The American People built and supported many great institutions that have been the envy of the world. These institutions are the infrastructure of government that support our society and quite literally provide the foundation, security, and opportunity for us to conduct our lives and pursue our passions. These are among the reasons why so many of our ancestors sought these shores and contributed to the work of building a nation.

As I look at the present landscape of chaos intentionally inflicted on our fellow citizens, our neighbors, in pursuit of so-called efficiency, I am more than dismayed. It is shameful. These actions dishonor the hard work and sacrifice of all those who came before us to build a legacy based on competence and compassion. And they dishonor the service of all those who now act through those institutions to serve us.

There is room for improvement and a need to adapt to changing conditions for any institution over time. Skilled managers understand that the road to greater efficiency and efficacy is not through indiscriminate destruction, but through thoughtful adjustment. We will soon be sifting through the ashes of our institutions which our forebearers built to serve our society. These ashes will impart no knowledge or wisdom, serve none of society’s needs, and offer no protections. They will instead bear witness to human folly.

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Kevin Deeny