The Truth Behind Government Cuts: Who's Really Paying the Price?

The Truth Behind Government Cuts: Who's Really Paying the Price?

So, a recent New York Times article exposed some eye-opening truths about government spending, and let me tell you, it's not pretty. If you’re not paying for a subscription to read it (and most of us aren’t), here’s what’s going down.

The government is cutting small business contracts—particularly those owned by women and minorities—while giving a free pass to the biggest defense contractors. Shockingly, 7 out of 10 of the largest defense contracts got nothing cut. Meanwhile, those small businesses with limited legal power to fight back are getting hit hardest.

Let’s break it down:

29% of government contracts for small businesses have been slashed.

20% of minority-owned businesses were hit.

11% of contracts for women-owned businesses got cut—more than double the proportion for male-owned ones.

These aren’t big-time players. Small contracts worth a few hundred thousand to a million dollars are often what these businesses work with—nothing huge, but a lifeline for people trying to build something. Yet, while minorities and women are being targeted, the top contractors—like General Dynamics, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Lytos—are essentially untouched.

And it’s not just business as usual. Nonprofits are getting hit too, with 11% of their contracts being cut. These organizations often serve marginalized communities or critical social services. So, in case you're keeping track, that’s women, minorities, nonprofits—all cut down to the bone, while the defense and military contracts remain largely untouched.

Now, the story gets even worse: The government’s biggest spending areas—like defense and law enforcement—are practically untouched. 60% of all government contracts go to defense. And, despite the rhetoric about cutting waste, these areas see minimal scrutiny.

What’s the real agenda here? Well, according to the New York Times, the cuts aren’t really about waste, fraud, and abuse. They’re about creating a systematic advantage for the wealthy, mostly white male-owned contractors, at the expense of women, minorities, and small businesses. This isn't about reducing the deficit—it’s about consolidating power and wealth.

And let’s talk about foreign aid. USAID, which helps feed starving people around the world and supports American farmers, is taking a huge hit—56% of its contracts have been slashed. So, not only are we hurting small businesses here at home, but we're also turning our back on global aid that helps keep the world's most vulnerable fed and supported.

To sum it up: This isn’t about fixing the budget or addressing fraud. It’s about stacking the deck for the elite while marginalizing the rest of us. If this doesn’t change soon, we’re headed for a future where only big corporations and the wealthy few benefit. This is about as backwards as it gets. So, why are people still supporting this agenda? It’s time for a serious shift before this madness becomes the new normal.