From Maryland Matters: Developmental Disability Community “Tenatively Exuberant” over Funding Restoration

Developmental disability community ‘tentatively exuberant’ at restored funding

by Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters
March 24, 2025

Weeks of persistent lobbying, heart-wrenching public testimony and rallies that brought hundreds to the State House apparently paid off, with legislative leaders signaling an agreement last week to restore hundreds of millions of proposed cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

That promise was confirmed within the hour Thursday, when the House Appropriations Committee voted to restore $300 million of the $457 million in fiscal 2026 cuts that had been proposed for the DDA in the governor’s original budget.

It also came weeks after the governor released a supplemental budget for fiscal 2025 that restored much of the $200 million in cuts that had been contemplated for the current year.

While there will still be funding cuts in fiscal 2025 and 2026, advocates are breathing a sigh of relief, believing the current cuts will be much more manageable.

“We’re in such a better position now,” Ande Kolp, executive director for The Arc Maryland, said Friday. “These cuts are painful – but oh my gosh, they were going to be catastrophic.”

She said advocates are “tentatively exuberant” following events Thursday.

Budget agreement could generate more than $1 billion in new revenue

In a midday news conference, Gov. Wes Moore (D) joined House and Senate leaders to announce that they had agreed to a broad “framework” for ongoing budget negations, which included restoring some funding to the DDA for fiscal 2026.

That was followed by an  Appropriations Committee voting session, when members approved a series of adjustments to the fiscal 2026 budget. Those included reining in reductions to spending for programs and wage bonuses that the administration had planned to eliminate entirely.

Thursday “was such a big day for our community. It represented an unprecedented cooperation and collaboration between everybody,” Kolp said. “It’s kind of a weird feeling because we’re so grateful … for all of the work that went into this.”

Moore’s original budget, released in January, would have eliminated a handful wage rate bonuses available for certain providers of developmental disabilities services, while also slashing some support funding. State health officials argued that those cuts were necessary to offset “unsustainable” growth and spending at the agency, all while juggling $3 billion shortfall in the budget this year.

But the developmental disabilities community quickly spoke up, saying that the reduced funding would cut into the wages of support staff and reduce access to additional resources that help families support their loved ones. They worried that employees would be asked to do the same work for less pay, leading to an exodus of support staff.

The Moore administration had already backed away from most of the 2025 cuts earlier this month and said it was willing to discuss changes to the 2026 budget.

Appropriation’s actions did not fully restore all the cuts in Moore’s budget, but softened the blow of many.

The cuts still slated for the DDA include a reduction in the “geographic differential” rate, which provides higher pay for providers in central Maryland, among other reductions related to wage bonuses. The committee also reduced funding for the Low-Intensity Support Services (LISS), now the current $5.5 million to $2 million, among other funding reductions. Moore’s budget would have eliminate both funds entirely.

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The new cuts are much more survivable, according to Laura Howell, CEO with Maryland Association of Community Services.

“We never want to see a cut in funding, but we were able to work with the leaders of the House and the Senate and the administration to develop alternative cost-containment measures that will still allow services by community providers to be sustainable for the next few years,” Howell said.

“It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen this kind of financial crisis in our state, and everybody had to pitch in and try to contribute to the economic struggles of the state, and so that’s what we did,” she said. “We worked with our stakeholders to try to figure out what could we survive.”

Thursday’s budget changes by the Appropriation Committee are the first step in compressed budget negotiations ahead of the last day of the legislative session, just two weeks away. The full House is expected to pass the budget this week, followed by the Senate, before the two chamber sit down to iron out differences between their respective versions.

Kolp hopes that advocates are able to maintain the current progress in the waning days of session.

“We’re not expecting to see big differences between the Senate and the House, but we’re going to sit on pins and needles until the end — because you never know what’s going to happen,” Kolp said.

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: editor@marylandmatters.org.

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Tesla’s Exit from Montgomery Mall Is Less About Musk, More About MoCo’s Economic Decline

Tesla has closed its showroom at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda after 12 years of operation. The company has not provided a reason for the closure.

So this is good and bad.

On one hand, heck yeah—decimate the DOGE-Baba’s evil empire. Elon Musk has made himself into a cartoonishly villainous figure, hell-bent on remaking America into some tech-fascist banana republic. Watching his ventures take a hit anywhere can feel like a win for democracy.

But on the other hand, Tesla’s decision to close its Montgomery Mall location is almost certainly a business decision—not a political one. While we don’t have insider information, it’s reasonable to assume this decision was made several months ago, likely at least one or two financial quarters back. These kinds of retail closures usually follow internal financial projections, not breaking news cycles or Twitter antics.

Which means that this isn’t about Musk. It’s about us. It’s about Montgomery County being seen as no longer being as viable a market for electric vehicles as it was in the past.

Why? Let’s do some basic theorizing:

1) Economic demographics have shifted—wildly.

Those of us left in Montgomery County who can afford a $35,000+ car are likely overleveraged. Mortgages, consumer debt, childcare costs, student loans—you name it. Or we’re making enough money to cover our exposure, but the high cost of living in MoCo has made luxury purchases like EVs harder to justify. We’re feeling the squeeze.

According to the U.S. Census, median household income in Montgomery County remains high (around $125,000), but that’s deceptive. The cost of living has risen steadily, and inflation-adjusted wages have not kept pace. Between high property taxes and soaring utility bills, most middle- and upper-middle-class residents are living paycheck to paycheck.

2) The wealthier migration wave is flowing outward.

Those who can afford a Tesla—folks with substantial liquidity and lower debt exposure—are leaving. I saw it firsthand on a recent trip to South Florida. I ran into former Montgomery County residents now thriving down south, rolling around in shiny new Teslas. They didn’t think twice about buying one in Florida—but never bought one here, despite the hours we all used to spend in DC traffic.

Why? Because life is easier down there. The sun shines brighter, the property taxes are lower, and the perceived return on quality of life is just better.

3) The market is oversaturated—and consumers are buying next door.

Let’s combine the above points and add a third. Why buy an electric vehicle in Montgomery County—with Maryland’s high taxes, complicated registration fees, and frustrating bureaucracy—when you can hop across the river to NoVa and get the same car for less headache?

Plus, NoVa is more fun. That may sound flippant, but it’s also a serious consideration. Lower crime. More (halal) nightlife. Shorter commutes. Stronger job growth. And a business-friendly environment that attracts not only young professionals, but also the very employers that used to choose Maryland. In fact, Tesla is investing more heavily in its Northern Virginia infrastructure—strengthening that regional base while leaving MoCo behind.

Could this just be a relocation?

Sure. It’s possible Tesla just decided to exit the mall and open a standalone location, like the one in Rockville. But that theory doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

I’ve seen plenty of Tesla showrooms in high-end malls in South Florida—Aventura Mall in Aventura, Town Center at Boca Raton, and The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens. The mall model still works where the consumer base has enough disposable income to support it. That’s not Montgomery County anymore.

The bigger takeaway:

This isn’t just about one company leaving a mall. It’s a signal that MoCo’s economic base is eroding.

