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When It Comes to Gun Violence, We Can’t Have Our Cake and Eat It Too
By Dr. Christopher Miller
Gun violence is a persistent crisis in America that extends far beyond the headlines. Schools, movie theaters, shopping centers, concert venues, and urban neighborhoods are all sites of tragedy, and our national responses often fall sharply along partisan divides. One camp claims mental health failures are to blame, while the other pushes for stricter gun controls. Beyond the slogans, however, practical solutions remain elusive and complexity abounds.
Polarized Solutions — And Their Limits
Recent proposals from the political left frequently demand bans on assault weapons, limits on high-capacity magazines, and expanded universal background checks. The Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 is a prominent example, intended to prevent the sale of many popular semi-automatic rifles. Yet, such measures are difficult to enforce given the millions of legally owned firearms already in circulation, resulting in limited real-world impact. Without an actionable plan for addressing existing guns or mechanisms to properly track transfers, these laws have often proven incapable of delivering the promised results.
Attempts to tighten restrictions on ammo purchases and require comprehensive background checks, including mental health screenings, face other practical barriers. Current systems only flag individuals who have become wards of the state or received court-mandated mental health care, as private treatment records are protected by HIPAA. This gap leaves broad swaths of risky behaviors undetected.
Mental Health Funding — A Major Step Backwards
Despite repeated calls to address America’s mental health crisis, recent federal action instead marks a retreat. Billions of dollars have been stripped from mental health programs, including a $1.1 billion reduction to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) alone. Medicaid funding for behavioral health faces projected cuts of up to $600 billion over a decade, threatening provider reimbursement rates and limiting access for at-risk populations. The consequences ripple across states, with many clinics, crisis hotlines, and outreach efforts facing downsizing or closure just as demand reaches a critical high. Youth-focused interventions, community behavioral health centers, assertive care teams, and suicide prevention efforts all stand in jeopardy.
School Safety and Public Safety Efforts
Amid these challenges, innovation and collaboration are making strides in school safety. New platforms like VOLT AI leverage existing school security cameras with artificial intelligence to instantly identify weapons, fights, and emergencies, alerting first responders within seconds. Wearable crisis alert systems, such as those from CENTEGIX, offer teachers and staff quick access to help. Modern school safety dashboards provide transparent, real-time data on incidents, safety threats, and outcomes, empowering parents, educators, and policymakers to respond swiftly and effectively.
In the public sphere, cities utilize gunshot detection systems and integrated safety dashboards to improve emergency response, map high-risk zones, and coordinate police efforts. These technologies demonstrate the possibility of meaningful progress—if paired with broad-based collaboration among law enforcement, educators, mental health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders.
Rediscovering Gun Safety Education
A vital—but frequently overlooked—pathway is returning to comprehensive gun safety education. The National Rifle Association (NRA) historically played a leading role in gun safety training for civilians, youth, hunters, and even law enforcement, emphasizing marksmanship and accident prevention through certified instructors. Once a respected advocate for responsible ownership, the NRA has become deeply entrenched in divisive political activism, sidelining its foundational role as an educator.
Reviving robust gun safety programs means creating educational opportunities for parents, young adults, healthcare providers, teachers, counselors, school administrators, and law enforcement. These programs should teach risk recognition, proper firearm handling and storage, and strategies for identifying and intervening with individuals at risk. Collaboration—not division—is essential. A modern School Safety Dashboard can arm parents, educators, and lawmakers with user-friendly, nationwide data, fostering transparency and accountability while supporting safer schools for all.
The Centrist Path Forward
Gun violence defies simple answers. A centrist, moderate approach should champion restoration and expansion of mental health funding, embrace proven safety technologies and educational solutions, and build genuine bipartisan support for reforms that honor responsible ownership while closing dangerous loopholes. Collaboration, transparency, and compassion—not slogans or hardline rhetoric—offer the only real hope for progress.
The following sources supported this article:
NAMI Statement on Proposed Federal Funding Cuts for FY 2026
Potential Effects of Mental Health Funding Cuts in 2026
Assault Weapons Ban of 2025
The Top 10 School Security Systems in 2025: AI-Powered Platforms
New 2025 K-12 School Safety Trends Report
A Brief History of the NRA
Author: Dr. Christopher Miller
NEXT UP:
🚫 The Great Efficiency Illusion
When the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) launched in January 2025, it was hyped as a revolution. Trump called it “bold,” Elon Musk called it “brilliant,” and MAGA media called it “the second coming of Reaganomics.”
