The Age of Efficiency

[is-this-efficient]

"Efficiency! Efficiency! Efficiency!"

that was one of the key things our fearless leader promised when seeking our support to regain our highest executive authority. So how is that going? let's ask the people.

This blog exists for me to vent.

If you find me that's great! Don't add to my frustration.

We'll see how long this lasts. I get easily distracted and second guess myself a lot. I shall begin with a mix of current and past administration decisions.

[is-this-efficient]

Just because the Government's financially shut down doesn't mean we can ignore our International responsibilities!

Our brilliant and beautiful boss in the Oval Office has reaffirmed our commitment to the Monroe Doctrine. In a way. He has, through a cunning calculation, agreed to give Argentina $40 Billion and agreed to more imports of their beef. Because if we aren't looking out for the entire Americas, that's just an invite for the Eastern Hemisphere to meddle....and boy would we hate for China to have any upper hand!

Is this an efficient use of time/money/resources?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not.

Voting ended onOct 30, 2025

Please ignore the fact that Congress has no ability to allocate this funding because they have been kept locked out. And ignore the fact that this whole situation will worsen not only the ability for the US beef industry to compete even domestically but also is impacting the US soy been growers because of the China pressures.

[is-this-efficient]

Well, Now Construction Is A Necessity!

Why go through the annoyingly long and arduous process of following the procedures for the rehabilitating/renovating/restoring/preserving of a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places? Especially one that has been on the list since the beginning? No, it is much quicker to just roll some heavy machinery in while the government is shut down and start on demo for that essential White House Ballroom baby! No need to go to your underling in charge of the Department of the Interior for clarity on the process when you're able to just deface the building you don't even own and are blessed to live in rent-free.

Besides, the White House has gone through so many changes over the centuries already. Including in 1814 when the British came over for a kind of house warming.

Is this an efficient use of time/money/resources?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not.

Voting ended onOct 29, 2025

It's not like Mary Todd Lincoln was vilified for her attempts at redecoration during the War. Or that Jackie Kennedy had to do an entire PR campaign to get support for her First Lady project of historic restoration. Or that the White House was unofficially designed by George Washington himself. Or that it is one of the most iconic symbols of America around the world and it's design/symmetry is a large part of that.

[is-this-efficient]

Cut Once, Tape Back Together

In attempts to cull the federal workforce across the nation, the Department of Government Efficiency, a non-Congressionally sanctioned organization working with sensitive government information, was given the Presidents blessing to slash whatever jobs it felt like. In their haste to be dramatic, they ended up firing (or encouraging the early retirement of) a lot of essential workers a large number of whom needed to be quickly (and quietly) rehired or have been replaced by individuals with an inferior skill set and no one to properly learn from.

Is this an efficient use of time/money/resources?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not.

Voting ended onSep 25, 2025

(Some notable casualties have been the CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Surveillance Branch, 300 employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration, 560 National Weather Service employees--125 new meteorologists were allowed, the only person who could unlock jammed bathrooms at Yosemite National Park...)

[is-this-efficient]

Aren't we all a little dead to the world sometimes? Don't we all need a little time of ourselves so we can recommit to serving others?

Self care is important to maintaining a healthy person in a demanding situation. Of course, as one of the people with one of the most globally stressful jobs, how can we blame our most responsible executive officer for taking a multi-day stay-cation at the end of August? He has to recharge to come back to his non-stop role of improving the lives of all Americans and supporting our Allies across the world.

Is this an efficient use of time/money/resources?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not.

Voting ended onSep 11, 2025

[is-this-efficient]

More Flags To Hug!

The main resident of the Executive Mansion has add an additional two flag poles to the grounds of the White House. One on the North Lawn, and one on the South Lawn. This way everyone looking at the building will remember what country they're in--in case the iconic building, the capitol city full of landmarks, or the already-existing flag atop the White House left any uncertainty.

Is this an efficient use of time/money/resources?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not.

Voting ended onSep 3, 2025

(He even made an appearance at their erection, maybe to take a break from the conflicts in the middle east?)

[is-this-efficient]

Revamping Government Housing

Apparently the greatest oversight in the history of the US, our most famous government-provided residential building has been missing a key feature. Luckily our justice-focused POTUS will not let another year go by without action. He has commissioned a ~$200 million ballroom to be constructed off the East Room, which will likely take the rest of his term to complete and will be trimmed with the finest of gold found outside Mar-a-lago!

During this time all tours of the White House have be suspended.

Is this an efficient use of time/money/resources?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not.

Voting ended onSep 2, 2025

(for transparency, it seems this price tag is supposed to be paid not with taxes but with donations. Previously large parties have used large tents on the lawn for extra space, but that is just so inconvenient in the rain.)

[is-this-efficient]

The problem with planet Earth is it doesn't have the political lines like many globes do.

Ever the astute observer of the state of nature and people, our brilliant chief diplomat has ordered his the Homeland Secretary to make the border between the US and Mexico black. To clarify, the Secretary shared that the border wall will be painted black to make it hotter, thus less appealing to cross, as well as protect the metal from rust.

Is this an efficient use of time/money/resources?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not

Voting ended onSep 1, 2025

(the wall, which critics say is not worth the cost, does not yet extend the entire length of the border between the countries, although the Homeland Secretary claims about half a mile of barrier is added every day and the OBBBA set aside money to finish the ~2,000 mile project.)

[is-this-efficient]

Protect Women('s Shoes)!

In a shining example of what it means to be a protector, the picture of chivalrous behavior currently leading our people has taken it upon himself to install a patio over the grass of the historic Rose Garden. What is ~$1.9 million and respecting the Kennedy legacy when measured against to saving all the future Christian Louboutins (and friends) from suffering on the occasionally wet ground??

Is this an efficient use of time/money/resources?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not.

Voting ended onAug 31, 2025

(the money was not from taxes but private donations to the Trust for the National Mall)

[is-this-efficient]

Houston You're Getting A Problem!

In the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, our wise overlord has demanded the Smithsonian send the space shuttle Discovery to Houston from it's home at the Udvar-Hazy Center where it has been since 2012. Estimates indicate this will cost at least $5 million to transport if it can't be stopped.

Is this an efficient use of time/money?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not.

Voting ended onAug 31, 2025

(For further comparison, when the shuttle Endeavour was relocated to the California Space Center, the 12 mile trek from the airport to it's new home took 2 days and cost ~$10 million. This does not include the FL-LA flight.

Also, there is some debate on if the Government can compel the Smithsonian to cooperate.)

[is-this-efficient]

Our Fearless Leader, Bravely Breaking Barriers

In 2025, the 47th President becomes the first sitting President to attend the Superbowl! He was there about 3.5 hours, leaving early in the second half. The travel and additional security were funded by taxpayer money.

Is this an efficient use of time/money?

So Efficient!

Absolutely Not.

Voting ended onAug 30, 2025