Once a destination for D.C. professionals, MoCo now feels more like a cautionary tale—high costs, stagnant growth, rising crime, and declining consumer confidence. Losing Tesla from Montgomery Mall might feel like a symbolic win against a billionaire real-life Lex Luthor, but it’s also a sobering loss for a local economy struggling to maintain its status as a high-income, high-growth destination.

Can Montgomery County regain its economic footing? Share your comments below.

Source: Tesla Showroom at Westfield Montgomery Mall Closes - MyMCMedia

https://www.mymcmedia.org/tesla-showroom-at-westfield-montgomery-mall-closes/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2uW7OAim0lzma-Mowd8XG1lZrKXpXRWOg01pqTNiSz1LptQxFbcLKSyK0_aem_F46hEIKtwPaFOxib3k55kQ

Investing in a Digitized Rural Economy

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a global shift toward remote work, creating new economic opportunities that were previously unimaginable. Digital nomads—professionals who work remotely while traveling—and small businesses reliant on digital infrastructure have reshaped the modern economy. However, the U.S. lags behind in digital infrastructure investments needed to fully capitalize on this transformation.

While major metropolitan areas have largely adapted to the digital age, rural America still suffers from slow or nonexistent broadband, limited access to coworking spaces, and outdated policies that make remote entrepreneurship difficult. By investing in next-generation digital infrastructure, including satellite-based solutions like Elon Musk’s Starlink, the U.S. can unlock economic revitalization in struggling rural communities, positioning them as hubs for remote work, entrepreneurship, and innovation

1. The Economic Potential of Remote Work & Digital Small Businesses

The shift to remote work is not just a temporary trend—it’s a structural transformation of the economy. More than 35% of U.S. jobs can be performed remotely full-time, according to McKinsey, while another 23% can operate in hybrid mode.

Rural America has the most to gain from this shift—if digital infrastructure can support it. Consider the following economic opportunities:

• Remote Workers Relocating to Small Towns: Professionals earning six-figure salaries in tech, finance, and consulting could stimulate local economies if they had reliable high-speed internet and access to remote work-friendly policies.

• Digitally Native Small Businesses: E-commerce shops, online service providers, content creators, and AI-driven startups can operate from anywhere with proper infrastructure.

• Global Freelance and Outsourcing Market: Rural communities can tap into the $1.5 trillion global freelance economy by providing coworking hubs and training programs for remote workers.

2. The Digital Divide: America’s Rural Connectivity Problem

Despite the economic potential, broadband internet access remains the single biggest barrier to rural revitalization through remote work. The FCC estimates 14.5 million rural Americans lack high-speed internet access, though the real number may be significantly higher.

This infrastructure gap has direct consequences:

• Small businesses struggle to compete in e-commerce or digital services.

• Remote professionals remain concentrated in urban areas, missing opportunities to bring wealth into rural communities.

• Local economies lose potential revenue from online-driven economic activities.

Solution: The federal government, private sector, and emerging satellite-based broadband providers like Elon Musk’s Starlink must work together to close this gap.

3. Starlink: A Game Changer for Rural Digital Expansion

One of the biggest breakthroughs in rural internet access is Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite-based broadband service designed to provide high-speed internet anywhere in the world. Unlike traditional broadband, Starlink bypasses the need for expensive fiber-optic infrastructure, making it one of the most viable solutions for connecting rural communities.

How Starlink Can Supercharge Rural Economic Growth:

• Instant Connectivity for Remote Work & Digital Businesses

• Starlink offers download speeds between 100–250 Mbps, comparable to urban broadband.

• Remote workers, freelancers, and digital businesses can operate seamlessly from rural areas.

• More businesses can relocate to low-cost rural areas while maintaining global connectivity.

• E-Commerce & AI-Driven Businesses in Rural Areas

• Rural entrepreneurs can now run Amazon stores, AI consulting firms, and software development companies from remote locations.

• High-speed internet enables access to digital advertising, AI-driven marketing tools, and cloud-based services that were previously unavailable in rural communities.

• Public-Private Partnerships for Affordable Satellite Internet Access

• State and federal governments should subsidize Starlink subscriptions for small businesses and rural entrepreneurs.

• Partnering with telecom giants and tech firms could drive down costs and make rural high-speed internet affordable at scale.

Projected Economic Impact: If just 10% of disconnected rural businesses and households gain access to Starlink, it could generate $50 billion in new economic activity over the next decade

4. Building Rural Digital Infrastructure to Support the Remote Economy

A. Expanding High-Speed Broadband & 5G Access

The Biden administration’s $65 billion broadband investment plan is a start, but it must be strategically deployed to ensure maximum economic impact.

• Prioritize Fiber-Optic & Satellite Internet Expansion:

• Fiber remains ideal for high-density areas, but Starlink is a faster, more cost-effective solution for remote locations.

• 5G expansion into rural areas would support mobile-first businesses and remote workers.

• Encourage Municipal Broadband & Co-op Internet Networks

• Cities like Chattanooga, TN, have demonstrated how publicly owned broadband can drive economic transformation.

Projected Economic Impact: Closing the rural broadband gap is estimated to generate $160 billion in economic growth by 2030.

B. Creating Digital Nomad & Remote Work Hubs in Rural Areas

Singapore and Estonia have successfully developed digital nomad visas and remote work ecosystems to attract global talent. The U.S. should:

• Develop Coworking & Remote Work Centers in Rural Towns

• Turn old warehouses, libraries, and underused spaces into digital work hubs.

• Provide fiber-backed internet + Starlink backup to ensure uninterrupted access.

• Offer Tax Incentives for Remote Workers to Relocate

• West Virginia offers $12,000 for remote workers to relocate. Expanding such programs nationwide could attract high-income earners to rural communities.

• Launch a “Remote America Initiative”

• Promote rural communities as remote work destinations through federal and state-backed initiatives.

Projected Economic Impact: If just 10% of newly remote professionals relocate to rural areas, it could inject $300 billion into local economies.

5. Overcoming Barriers to Rural Digital Transformation

Key Challenges & Solutions:

• Regulatory Hurdles:

• Outdated laws restrict rural broadband expansion.

• Solution: Streamline federal and state regulations to fast-track satellite and fiber deployment.

• Affordability Concerns:

• High-speed internet is expensive for low-income areas.

• Solution: Subsidized Starlink & broadband access for qualifying rural households and businesses.

• Public Awareness & Adoption:

• Many rural businesses aren’t aware of digital opportunities.

• Solution: National marketing campaigns & small business digital literacy training

6. Conclusion: The Road to a Digital Rural Renaissance

The future of America’s economy doesn’t have to be concentrated in urban tech hubs. By leveraging Starlink, fiber expansion, and 5G connectivity, rural America can compete on a global scale.

A comprehensive digital infrastructure strategy—including Starlink as a key player—can:

✅ Revitalize rural towns by attracting remote workers and digital entrepreneurs.

✅ Unlock billions in new economic activity through e-commerce, AI startups, and global freelancing.

