Explainer

Editor's note: This essay was originally posted on Jonathan's blog, and is reposted here with the author's permission.

I want to tell you about the thing I’m most proud of helping build during my public service, the thing that made the most difference in the lives of veterans, their families, and their caregivers, and how DOGE killed it.

Editor's note: This story is posted with permission from the anonymous federal employee who shared it with us. Some edits were made for length and clarity.

I work in one of the payment centers at the Social Security Administration. My job entails wearing many hats. I keep records, fix issues with the system, send letters, call beneficiaries, process claims, and a plethora of other things. 

I'm a plain language expert in the federal government.

I'm a writer. Or, more specifically: I translate complicated government language into plain English. So if (and when) you need to access your hard-earned benefits, file your taxes, or get help after a disaster, you can do it quickly and move on with your life.

[This essay was originally posted on LinkedIn and is shared here with permission from the author.]

Dear congressional staffers,

I am sure you've been watching the attacks on federal employees in the Executive Branch, including the erosion of our protections and the outright illegal adverse actions taken against us over the last... oh my, has it really only been a month? So far, you have been spared, but make no mistake: They are coming for you next.

Editor's note: This story is posted with permission from the anonymous federal employee who shared it with us. Some edits were made for length and clarity.

I'm an Auditor and a Veteran. I work for an Office of Inspector General, or OIG.

Many Americans don't know that we exist, what we do for the American people, or why we are absolutely necessary if you want a government you can trust. Every Federal agency has an OIG with a mandate to perform independent government oversight.* Whether it's DHS, DOD, EPA, USDA, or SSA, there is an OIG. 

In the tech world, companies often follow the motto "Move fast and break things." This approach encourages quick changes, rapid development, and testing ideas by putting them into the real world—even if that means things sometimes fail. While this can work in the private sector, it is not how government should operate.

In today’s digital world, we enter our personal information online all the time—when applying for jobs, getting healthcare, or even filing taxes. Government agencies and private companies collect and store this sensitive data, making them prime targets for theft. But what happens when that information is stolen?

Imagine two approaches to improving a complex machine. One involves carefully studying the blueprints, understanding how each part interacts, and making precise adjustments to optimize performance. The other involves tearing out components that look broken or superfluous at first glance, then checking to see if the machine still runs without them. In theory, either of these approaches might leave you with a more streamlined machine. The first approach will take longer, but it's a good way to avoid catastrophic failure.