I had a guy write in, “hey I know PR, you guys have to put faces on this, people like my family member who had this terrible experience” which he then described. A bit like Helen’s post above, with gentler tone, plus a story. I replied to ask for permission to share the story annnnnd guess what - ThreadSky

fritschner.bsky.social • 6 days ago

I had a guy write in, “hey I know PR, you guys have to put faces on this, people like my family member who had this terrible experience” which he then described. A bit like Helen’s post above, with gentler tone, plus a story.

I replied to ask for permission to share the story annnnnd guess what

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fritschner.bsky.social•6 days ago

Some people read my explanations as excuses, so be it. Ive been asking for these from Day 1, and heard some really awful things that I am not at liberty to share.

If you live in VA-8 and have a compelling story or know someone who does, you can share it with us here: https://beyer.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=83

jencoleslaw.bsky.social•6 days ago

People are afraid to share publicly, to be the face of this because if they do, they know literal terrorism by the right will follow.

fritschner.bsky.social•6 days ago

For those who have those tough stories but aren’t ready to tell them in person, I totally understand and this isn’t a judgment. What is happening really sucks, for them most of all. But if you are open to it, we really do need and want to show how individual people are being affected. It’s important

fritschner.bsky.social•6 days ago

FWIW I think there’s a reason we see these stories anonymously on Reddit or in the Post, why one of the most upsetting USAID stories I’ve read was in a legal filing by “Marcus Doe.” Look at what happened to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss- there can be a real cost to becoming a public figure this way

fritschner.bsky.social•6 days ago

It’s not just fed stories either, the number of orgs and contractors hit by the freeze, by grant cancelations, by blowing up USAID- LOTS of impacts, personal and economic. The stories of people harmed by NIH medical research cuts have been especially heartbreaking. I wish so badly I could tell you

fritschner.bsky.social•6 days ago

But a contractor who makes a public fuss (or sues) may jeopardize future contracts, if you depend on USgov for contract $ that’s a threat to your business or org’s viability. A suspended or fired employee can risk future job prospects, not to mention public harassment and threats. This stuff is hard

lizzius.bsky.social•6 days ago

Yes, Booze Allen wasted no time firing the contractor who wrote the report that called DOGE's actions at the Treasury a massive insider threat.

baazilla.bsky.social•6 days ago

I've been hearing this as well. There is a greater fear of retaliation than a benefit from truth telling.

Maybe investigative teams 🔎 how much federal funding goes into your community.

Create something like a dept clock with the info.

Show people what will be lost when Musk takes the $$.

fritschner.bsky.social•6 days ago

I meant to end with this one so just want to say again- if you or someone you know has a story that they are comfortable sharing, you can tell us here. We will respect your confidentiality and keep it private unless you give us express permission to share
https://beyer.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=83

kevinwerner.bsky.social•6 days ago

Aaron, I realize you are on the House side, but I’m curious if you have any understanding of why not a single Democratic senator is objecting to unanimous consent. It seems like that would at least slow down the collapse of democracy. Thanks for all you do, and for engaging on here in good faith.

fritschner.bsky.social•6 days ago

I do not understand the Senate that well compared to the House, and my last attempt to explain Senate brain did not go over well here. I think on procedure stuff the answer often is a combo of “it won’t stop them” and “they’ll do it back to us,” but idk. I hate the stupid Senate

v-ron.bsky.social•6 days ago

And there is a reality that people voted for this. Maybe not this specific action but the people implenting it. 2016, there was a sense people voted blindly for something different. Now there is a sense that people voted for hatred, knowingly & intentionally. 😔

drbowen.bsky.social•6 days ago

I'm not in VA-5, but I appreciate what you are doing to educate us on what is going on behind the scenes.

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