✅ Close the urban-rural economic divide by ensuring every American has access to high-speed internet.

The time to act is now.

Bringing High-Tech Manufacturing Jobs Back to the U.S., Starting with Baltimore, Detroit, and Oakland

The United States was once the undisputed leader in manufacturing, but over the past several decades, globalization, offshoring, and automation have eroded domestic industrial capacity. Cities like Baltimore, Detroit, and Oakland—once booming industrial hubs—have experienced declining job opportunities, population loss, and economic stagnation as factories shut down or moved overseas.

However, the rise of high-tech manufacturing, automation, and AI-driven production presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild America’s industrial base. By investing in cutting-edge manufacturing sectors like semiconductors, clean energy technology, and aerospace, the U.S. can bring back high-paying jobs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reclaim its status as a global industrial powerhouse.

1. The Case for Rebuilding U.S. High-Tech Manufacturing

The global manufacturing landscape is shifting, and the U.S. has key advantages that make reshoring a viable strategy:

• Supply Chain Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed America’s overreliance on foreign manufacturing, particularly in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and essential electronics.

• Geopolitical Pressures: Rising tensions with China and Russia have pushed policymakers to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains and boost domestic production of strategic goods.

• Automation & AI-Driven Manufacturing: Advances in robotics and AI-driven production mean U.S. manufacturers can compete on cost even with low-wage countries.

• Federal Investment & Industrial Policy: The CHIPS Act ($52 billion for semiconductor production) and the Inflation Reduction Act (incentives for clean energy manufacturing) signal a new era of proactive industrial policy.

Baltimore, Detroit, and Oakland—with their deep-water ports, strong transportation infrastructure, and industrial history—are ideal candidates for America’s next manufacturing revival

2. Target Sectors for High-Tech Manufacturing Resurgence

Not all manufacturing jobs are coming back. Instead, the U.S. must focus on high-value, technology-driven industries where American innovation, automation, and supply chain security provide a competitive edge.

A. Semiconductor Manufacturing (Baltimore & Detroit)

The U.S. once led the world in semiconductor production but now manufactures only 12% of global supply. The CHIPS Act aims to bring semiconductor production back to America, with Intel, TSMC, and Micron announcing new U.S. fabs.

• Why Baltimore?

• Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab supports R&D for defense-grade semiconductors.

• Existing industrial infrastructure & workforce can be repurposed for chip fabrication.

• Port of Baltimore enables easy export of microchips.

• Why Detroit?

• The automotive industry is shifting to AI-driven electric vehicles (EVs), requiring advanced semiconductor production for self-driving technology.

• Legacy auto suppliers can transition to chip manufacturing.

B. Clean Energy Manufacturing (Oakland & Baltimore)

The U.S. is investing heavily in clean energy tech—wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries—but China dominates 80% of the supply chain.

• Why Oakland?

• California’s leadership in renewable energy makes it a natural hub for battery and solar panel production.

• Tech industry proximity (Silicon Valley) can drive innovation in sustainable manufacturing.

• Port of Oakland enables global export.

• Why Baltimore?

• Maryland has offshore wind energy projects requiring domestic turbine manufacturing.

• Existing shipbuilding infrastructure can pivot to offshore wind turbine production.

C. Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing (Detroit & Baltimore)

The U.S. defense sector relies on foreign-made components for key military technologies—a major national security risk.

• Detroit’s auto-to-aerospace transition:

• The same automation and precision manufacturing used in car production can be repurposed for aerospace parts, drones, and defense tech.

• Ford and GM already work with the Pentagon on military-grade vehicles.

• Baltimore’s defense hub:

• Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin have existing manufacturing operations that can be expanded.

• Naval shipbuilding infrastructure can support next-gen defense tech.

3. Economic & Job Growth Projections

Reshoring high-tech manufacturing in Baltimore, Detroit, and Oakland could generate hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

• Semiconductor Industry Growth (Baltimore & Detroit)

• New fabs create 10,000-15,000 direct jobs per facility + 50,000+ indirect jobs.

• Each fab contributes $10 billion+ in economic output.

• Clean Energy Manufacturing (Oakland & Baltimore)

• Wind turbine & battery factories create 8,000-12,000 direct jobs.

• Could reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese imports by 40% within a decade.

• Aerospace & Defense (Detroit & Baltimore)

• Defense manufacturing expansion creates 25,000+ high-paying jobs across both cities.

• Could boost local GDPs by $30 billion combined over 10 years.

4. Policy Recommendations for Success

For this high-tech manufacturing revival to succeed, the federal and local governments must take strategic actions:

• Expand Industrial Tax Credits:

• Offer tax breaks & R&D grants for manufacturers that invest in American production.

• Make it cost-competitive to manufacture domestically vs. overseas.

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):

• Tech giants (Intel, Tesla, Lockheed) should partner with city governments to fund factory construction and workforce training.

• Create High-Tech Workforce Pipelines:

• Invest in vocational programs for AI-driven manufacturing, semiconductor production, and robotics.

• Universities & community colleges should align curricula with emerging industry needs.

• Leverage “Buy American” Mandates:

• Ensure federally funded projects use U.S.-made components in defense, infrastructure, and clean energy.

5. Conclusion: A New Industrial Era for America

The decline of Baltimore, Detroit, and Oakland was not inevitable—it was the result of decades of policy choices that prioritized offshoring over domestic production. Now, America has a chance to reverse the trend by investing in high-tech manufacturing.

✅ Semiconductors in Baltimore & Detroit will future-proof U.S. technology.

✅ Clean energy manufacturing in Oakland & Baltimore will reduce dependence on China.

✅ Aerospace & defense investment will protect national security & create high-paying jobs.

⸻

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The Top Four Coffee Shops in Montgomery County You Should Know About

Montgomery County may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a world-class coffee scene, but if you know where to look, you’ll find some true gems. After a decade of research, here are my top four coffee shops in the MoCo:

1) Filicori Zecchini (Rockville) – Italian Precision in Every Sip

If you’re looking for the real Italian coffee experience—one that makes Starbucks feel like gas station brew—Filicori Zecchini in Rockville is the place to go. This high-end Italian brand has been roasting beans since 1919, and it shows in every shot of espresso they pull. The cappuccinos are velvety, the macchiatos are perfectly balanced, and the pastries? A worthy accompaniment. This is where you go when you want to drink coffee, not just consume caffeine.

2) Euro Market (Germantown) – Lavazza and a Hidden Gem of an Experience

At first glance, Euro Market in Germantown looks like your standard European grocery store, but walk inside and head to the café counter in the back, and you’ll find some of the best Lavazza coffee in the region. If you’re a fan of a strong, smooth, and classic Italian brew, this spot is an underrated treasure. The setup is no-frills, but that’s part of its charm—you’re here for the coffee, not the Instagram aesthetic. Bonus points if you pick up some Balkan or Eastern European snacks while you’re there.

