now underway in Minnesota and planned for other states will end up costing lives. It seems that one must kiss the ring or suffer the consequences.
Prayer for the Day
Beleaguered and besieged, we call on you, O God,
For we fear for children and the poor;
Knowing that many of us will survive financial onslaughts,
But we are not so sure about others in our communities.
Help us, O Lord, to be not just an arm of strength,
But to be the source of sustenance to the needy.
In the name of the One who calls on us to sustain others,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Defendants have no statutory or constitutional authority to do this. Nor do they have any justification for this action beyond a desire to punish Plaintiff States for their political leadership. The action is thus clearly unlawful many times over.
State of Colorado, et al v. HHS, et al, Docket No. 1:25-cv-00121
What I fear most is power with impunity. I fear the abuse of power and the power to abuse.
Isabel Allende, novelist and writer
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! Says the Lord
Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel,
Concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people.
It is you who have scattered my flock, and driven them away,
And have not attended to them,
So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord.
Then I myself will gather the remnants of my flock
Out of the lands where I have driven them,
And I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them,
And they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed,
Nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.
Jeremiah 23: 1-4