They promised $2 trillion in savings.
They said every American would “feel the difference in their wallet.”
Instead, what we got was chaos, court battles, shuttered agencies, and… just $450 per citizen in actual savings.
📊 By the Numbers: DOGE’s Underwhelming Performance
| Metric | Promised (Jan 2025) | Actual (as of April 2025) | % of Goal Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Savings | $2 trillion | ~$150 billion | <8% |
| Per Citizen Savings (approx.) | $6,000 | ~$450 | ↓ 92.5% |
| Federal Jobs Cut | N/A | 200,000+ | N/A |
DOGE’s biggest “savings” win? Canceling a contract for a Texas facility—$2.9 billion saved on paper, but in reality, just $153 million, because the contract was never fully executed.
In other words: budget theater, not budget reform.
👨👩👧👦 Real Lives, Real Damage
- 💼 200,000+ Jobs Lost — Entire agencies were gutted, including the Defense Digital Service—one of the few pockets of real innovation at the Pentagon.
- 🧒 Essential Programs Cut — Funding slashed for affordable housing, WIC, civil rights enforcement, and even the federal poverty guidelines office, which helps determine eligibility for aid.
- ⛔ Chaos and Lawsuits — DOGE’s unilateral cuts violated the Impoundment Control Act, leading to lawsuits and skyrocketing admin costs.
💸 Fiscal Irony: Trump’s Golf Spending vs. Public Savings
| Presidential Golf Spending | Amount |
|---|---|
| In Trump’s Second Term | $26 million |
| First 2 Months in Florida | $18 million |
| Total Since 2017 | $151.5 million |
While critical services were cut, the White House doubled down on luxury—hardly the hallmark of “efficiency.”
🧾 Shaky Math, Missing Ethics
- 💵 Imaginary Savings — Much of DOGE’s “success” was based on avoiding theoretical costs, not real reductions.
- 🔒 No Transparency — Key DOGE records are presidential-classified until 2030.
- ⚖️ Conflict of Interest — DOGE appointees were exempt from ethics rules and disclosures.
🧠 Moderate Solutions: Cut Smart, Not Blind
DOGE’s scorched-earth approach is not how real savings are achieved. Here’s what moderates should rally behind:
- ✅ Data-Driven Reform — Let GAO and CBO audits drive actual performance-based cuts.
- ✅ Bipartisan Budget Panels — Resurrect a Simpson-Bowles-style commission that balances cuts and fairness.
- ✅ Fraud Tech — Use AI and forensic audits to reduce waste, not entire departments.
📌 Final Word: Americans Deserve Better Than DOGE
| DOGE Initiative Impact | Details / Evidence |
|---|---|
| Promised Savings | $2 trillion |
| Actual Realized Savings | ~$150 billion (<8%) |
| Federal Jobs Lost | 200,000+ |
| Major Programs Cut | Women/children’s services, housing, civil rights, poverty offices |
| Legal/Administrative Costs | High due to court battles |
| Golf Spending | $26 million this term / $151.5 million total |
| Per Citizen Savings | Less than $500 |
| Transparency | Key records classified until 2030 |
⚖️ Conclusion: Less DOGE, More Diligence
The lesson? Real government reform isn’t about eliminating programs. It’s about using data, ethics, and strategy to deliver results.
DOGE didn’t trim fat. It amputated limbs.
We need a better model—efficient, ethical, transparent, and yes, actually useful.
Share this article and tag it:
Tag it: #TheModerateReport | #GovReform | #StopDOGE | #SmartSavingsNotSlashing
Next up: From March 2025
Musk’s Mismanagement: How DOGE’s Reckless Overhaul Imperils National Security and Divides America
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under Elon Musk’s leadership, has implemented management practices marked by intimidation, top-down directives, and a lack of respect for federal employees. These approaches not only erode employee morale but also pose significant risks to national security and degrade the quality of public services.