3) Black Lion Coffee (Rockville) – A Direct Line to Ethiopia’s Legendary Harar Beans

Montgomery County has its share of chain coffee spots, but few places take their sourcing as seriously as Black Lion Coffee. Every week, they bring in freshly roasted beans from Harar, Ethiopia, one of the world’s oldest and most renowned coffee-growing regions. Harar beans are famous for their bold, wine-like flavors and deep, complex notes that stand out from your average cup of joe. The result? A rich, aromatic brew that gives you a true taste of Ethiopian coffee heritage. If you’re a coffee purist who likes knowing exactly where your beans come from, Black Lion is a must-visit.

4) Kaldi’s Social House (Silver Spring) – Ethiopian Coffee Culture in the DMV

Named after the legendary Ethiopian goat herder who (supposedly) discovered coffee, Kaldi’s Social House brings the full Ethiopian coffee experience to Silver Spring. Their beans are top-tier, sourced straight from Ethiopia, and their brewing methods honor the deep traditions of the world’s coffee capital. Whether you want a classic Ethiopian pour-over or just a well-executed latte, Kaldi’s delivers with style. Plus, the vibe is perfect for working, meeting up with friends, or just sitting back and enjoying a truly great cup of coffee.

Final Thoughts

Montgomery County is the modern version of a Silk Road outpost. Here all nations and tribes come together for a greater hole called America. I just wanted to share how the most American of drinks, coffee, has such an international flare in the nations capital

The Pakistanization of Maryland's Democracy (hint: it's not a good thing)

Earlier today, I completed my comprehensive exit oral exam for my master’s program in Democracy & Governance at Georgetown University.

One of the points I strongly argued in my examination is that the State of Maryland’s democracy is facing a crisis of epic proportions, and the trajectory of democratic decline and deconsolidation bears a striking resemblance to a phenomenon observed by political scientists in South Asia which I term to be Pakistanization.  This term describes the process by which a society’s elite (political and otherwise) capture industry, political institutions, media, and the judiciary, consolidating power in a way that serves their own interests at the expense of democratic norms, governance, and public welfare. Maryland, long a bastion of Democratic Party control, is increasingly exhibiting characteristics of this phenomenon, raising serious concerns about the state’s political and economic future, as well as questions as to whether the rule of law remains functional and extant within its borders.

Below, I give a brief but I think persuasive argument that Pakistanization is in full swing in Maryland, and has been for at least the past decade, though arguably it has accelerated under the tenure of Governor Wes Moore and his Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller.

The Features of Pakistanization in Maryland

Elite Capture of Key Institutions
In Pakistan, elite capture manifests through a small class of political dynasties, security officials, and business tycoons who dominate governance and economic activity. Maryland exhibits a similar pattern through the monopolization of political and economic power by a select group of politicians and corporate interests, creating an impenetrable establishment. Legislative and executive branches are controlled by long-standing political figures who cycle through different roles within the system, with little opportunity for outsiders to break in. The judiciary and media largely serve as extensions of these entrenched interests, amplifying their narratives and shielding them from scrutiny.

 Elite Capture of the Ballot Box

Take for instance Maryland’s dubious distinction of being home to some of the most expensive electoral races in American history: in 2016, the race for Maryland’s Eight Congressional District was the most expensive in U.S. history at the time. Last year, a full third of the Maryland congressional delegation had law degrees from Harvard, and a total of half of Maryland’s federal elected officials attended an Ivy League school for some portion of their education (including an MBA at Wharton for Rep. David Trone, and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School for Sen. Chris Van Hollen). While the Ivy Leagues have lost some representation with Sarbanes and Trone leaving office, their replacements, Sarah Elfreth (MPP – Hopkins) and April Delaney (J.D. – Georgetown) still have fairly elite credentials (full disclosure, I too am a Hoya, and proudly note that Georgetown’s commitment to social justice runs far deeper than any other higher education institution in the land).

 But it’s not just a matter of credentialism. According to Common Cause Maryland a quarter of Maryland’s state legislators have been appointed by secretive local party boards rather than elected into their office at the first instance. This is very similar to how Pakistan’s security elites often shape legislative candidatures to their choosing in order to maintain loyalty and control over the public.

Those party boards, particularly the raucous governing body of Montgomery County’s Democratic Party, have found national and international fame in the last few years. The ex-chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Party is alleged to have threatened at least one fellow party board member to vote for candidates of the Lt. Governor’s choosing, or face their wrath. Those accusations led to a call for a boycott of party fundraising events that proved disastrous for Democratic coffers in donor rich MoCo.  

Deterioration of Quality of Life
One of the most telling signs of Pakistanization is the sharp decline in the quality of life for ordinary citizens. Maryland, despite its wealth, is experiencing increased housing insecurity, faltering public transportation, and rising crime rates. Baltimore, once an industrial powerhouse, struggles with economic stagnation and disinvestment. Even in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties—two of the state’s most economically robust regions—working-class and immigrant communities face rising living costs and diminishing public services.

According to WTOP News, crime increased for the third year in a row last year in Montgomery County. Half of Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) high schools saw a major drop in quality according to the state’s annual school report card metric in 2023. While Baltimore has seen a major drop in crime in the past year, it should be noted that carjackings, break-ins and violent crimes have seen an uptick elsewhere across the state.

Rise in Corruption and Nepotism
Maryland’s political machine operates on a system of patronage, where well-connected insiders benefit from government contracts, appointments, and policy decisions tailored to their interests. The recent FBI investigations into political corruption in Baltimore, as well as ethics scandals involving high-ranking officials, highlight the growing culture of impunity among the state’s elite. This mirrors the entrenched cronyism in Pakistan, where political figures leverage their positions to enrich themselves and their allies at the expense of governance.

Aside from the absurdity of a secretive 24-person board appointing a whopping  40+% of all of Montgomery County’s state legislators, there are other issues of nepotism at work. It is commonplace for political elites to use their influence within Maryland government circles to secure contracts for non-profits their loved ones are   employed by, or to directly influence the hiring of staff by government bodies for  their inner circles or spouses. The former practice is so common that it is termed  the Non-Profit-Political Industrial Complex by political insiders.

Corruption: Is this Maryland or a Mad Max Franchise? Film?

In the last three years: a Maryland judge has committed suicide while awaiting the FBI to arrest them on federal charges for child sexual exploitation; a popular local mayor pled guilty to 140 charges of child pornography possession; two MCPS employees were convicted of theft of state funds in the hundreds of thousands; a Montgomery County Council employee was fired after they misused over ten thousand dollars of county funds for the benefit of their spouse; another state judge was removed from the bench recently over misconduct; the ex-governor’s chief of staff was killed after a Hollywood-style shootout with federal agents on a highway (he was a fugitive facing federal corruption charges); a prosecutor was indicted (and later pled guilty to) over 80 charges of gaming the criminal prosecution system to stalk, harass and malign their ex girlfriend and the list goes on. I’ll stop here for the benefit of the reader’s sanity.

In a state with roughly  2% of the American population, that is a lot of corruption in such a short amount of time, with far more being investigated as we speak, and plenty of convictions and indictments I simply chose not to publish in this short article tonight (expect a longer one soon).

