D.O.G.E: When Memes Meet Governance

Once internet meme, turned Government slaughter house.

The OG doge

D.O.G.E: once internet meme, turned Government slaughter house.

The transformation of a campaign promise into the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.) represents more than just clever wordplay—it embodies the modern intersection of internet culture and institutional reform. As we navigate this unprecedented experiment in government oversight, the implications deserve our deepest consideration.

And as we’ve seen over the past few weeks, it’s all very real.

Headed by what some might call the greatest genius of our time (a fair argument, considering Elon Musk’s simultaneous contributions across multiple industries), government agencies have found themselves on the defensive as a radical businessman enters their ecosphere.

But regardless of what you think about D.O.G.E., we, as a people, must ask a serious question:

Is it beneficial to our country to have a third party auditing government agencies?

At first glance, the idea seems straightforward—oversight, transparency, and accountability. But history tells us that even well-intentioned initiatives can take a darker turn, depending on who’s in control.

---

The Good

As we’ve discussed throughout the week, the government is often incentivized to keep the public in the dark.

Sometimes that secrecy is justified. But not always.

Yes, if the entire American population knows something, the entire world knows it too. But that doesn’t give our elected leaders the right to abuse their positions for personal or partisan gain.

In this light, D.O.G.E. serves a fantastic purpose—giving the American people a clear view of how their tax dollars are being spent and a voice in whether or not they approve.

And so far, the agency has executed this mission well, starting with its scrutiny of USAID.

---

To quote Sabrina Carpenter: Please, Please, Please….go read about USAID.

---

D.O.G.E. has made its work highly transparent, at least by its own account, by posting findings and actions directly to the American people through X.

The steps taken so far suggest a trajectory toward greater accountability.

But history has also shown that those who seek power often play a much deeper game than what meets the eye.

---

The Bad

Let’s take USAID as an example since it’s been a hot topic in the public square.

This is a government agency that, at various times, has taken direction from different “bosses.”

Sometimes the President.
Sometimes those working against the President.

Regardless, its actions have often been dictated by unelected individuals—people who do not answer directly to the American people.

This has led to alleged abuses of taxpayer dollars that, if true, are downright contemptible.

Now, we don’t yet know if D.O.G.E. will ever be used in a similar way—not by wasting taxpayer dollars, but as a mechanism for unelected individuals to further their own personal agendas.

And look, cards on the table? I’m a fan of Elon Musk.

Yes, he’s quirky. No, he’s not perfect. But the man reinvented electric cars, built rockets that land themselves, and is actively boring tunnels under major cities to fix traffic.

That said, we can’t say, "Unelected bureaucrats running government agencies are bad," and then turn around and say, "Elon Musk running D.O.G.E. is the greatest thing ever."

Sure, they may not be functioning exactly the same way—but they sure look like apples to me.

Transparency is key with agencies like these. The moment the American people are kept in the dark, things tend to take a tyrannical turn.

And while that’s not the case today, what happens four years from now if an opponent of the current administration gains power?

Who’s to say they won’t bend this agency to serve their own will?

---

What Do You Think?

In line with what we talked about yesterday, we all have an obligation to:

🔹 Think Critically.

It’s our responsibility as free thinkers to assess the situation objectively, without blind allegiance to party lines or affiliations, and determine whether the current reality is the best possible reality.

So, question.

Probe.

Give yourself the time to think deeply.

And don’t be afraid to realize that something you once believed might actually be wrong.

Wishing you all an amazing week,
Brady

---

Message to the Reader:

We’re in the final stretch of our 30-day writing journey together.

Tomorrow, I’ll wrap up Politics Week with a post about something I’ve grown deeply passionate about. It’s a bit more controversial, but I promise to approach it as pragmatically as possible.

After that, I’ll give our Week 4 update, followed by a bridge post leading to my 30th and final post in this challenge…

Which will be my story.

One that I’m so eager to share with all of you.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. I can’t wait to see where it takes us.