Reckless Implementation of Layoffs and Cuts
DOGE’s hasty execution of mass layoffs and budget cuts without thorough evaluation has led to significant operational disruptions. For instance, the abrupt termination of approximately 220,000 federal employees, including those in critical roles such as nuclear security and public health, has raised concerns about the stability of essential government functions. This impulsive approach undermines the effectiveness of government operations and compromises public safety.
Heavy-Handed Management and Its Divisive Impact
The coercive management style employed by DOGE fosters a climate of fear and confusion among federal workers. A notable instance is the mass email sent to 2.3 million federal employees, demanding weekly work summaries under threat of termination. This directive not only caused widespread anxiety but also led to legal challenges and resistance from various agencies, highlighting the counterproductive nature of such heavy-handed tactics.
Moreover, this approach has sown division within the country. Allegations from Musk and DOGE accusing federal employees of laziness and fraud have amplified distrust, particularly among right-leaning individuals. This rhetoric undermines public confidence in the federal workforce, despite the essential roles these employees play in national security, research, science, service delivery, and emergency management.
Erosion of Employee Morale and Engagement
Intimidation and coercive management tactics create a climate of fear among employees, leading to decreased job satisfaction and engagement. Research indicates that toxic leadership behaviors, including intimidation and disrespect, lead to increased turnover intentions, decreased job satisfaction, and psychological stress among employees. These negative outcomes not only affect individual well-being but also impair organizational performance and efficiency.
Compromise of National Security
The abrupt dismissal of experienced personnel, particularly in critical agencies like the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), has raised alarms about national security vulnerabilities. The sudden layoffs of approximately 350 NNSA employees, responsible for sensitive tasks such as nuclear warhead reassembly, prompted concerns about the stability of the nuclear program and the potential embodiment of U.S. adversaries. Such destabilizing actions compromise the nation’s ability to manage and secure its nuclear arsenal effectively.
Moreover, the aggressive and hasty methods employed by DOGE personnel in accessing classified information without proper qualifications jeopardize security protocols. Experts warn that this tech-startup mentality, favored by Musk, may lead to oversight mishaps and increased risks, rather than achieving efficient reforms.
Decline in Service Delivery Quality
The mass layoffs and coercive management practices have led to confusion and disruptions across various federal agencies. For instance, the firing and subsequent rehiring of essential employees due to hasty decision-making have resulted in operational inefficiencies and degraded service delivery. Such erratic management undermines the government’s ability to provide consistent and reliable services to the public.
Furthermore, the demoralization of the federal workforce, as evidenced by mass layoffs leaving thousands of employees bewildered and enraged, has a direct impact on the quality of services rendered. A disengaged and dissatisfied workforce is less likely to perform optimally, leading to subpar service delivery and erosion of public trust in government institutions.
Conclusion
The leadership strategies adopted by DOGE, characterized by intimidation, top-down directives, and a lack of respect for federal employees, are counterproductive and pose significant risks to national security and public service quality. To safeguard the nation’s interests and ensure effective governance, it is imperative to foster a work environment that values employee contributions, promotes open communication, and respects the expertise of civil servants.
References
Einarsen, S., Aasland, M. S., & Skogstad, A. (2007). Destructive leadership behaviour towards subordinates: Exploring followers’ attributions of motives. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 43(4), 438-456.
Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational leadership (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Hackman, R. J., & Johnson, C. E. (2013). Leadership: A communication perspective (6th ed.). Routledge.
Kotter, J. P. (2001). What leaders really do. Harvard Business Review, 79(11), 85-96.
Burns, T. E., & Stalker, G. M. (1961). The management of innovation. Tavistock Publications.
Porath, C. L., & Pearson, C. M. (2010). The cost of bad behavior: How incivility is damaging your business and what to do about it. Organizational Dynamics, 39(1), 64-71.
Williams, R. (2019). Toxic leadership in defense and federal workplaces. Military Review, 99(4), 30-39.
Reed, G. E. (2004). Toxic leadership. Military Review, 84(4), 67-71.
Schaubroeck, J., Walumbwa, F. O., Ganster, D. C., & Kepes, S. (2007). Destructive leader traits and the neutralizing influence of an “enriched” job. The Leadership Quarterly, 18(3), 236-251.