Maryland’s political elite thrive on a culture of corruption—but that too will be a later post in the series!

Monopolistic Domination of the Ballot Box

A key feature of Pakistanization is the erosion of electoral competition. In Pakistan, military-backed parties and dynastic political families suppress opposition and manipulate elections to maintain their grip on power. In Maryland, the Democratic Party has achieved near-total electoral dominance, leaving voters with little real choice. Gerrymandering, restrictive ballot access laws, and the institutionalization of party loyalty ensure that incumbents rarely face meaningful challengers. As a result, elections become performative exercises rather than genuine democratic contests.

This section requires a full post on its own (yes, it’s coming), but suffice to say Maryland’s democratic processes have become cumbersome, deliberately exclusive, and often times design to keep voters out, and electoral elites in. In the past year alone, the number of political insider scandals involving Montgomery County’s ever-troubled Democratic Party and its efforts to stage-manage democracy for the benefit of elites is fairly telling (and yes, a post on this is coming very soon).

Voter Apathy and Declining Turnout

As the political system fails to deliver meaningful change, voters disengage. The economist & political scientist Albert Hirschman’s Exit, Voice, and Loyalty framework is useful here: Marylanders, seeing no viable options for political reform, are choosing exit over voice. This can be examined through how less than half of Maryland’s voters (48%) turned out to vote in the election that put Wes Moore & Aruna Miller into office in 2021.

Less than a third of Democrats (Dems enjoy a 2:1 registration advantage in Maryland) turned out to vote in the primary election that eventually led to the election of a Lt. Governor with open associations with foreign hard-right groups (despite her repeated denials) in a state that votes less blue than only California in presidential elections. Some will argue the low electoral turnout reflects a disinterest in democracy by the electorate. I argue strenuously that it reflects a deliberate locking out of the electorate by elites (who holds a primary election in the middle of July?). As a result, voters choose to exit the electoral marketplace.

Fiscal Decline and Population Exodus

As Pakistan’s political dysfunction has driven educated professionals and businesses abroad, Maryland is experiencing its own version of brain drain. High taxes, regulatory burdens, and the cost of living are pushing residents to relocate to Virginia, Florida, and Texas. This exodus reduces the state’s tax base, putting further strain on public services and infrastructure. Moreover, Maryland’s inability to attract and retain businesses exacerbates economic stagnation, limiting opportunities for upward mobility.

Nearly 200,000 Marylanders abandoned the state in 2023 alone. It was only one of five states to have a shrinking population overall last year. The problem gets worse when we consider just who is leaving: small business owners and tax-generating wealthy Marylanders are leaving the state in droves (why that is, is beyond our scope today).

 Can Maryland Reverse Course?                 

The answer is a qualified yes, Insha’Allah. But it won’t be easy.

The Pakistanization of Maryland did not happen in a vacuum or overnight, and reversing the trend towards interminable decline will require significant structural changes.

 First, addressing the extraordinary shortcomings of the Maryland Democratic Party and its county chapters weill essential to restoring both political competition and faith that said competition isn’t being stage-managed like it is in Pakistan. This does not mean simply electing more Republicans in an effort to shore up the loyal opposition. Instead,  it means fostering a genuinely competitive political environment where independent and third-party candidates can viably challenge entrenched power, and where we see a far higher engagement at the ballot box both in primaries and general elections (closer to 60+% turnout).

 Second, the state needs systemic electoral reforms, including redistricting transparency, ranked-choice voting, and stricter anti-corruption measures. Maryland’s Office of the State Prosecutor (OSP) is routinely underfunded and often deliberately under-resourced in an effort by elites to keep politics as usual…usual. Federal agents have had to descend on the state numerous times to deal with corruption Maryland’s political elites simply benefit  directly from or don’t want to deal with. Often, the only time political elites take action is when they see some of their own breaking away from the establishment, and seek a course correction by punishing one of the own as a way to make an example out of them. That’s Pakistanization at its purest, as Pakistan’s security and political elite recently did the same to Prime Minister Imran Khan for going off-script so many times in recent years. He is now in prison on invented charges of corruption, following at least one army-sponsored assassination attempt on his life.

Finally, civic engagement must be revitalized. Marylanders need to see government as an institution that serves them, not one that exists to perpetuate a political machine. Encouraging participation in local governance, supporting independent media, and holding elected officials accountable are key to ensuring that democracy in Maryland does not succumb to the fate of Pakistanization. Indeed, while Punjabi Samosas are tasty, they should not form the basis of our governance structure.

 The symptoms of Pakistanization are clear, but there is still an opportunity to chart a different path—one that prioritizes good governance, political competition, and economic vitality over entrenched elite control. The question is whether Maryland’s citizens and the political elites who seek to govern them have the will to make that change before it’s too late.  

The clock is ticking.

Exploring the Economic Opportunities of Remote Work and Digital Small Businesses: A Call to Invest in Rural America’s Digital Future

The global rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has opened up economic possibilities once beyond imagination. Digital nomads and small businesses leveraging online tools have become powerful drivers of today’s economy. Yet, the United States lags behind in investing in the infrastructure needed to fully harness this shift — especially in rural communities.

In cities, technology has become an integral part of daily life. But in rural America, many still face slow or nonexistent internet connections, limited coworking spaces, and outdated regulations that prevent remote businesses from flourishing.

With emerging technologies like Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet, the U.S. has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize struggling rural communities, transforming them into hubs for remote work, startups, and innovation.

The Remote Work Revolution Is Here to Stay

Remote work is not a temporary trend — it reflects a fundamental shift in our economy. According to McKinsey, 35% of U.S. jobs can be done fully remotely, and another 23% could function in a hybrid model.

If we invest properly in digital infrastructure, the benefits could be enormous:

• High-paying professionals in fields like tech, finance, and consulting could move to small towns — boosting local economies — if they have fast internet and supportive policies.

• Small businesses, including e-commerce stores and online service providers, could operate from anywhere with the right digital tools and internet access.

• Rural communities could tap into the $15 billion freelance market by offering shared workspaces and training programs for remote workers.

The Digital Divide: A Major Obstacle to Rural Economic Growth

Despite the promise of remote work, broadband internet access remains a major hurdle in rural America. According to the FCC, 14 million rural residents lack high-speed internet — though the real number is likely much higher.

Without fast internet:

• Small businesses struggle to compete in digital markets.

• Remote workers are forced to stay in cities, rather than revitalizing rural areas.

• Local governments lose out on tax revenue from digital commerce.

Starlink: A Game-Changer for Rural Internet Access

Despite the insane antics of its founder, Starlink, the satellite-based internet service, offers a revolutionary solution by providing high-speed connections without expensive fiber-optic installations.

• Starlink delivers speeds of 100–250 Mbps, comparable to urban broadband.

• Remote workers, freelancers, and digital businesses can operate efficiently from remote areas.

• Companies can relocate operations to rural areas without losing global connectivity.

