By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
We see what is going on around us. It is in plain view for everyone to see and to feel. The train of discomfort and deception has left the station.
Many Americans are on that train and thinking that it was a gravy train but now are realizing that it is a gruesome train. Those on that train bound for nowhere only have themselves to blame. It’s too bad and so sad.
The new administration in Washington DC has come in and turned back the clock of progress. Each day since the inauguration pink slips have been the call of the day. A typical scenario is that you walk into your office, and you are told it is your last day at work.
Now that is disheartening to be told you are fired for no good reason. Some are told in person, and some are told by email. Of course, the line being used today is that the organization is undergoing cost-cutting measures.
Cities and states are now being adversely affected by this new regime. If Republican mayors and governors are saying they are not, then they are selling you a bill of goods. In other words, you are being hoodwinked.
Some watchdogs who monitor hirings and firings are wondering out loud what is making corporate and government leaders cave in to this new president? So far, there isn’t a clear answer. Fear and intimidation are words being used by some who are on the front lines.
A person who didn’t want to be identified said, “I have three children, and I had to sit them down and tell them that I had been fired illegally from my job. Both my son and my daughter are asking me, what are we going to do? Will we be able to buy things?
Another worker said, “They didn’t notify us. We found out through no proper channels. They added, “Ten percent to twelve percent of the workforce was cut at the National Science Foundation which is the heart and soul of science, engineering and R&D in the United States.”
If you work in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion, your positions are at risk or are being eliminated. These positions and programs have come to a sudden halt.
For example, the University of North Carolina Diversity and Inclusion Office has been abolished. The D&I policy was removed by the UNC System Board of Governors. UNC Student Body President, Jaleah Taylor said, “It’s not like everything is under one department now, and so either programs have been cut, or they’ve been moved around.”
The sitting president is moving swiftly to getting rid of the US Department of Education. Years ago, I was employed during the summers with the US Office of Education.
This mangled cutting of programs is being done by the new president and the shadow president Elon Musk. Mr. Musk has come to the White House and created a climate of alienation and ostracization. Many are saying these actions are at the behest of the president.
Now America, we see the turmoil these incoming people are causing. We have a secretary of Health and Human Services who didn’t believe that Covid-19 was real and that the vaccines weren’t safe. The Kennedy family is in a state of shock as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an embarrassment.
These perilous times didn’t have to happen had we voted for Kamala Harris for president of this country. Our democracy and the rule of law would have been safe.
As we enter the month of March, we can expect more of the same. However, despite this erosion of respect and trust, better days are ahead.
You see, what is happening today is God’s permissive will. He sees it and sees our suffering. Stay strong and let’s keep our heads up.
Reverend Elmon Prier, a minister of the Gospel in Ohio believes this torment is seasonal and will pass. He says, “Our spiritual walk is never easy, but it will persevere and prevail.” His message of resilience must resonate with each of us.
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. is a long-time educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
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