The average federal worker did not cause debt problems. The politicians did that

Cash flow issues

Mass Federal Layoffs First | February 27th

There is limited experience with major federal agencies layoffs. However, I have experienced layoffs at several state agencies. What I witnessed was that to complete the duties, the agency was forced to hire an external contractor or consultant for two to three times the cost of the original employee.

If a typical private company cuts its labor force indiscriminately, the company cannot survive in a capitalist environment, as government efficiency clearly does. I’m sure the federal government could function more efficiently, but that usually comes with new software, more training, and cost of employee goals/supervisory rather than randomly firing loyal, hardworking employees.

I’m in favor of balancing the federal budget. But businessmen know that companies are surviving in cash flow. If Doge and Trump were really serious about balancing their budgets, why are they firing Internal Revenue Service employees rather than maximizing tax revenue and chasing people who don’t pay taxes according to current tax laws?

JC Miseroy, Tampa

There is no will

Can Washington’s debt crisis be fixed? | March 2nd

Bravo to residents who have fixed the federal debt crisis. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ budget balance exercises show how it can be done. Unfortunately, five days later, Bilirakis voted to increase the deficit by almost $3 trillion. Bilirakis has skills. Because he is widely perceived as working successfully across the aisles on a variety of legislative issues. However, he appears to lack the will to balance his budget.

Harrison Fox, new Port Richie

Who really benefits?

Is there a Mass Federal Layoff first? | February 27th

In 2024, the federal government spent about $6.75 trillion, raising $4.5 trillion in revenue, leaving a deficit of $1.83 trillion. This is clearly unsustainable. What also seems obvious to me is that 27% annual deficit spending is too large to be uncorrected by the current slash and burn strategy, without plunging the economy into irreparable disruption. This is the path to sacrifice patients to save their limbs.

Notably, the targeted programs and departments have been established through decades of law.

The world’s wealthiest people also believe that destroying the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of working-class people is better than increasing taxes on the country’s wealthiest people. Sounds selfish to me.

Can anyone believe he has our greatest interest in mind?

Terry R. Arnold, Treasure Island

Tax increase

Is there a Mass Federal Layoff first? | February 27th

As Elon Musk explained at President Donald Trump’s first cabinet meeting, Republicans cannot finish their declaration with “America will go bankrupt without cuts” and “increasing taxes and taxes on businesses.” Raising taxes on the rich doesn’t fit Republican doctrine. So instead, they slice 71 million people from Medicaid, cut food stamps, reduce school lunches, and close national parks. All Tesla’s taxes are $0, maintaining an estimated $3.1 billion tax cut for the richest people in the United States.

Stephen Phillips, St. Petersburg

The wrong photo

Is there a Mass Federal Layoff first? | February 27th

Currently, citizen debt is over $36 trillion, an increase of $30 trillion since the turn of the century. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that serving debt in 2025 would cost $950 billion.

If we keep the tide down and far less reverse debt growth, then governments need to be more efficient, increase revenue and reduce spending.

The “budget” the House just sent to the Senate for approval is little about it, except that it cuts Medicaid and food assistance programs.

Instead of making profits, companies are proposed when opposition is needed, with massive tax cuts that benefit mostly the wealthy.

Instead of strengthening tax collection capabilities, the Internal Revenue Service plans to cut its employee base by approximately 7,000.

As long as it becomes more efficient, the government efficiency ministry’s labor cut is a window climb and will not make a difference. Neither trades war, tariffs, fantasy refund checks.

This is a time of financial constraints and realistic budgets. The country is upside down. You need to make a difficult choice. This week’s Capitol Hill is a farce, with the Congressional Budget Office estimates likely adding between $10 and $20 trillion to its debt over the next decade.

Both parties need to step up.

Karl Hollander, Indian coast

Attack from within

Trump attacks the judiciary again | February 12th

Our country is under attack. Our constitution is ignored and our laws are violated. The fundamental principles in which this country was established — the rule of law, justice under the law, the legitimate process of law — are being challenged. Science is rejected, expertise is ridiculed, facts are ignored.

We believed our institutions were strong enough to withstand dictatorial attacks. But there’s no more. Without our help, the constitutional system of government would no longer exist. This is why I am writing this letter. This is a call for action.

The lawyer holds the court key. In addition to our privilege to practice the law, we have an obligation to protect the government system and advance the torch of justice. I believe there is an army of retired or semi-retired lawyers who are willing to donate time and talent to this cause.

While lawyers are the primary guardians of our fundamental principles, others are necessary to participate in this cause. Biologists, environmentalists, social scientists, doctors, journalists, educators, philosophers and others are being asked to act. Search the internet to find the groups you have identified and provide your services.

Like many of you, I wanted to ease my peaceful and quiet retirement. Things have changed. I’m afraid of our future. When our grandchildren ask us about the world that left them behind, when they ask us about what we did in 2025, we need to be able to be able to tell them that we are engaged, that we are moving forward with the torch and that we have answered the call to action.

Richard Gilbert, Tampa

The writer is former chairman of the Florida Ethics Committee and former president of the Hillsboro County Bar Association.

Submit your letter at www.tampabay.com/opinion/submit-letter/. The letters are edited for clarity and length.