Rural entrepreneurs can now launch Amazon shops, AI consulting firms, and software companies, using high-speed internet to access AI-powered tools and global markets that were previously out of reach.

Making Satellite Internet Affordable: Public-Private Collaboration

To maximize Starlink’s impact:

• Federal and state governments should offer subsidies for Starlink subscriptions to rural businesses and entrepreneurs.

• Partnerships with telecom and tech companies could help reduce costs and expand reach.

If even a small fraction of rural businesses and homes gain access to high-speed internet, $50 billion in new economic activity could be generated over the next decade.

Building Rural Digital Infrastructure for Remote Work Growth

Beyond Starlink, we need a comprehensive infrastructure strategy that includes:

• Expanding fiber-optic and satellite services to underserved areas.

• Deploying 5G networks to support businesses and remote workers.

• Investing in community-owned broadband networks, following successful models like Chattanooga, Tennessee.

With proper investment, bridging the digital divide could add $160 billion to the U.S. economy by 2030.

Creating Rural Remote Work and Innovation Hubs

Countries like Singapore and Estonia have pioneered remote work and digital nomad programs. The U.S. can adopt similar models to attract talent to rural areas.

• Convert underused buildings (like warehouses) into co-working hubs with fiber and Starlink backup internet.

• Offer tax incentives to encourage remote workers to relocate.

• Expand programs like West Virginia’s $12,000 relocation bonus to other states.

We should also launch a “Remote America Initiative” — a nationwide effort to help rural communities attract remote workers and digital businesses.

If just 10% of U.S. remote workers moved to rural areas, local economies could grow by $300 billion.

Overcoming Key Challenges

1. Outdated regulations — These block faster internet deployment. We need to streamline state and federal permitting to speed up the rollout of fiber and satellites.

2. High costs for low-income communities — Satellite internet isn’t cheap. Governments should subsidize broadband and Starlink for rural residents and businesses.

3. Low awareness among rural businesses — Many don’t realize what’s possible. We need education, marketing, and training programs to help small businesses thrive online.

A Vision for Rural America’s Future

The U.S. does not need to concentrate its future in just urban tech hubs. By investing in Starlink, fiber, and 5G, we can empower rural America to be part of the next economic boom.

With the right infrastructure:

• Remote workers and entrepreneurs can revitalize small towns.

• Rural communities can tap into e-commerce, AI startups, and the global freelance economy.

If we act now, we can close the rural-urban divide and ensure every American has access to the opportunities of the digital age.

America faces a choice:

• Lead the future of remote work, or

• Leave rural communities further behind.

A Little Good News for a Change: MoCo Is Quietly Beginning to Get Economic Development Right — Here’s What You Need to Know

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front):

Montgomery County’s Economic Development Fund (EDF) is working—creating thousands of jobs, supporting small businesses, and attracting innovation-driven companies. But if we want to restore full confidence in the county’s economy and lead Maryland in business growth, we need to double down on what's working and take bold new actions—including cutting red tape, incentivizing tech startups, bringing back high-tech manufacturing, and helping small businesses afford warehouse space.

While much of the political conversation in Maryland focuses on taxes and spending, Montgomery County has been quietly—and effectively—investing in real economic growth. The latest official report on the Economic Development Fund (EDF) shows how targeted investments are paying off, helping small businesses grow, supporting good jobs, and attracting innovative companies to the area.

Here’s what you need to know—and why it matters for every resident and business in Montgomery County:

Montgomery County’s Economic Development Wins (So Far)

1. Retaining and creating thousands of local jobs

• Over 2,400 jobs retained and created in FY2025 alone through grants and loans to major employers like Sodexo and Federal Realty.

• A $1.3 million investment helped retain a federal lease at 5600 Fishers Lane in Rockville, preserving 2,000 high-quality jobs that could have been lost.

2. Filling empty offices and reviving urban business centers

• Through MOVE (Make Office Vacancy Extinct), 43 businesses have been supported to move into or expand within Montgomery County—injecting life into empty office spaces.

• Average award: $26,000 — Average leased space: 3,625 sq. ft. — Over $1.5 million invested to date.

3. Supporting small businesses in disadvantaged communities

• Microloans, ranging from $500 to $15,000, help residents from disadvantaged areas like Silver Spring, Aspen Hill, and East County launch and grow small businesses.

• According to the Office of Legislative Oversight, these loans reach minority, immigrant, and women entrepreneurs who often lack access to traditional bank loans.

• Purple Line Small Business Impact Grants are providing $1,800/month to 40 businesses affected by construction, helping them survive and thrive.

4. Investing in biotech, innovation, and the future economy

• SBIR Matching Grants are helping biotech and life sciences startups turn cutting-edge research into products, with $140,000 disbursed so far this year.

• The Biotechnology Investor Incentive Program (BIIP) drives private investment in Montgomery County’s fast-growing biotech industry.

• The JOBS Initiative, a $20 million fund, rewards companies for creating high-paying, permanent jobs, focusing on emerging sectors like cybersecurity, AI, and health technology.

What More Can Montgomery County Do?

To keep up this momentum—and restore full confidence in the economy—Montgomery County should build on these successes with four bold next steps:

1. Guarantee fast-track permitting for small businesses and construction

• A "30-day permit guarantee" for small businesses would cut red tape and make Montgomery County one of the most business-friendly places in Maryland.

• Entrepreneurs need speed, not bureaucracy to succeed.

2. Create a "Tech and Innovation Tax Credit" for AI, biotech, and cybersecurity startups

• Compete with Northern Virginia and DC for next-gen companies and high-paying jobs.

• Targeted tax incentives for companies creating six-figure salaries and cutting-edge solutions will keep talent and growth here.

3. Launch a "Manufacturing Montgomery" initiative for high-tech industries

• Attract clean, high-tech manufacturing in semiconductors, batteries, and medical devices.

• Use federal CHIPS Act and other incentives to make Montgomery County a hub for advanced manufacturing and good union jobs.

4. Establish a "Warehouse and Logistics Support Fund" for small businesses

• Subsidize warehouse, storage, and light industrial space costs for small and growing businesses—especially e-commerce, distribution, and food-based startups.

• As real estate prices rise, many small businesses can’t afford critical storage and fulfillment space—limiting their growth.

• A warehouse fund would unlock local entrepreneurship, especially for minority-owned and immigrant-led businesses that are ready to scale but face cost barriers.

Final Takeaway: Montgomery County y Doesn’t Have to Slide into Interminable Decline

For several years now, MoCo Insiders with any sense have been accepting the reality that perhaps the county is inhabiting the worst possible timeline for itself. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The county can and should maintain a strong and vibrant commitment to pluralism, pro-labor stances, and social welfare. But it can also have a sophisticated approach to economic development and invigorating small and medium enterprises to play a vital role in our economy.

Montgomery County’s Economic Development Fund is working—helping businesses, creating jobs, and keeping innovation local. But to stay competitive and truly become Maryland's economic engine, we need to double down on what works and think even bigger.