Boushey, H., & Glynn, S. J. (2012). There are significant business costs to replacing employees. Center for American Progress.
By the Moderator:
Elon Musk’s Hypocrisy: Slashing Government Spending While Benefiting from Billions in Taxpayer Dollars
Elon Musk has built a reputation as a self-made billionaire, a genius entrepreneur who has revolutionized industries from electric vehicles to space travel. Yet, the truth is far less romantic. While Musk postures as a champion of efficiency and fiscal responsibility—particularly in his role overseeing government spending cuts—his empire has been propped up by billions in taxpayer-funded contracts, grants, and regulatory support. His recent actions in cutting government programs while his businesses continue to thrive on public money expose deep hypocrisy and glaring conflicts of interest.
Musk’s Deep Ties to Government Money
Musk’s companies—SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink—have all benefited enormously from federal contracts and subsidies. His claims of financial independence simply do not hold up against the numbers:
- SpaceX has received nearly $20 billion in federal contracts over the past decade, with $3.7 billion awarded in 2024 alone. The company is NASA’s second-biggest contractor, receiving more than $13 billion from the agency in the last ten years.
- Tesla has received about $4.9 billion in government subsidies, including grants, tax breaks, and incentives. The company also holds contracts worth $41.9 million since 2008.
- Neuralink, Musk’s brain-chip startup, is under FDA scrutiny yet continues to push forward with minimal regulatory resistance—while Musk himself pushes for budget cuts at the very agencies meant to oversee the safety of his innovations.
Musk’s empire is built on government assistance, yet he has no problem attacking those institutions when they serve his personal and political agenda.
Conflicts of Interest with DOGE and Government Spending Cuts
As Musk takes on a leadership role in the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he now directly influences federal spending. Given his companies’ dependence on taxpayer dollars, this is a massive conflict of interest. Consider the following:
- Musk is cutting funding for agencies like USAID, EPA, and FDA—agencies that regulate or fund programs affecting his own businesses.
- His Department of Defense and NASA contracts remain untouched, ensuring that SpaceX continues to rake in billions while other critical programs face austerity.
- The White House claims that Musk will self-police potential conflicts of interest, a ridiculous notion given his history of bending rules to benefit himself.
This is not just a question of financial conflicts—it’s about consolidating power in the hands of a billionaire who has clear economic incentives to weaken regulatory oversight while securing lucrative federal deals.
Dogecoin, Musk’s Influence, and Financial Conflicts
Musk’s involvement with Dogecoin (DOGE) is yet another example of his ability to manipulate markets for personal gain. His social media endorsements have sent DOGE prices soaring, and despite his claims of it being a “joke” currency, he continues to influence its value. The question is: Why is someone so deeply tied to government spending also pushing a decentralized financial asset?
- Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX accept Dogecoin for payments, subtly promoting its legitimacy while he benefits from price swings.
- His public comments consistently manipulate crypto markets, raising ethical concerns given his immense following.
- Meanwhile, he pushes for cuts to financial regulators, making it easier for billionaires like himself to operate with impunity.
Musk’s Attacks on Government Agencies: A Pattern of Self-Interest
Musk has launched an all-out war on regulatory agencies that keep his businesses in check:
- USAID: Funding slashed despite its role in global stability and disaster relief—potentially harming economic conditions in markets where Tesla and SpaceX operate.
- EPA: Environmental regulations weakened while Tesla’s EV industry benefits from government incentives for green energy.
- FDA: Facing cuts while Musk pushes Neuralink’s brain implants, a technology requiring strict safety oversight.
The Bottom Line: A Dangerous Concentration of Power
Elon Musk’s unchecked influence over both private industry and federal policy is dangerous. His companies thrive on government money, yet he advocates for austerity measures that hurt ordinary Americans. He benefits from weak regulations while cutting the very agencies that ensure consumer safety. And he manipulates markets under the guise of “free speech” while accumulating more wealth and power.
Musk is not a free-market champion—he is a government-subsidized oligarch who wants to dismantle oversight while keeping taxpayer dollars flowing into his empire. If he truly believed in small government, he would start by rejecting the billions in public funds that have built his fortune.