Yes, the federal memorials and tourist sites are hanging by a thread, but the darker story is the plight of those federal workers and contractors who not only are without pay — some facing the indignity of being forced to work without pay — but with their futures clouded by a president who is evidently happy to bargain with these people’s lives, including their professional selves.

Connected to this is the story of government services unmet, from research to tax advice, including the looming collapse of SNAP benefits. All of this should be front-page news every day, the memorials and tourist sites only occasionally.

As a former federal employee, it is almost heartbreaking.

Sam Pooley

Manoa

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