By supporting small businesses with warehouse subsidies, fast permits, tech incentives, and modern manufacturing investments, Montgomery County can be the place where businesses choose to stay, grow, and hire local.

Further Reading — Source Documents:

• Full FY25 Economic Development Fund Staff Report

• 2023 Annual EDF Report

• OLO Report on Microloan and Economic Development Distribution

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The U.S. Must Lead a Global Treaty to Ban AI Killer Robots — Before It's Too Late

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Autonomous AI "killer robots" are an imminent threat to global security and human life. The U.S. must act now to lead a global treaty effort that prevents AI from deciding who lives or dies on the battlefield. Failure to act will hand the future of warfare to adversaries like China and Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• AI Killer Robots are real and coming fast — Russia, China, and even non-state actors (war profiteers and terrorists) are developing or deploying autonomous war systems now.

• Moral and legal frameworks already exist — Drawing on centuries-old natural law principles from St. Thomas Aquinas and Hugo Grotius, humanity has a duty to protect innocent life and uphold justice.

• International law is failing to keep pace — The UN and current treaties have not produced effective rules to govern AI in warfare, leaving a dangerous gap.

• America must lead — As a global superpower, the U.S. has both a strategic and moral obligation to prevent AI from waging war without human control.

• Concrete actions are possible — A global treaty, U.S. moratorium, coalition of democracies, trade and defense conditionality, and public education can set enforceable limits on AWS.

Bottom Line: AI-powered killer robots are a "point of no return" technology. Without immediate U.S. leadership on an international treaty, the world will face unaccountable, autonomous warfare—and America will lose the moral and strategic high ground.

Scenario: How A Killer AI Robot Begins WW3

It is 10:30 in the evening in a rural town in Oregon’s interior. A young girl awakes to a curious sound outside. Her parents remain sound asleep. Raised in the open spaces of Cascadia, the little girl is used to checking on happenings in and around the homestead on her own. Her parents have raised her to be independent and self-reliant. She goes downstairs to the front door to investigate. Curiosity is an American virtue. Her parents realized that a certain American president was making the world a far more dangerous place simply by opening his mouth, and moved out to the rural Northwest in hopes of enjoying the wet greenery and woods in peace for as long as possible.

Armed with a .50 caliber weapon, and a damaged logic system, the Killer Robot is part of a foreign-led asymmetrical warfare effort designed to rattle the American public into opposing their Queens-born chief executive, whose foolish rhetoric has inadvertently put the world on alert for a World War III scenario. U.S. Diplomats and America’s first Latino Secretary of State are scrambling to contain the damage of a deliberately inflammatory speech at the UN by the president, with the New York native now sheepishly agreeing perhaps he needs to calm down his rhetoric a little. The US has withdrawn from NATO, and the remaining members are threatening to invoke Article 5 if the U.S. carries out a threat to invade Canada.

The little girl opens the front door slowly, and is confronted with a malfunctioning, foreign-made automated weapons system (AWS) - a.k.a. a KILLER AI Robot. The child does not survive the encounter with the Killer AI. Her parents are devastated, and the traumatized first-responders who arrived at the scene after the Killer AI mistook the girl for an armed combatant carry her to her final resting place at the closed-casket funeral.

Despite assurances from NATO, China, Iran, Pakistan and Russia that the weapon is not theirs, the United States Congress convenes, and for the first time in over 80 years, formally declares war. Nuclear weapons are in play. Somewhere else in the world, a wealthy investor pours themselves a glass of champagne as the news of potential Armageddon is read out on live television.

Introduction

The above scenario is fictional thankfully today, but it won’t be be for much longer.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered autonomous weapon systems (AWS), or "killer robots," are no longer science fiction. From Russia's AI arms race to Israel's battlefield algorithms, these systems are poised to fundamentally disrupt warfare and global security. Without swift international action—anchored in our oldest legal and moral traditions—the world risks plunging into an AI-driven era of unchecked, automated killing. The United States, as the world’s leading superpower, has both the strategic imperative and moral duty to lead the creation of an international treaty governing AWS. Failure to act will cede this critical field to adversaries like China and Russia, endangering global stability and American lives.

Why AI Killer Robots Demand Urgent Action

Autonomous war systems are evolving at breakneck speed. Russia's Vladimir Putin openly declared that AI leadership will determine global dominance, stating the leader in AI "will rule the world." China is spending $150 billion on AI development, and Saudi Arabia has committed $40 billion—nearly a quarter of its budget—to similar pursuits. Non-state actors, including Hezbollah, are already deploying AI drones for reconnaissance.

Even American tech leaders like Google's former CEO, Eric Schmidt, are terrified of AI-driven warfare and terrorism in the near term. Yet, while militaries rush ahead, there is no global agreement on how—or whether—to regulate these machines of war. The Group of Governmental Experts under the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) has repeatedly failed to reach consensus, leaving the world exposed to the dangerous, imminent arrival of AWS.

Natural Law: A Time-Tested Framework for Modern Threats

Though AI is new, the moral and legal principles needed to regulate it are not. The centuries-old tradition of natural law—shaped by thinkers like St. Thomas Aquinas and Hugo Grotius—provides a clear guide. Natural law holds that protecting innocent life and advancing the common good are universal duties. It insists on justice, dignity, and accountability—principles dangerously absent from AI warfare.

Aquinas writes, "whatever is a means of preserving human life, and of warding off its obstacles, belongs to the natural law." AI, when allowed to autonomously decide life or death, directly violates this principle—especially when its mistakes could wipe out entire populations. In Gaza, for instance, AI-assisted targeting has already reportedly contributed to civilian deaths, proving that even advanced algorithms cannot replicate human judgment in war.

Grotius emphasized that nations must "cooperate in what tends to the common advantage." In an age where AI-driven wars could annihilate humanity, cooperating to regulate these weapons is not optional—it’s an existential necessity. Just as natural law guided treaties banning chemical and biological weapons, it can and should guide the fight against AWS.

What’s the Danger? Real Risks of Killer AI Robots

The public often imagines AWS as distant, futuristic threats—but AI killer robots are closer than we think. Experts quoted in Bloomberg News estimate operational killer AI robots may hit battlefields within the next decade. Should adversaries or terrorists acquire these systems, the consequences could be catastrophic: automated drone swarms attacking civilian cities, AI-driven assassination bots, and untraceable AI warfare that leaves no one accountable.

Current Legal Vacuum and Strategic Vulnerability

Existing international law provides little effective guidance. The UN’s Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) has repeatedly struggled and failed to develop enforceable guidelines or amendments addressing AWS, resulting in an ambiguous and dangerously unregulated landscape. Absent clear international standards, state and non-state actors race to deploy autonomous systems, dramatically increasing the likelihood of accidental or deliberate mass civilian harm.

Historically, international agreements—rooted in natural law principles—have effectively curtailed similarly destabilizing technologies, such as chemical and biological weapons. These successes illustrate that ethical frameworks can and should guide international action, provided they receive unequivocal leadership and enforcement from leading global powers.

Policy Recommendations: American Leadership is Essential

The United States, as the preeminent global superpower, must spearhead the development and ratification of a binding international treaty governing AWS. Immediate, practical steps include:

1. Convening a Global Summit on AWS:

Lead global negotiations—modeled after the successful Chemical Weapons Convention—to establish clear prohibitions and standards, including mandatory human oversight for all AI-enhanced lethal systems.

2. Enacting a National Moratorium on AWS Development:

Establish a temporary U.S. moratorium on AWS development and deployment, signaling America’s moral leadership and preventing an uncontrollable arms race.

3. Building an International AI Ethics Coalition:

Coordinate a global coalition of democratic nations committed to ethical standards for AI warfare, exerting diplomatic and economic pressure to secure global compliance.

4. Leveraging Defense and Trade Agreements:

Condition U.S. defense pacts and technology-sharing agreements on strict adherence to AWS guidelines, providing powerful incentives for allies and partners to reject autonomous killing machines.

5. Initiating Public Diplomacy and Education Efforts:

Launch robust advocacy and educational campaigns, similar to the “Campaign to Stop Killer Robots,” to mobilize public support for global regulation and increase political pressure on reluctant nations.

A Call to Action: Why U.S. Leadership Matters

Some realists argue that America should keep all options open and avoid limiting its military arsenal. But allowing AI to make life-or-death decisions without human oversight risks strategic chaos, accidental wars, and devastating civilian casualties. Even from a cold, realist standpoint, rules are better than anarchy, and a treaty with enforcement teeth is the best way to prevent an AI arms race that no one can win.

From a moral perspective, America’s Christian-majority Senate—58 Protestants and 20 Roman Catholics—should resonate with Aquinas’s teaching: the killing of innocents is forbidden by divine and natural law. Allowing AWS to operate without human judgment opens the door to precisely this unacceptable outcome.

Conclusion: Our Choice—Leadership or Catastrophe

The stakes could not be higher. Humanity stands at the precipice of a potentially irreversible technological catastrophe. Natural law provides both the ethical justification and the strategic rationale for action. The choice is stark: America can lead, ensuring an accountable, regulated, and humane future—or it can watch passively as adversaries define the battlefield with catastrophic consequences.

In a world teetering on the brink of AI-induced conflict, the U.S. must urgently champion a treaty that reasserts humanity’s control over war. Doing so will not only reinforce America’s global leadership but fulfill its deepest ethical obligations. The alternative—a world governed by rogue algorithms—is simply unacceptable.

History will judge America’s response. Let it record that the United States chose humanity, accountability, and justice over unregulated killing machines.

DOGE’s Assault on the National Park Service Makes No Sense

In an era where fiscal responsibility is supposedly paramount, one would think lawmakers would recognize a simple truth: the National Park Service (NPS) is one of the most profitable investments the federal government makes.

Yet, instead of strengthening it, DOGE is fixated on gutting its funding, undermining an institution that not only preserves America’s natural and historical heritage but also generates billions in economic benefits.

Let’s be clear—defunding the National Park Service is not just shortsighted; it’s economically illiterate. In 2022 alone, national parks brought in $50.3 billion in economic output and supported over 378,000 jobs across the country. Compare that to the Park Service’s modest budget, which hovers around $3.5 billion—a mere fraction of the revenue these parks generate. If this were a private enterprise, slashing its budget while it produced an enviable return on investment would be considered sabotage.

But this isn’t just about profit margins—it’s about protecting one of America’s greatest public goods. Our national parks are part of the American soul. From the towering peaks of Yosemite to the deep canyons of Zion, from the battlefields of Gettysburg to the solemn grounds of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, these spaces embody our history, our values, and our collective identity. They are not luxuries; they are essential pieces of our national character. Every dollar cut from the Park Service means fewer rangers, more maintenance backlogs, and degraded visitor experiences—problems that will ultimately cost taxpayers more in the long run.

The consequences of underfunding are already visible. Across the country, parks are struggling with infrastructure decay—crumbling roads, dilapidated visitor centers, outdated wastewater systems, and trails in disrepair. The NPS maintenance backlog now exceeds $22 billion, and without proper funding, that number will continue to balloon. Visitors are increasingly met with closed facilities, overcrowded campsites, and fewer rangers available to educate, guide, and protect them.

So why attack the National Park Service? Because it’s an easy target for ideological crusaders who conflate public goods with wasteful spending. It’s the same playbook used to justify austerity policies that benefit no one but private interests eager to see public lands mismanaged or even sold off. Some lawmakers see public parks as prime real estate for commercial exploitation—whether it’s mining, drilling, or privatizing public spaces for corporate profit. This is not about budget efficiency—it’s about undermining government institutions for the sake of political theater.

Defunding the NPS doesn’t just hurt nature lovers or history buffs—it hurts businesses and local economies that depend on the tourism and economic activity these parks create. Small towns and rural communities near national parks thrive on the influx of visitors who spend money on lodging, dining, and recreation. Weakening the Park Service threatens this entire economic ecosystem, stripping communities of jobs and revenue streams they’ve relied on for generations.

Americans across the political spectrum love their national parks. They are one of the few institutions left in this country that still unite us. But they won’t stay that way if we let reckless budget cuts turn them into neglected, crumbling relics. If fiscal responsibility really mattered to these lawmakers, they’d invest more—not less—in a system that provides unmatched economic and cultural returns.

The bottom line? Defunding the National Park Service is not just an attack on America’s greatest landscapes and historic sites—it’s an attack on American prosperity itself. And we should fight it with everything we’ve got.

Feeling the Bern 2.0: Why Senator Sanders is Wildly Popular in Red Districts

In an era where political divisions run deep, Senator Bernie Sanders has embarked on a remarkable journey, traversing rural and traditionally conservative districts to engage directly with tens of thousands of Americans.

Bernie’s mission transcends partisan boundaries, aiming to address the everyday policy needs of citizens who feel marginalized by a political system increasingly dominated by elite interests. This grassroots movement underscores a growing sentiment: regardless of political affiliation, many Americans believe their voices are being drowned out by the influence of wealthy elites and special interest groups.

A Grassroots Movement Bridging the Divide

Sanders’ recent tours through states like Iowa and Nebraska exemplify his commitment to reaching out to communities often overlooked by mainstream politics. At 83, Sanders isn’t positioning himself for another presidential run; instead, he’s laying the groundwork for a progressive movement that empowers local leaders and addresses pressing issues such as wealth inequality, healthcare access, and affordable housing. His rallies have drawn significant crowds, reflecting a hunger for genuine engagement and solutions that resonate with everyday experiences.

Shared Frustrations: A Rigged System

Across the political spectrum, there’s a palpable frustration with a system perceived to be rigged in favor of the affluent. Studies have shown that the U.S. government’s policies often align more closely with the interests of economic elites and organized interest groups than with the average citizen. This disconnect has led to feelings of disenfranchisement among many Americans, who believe their needs and concerns are sidelined in favor of those with deep pockets.

The Revolt Against the Elites

This sentiment isn’t new. Christopher Lasch’s 1995 book, “The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy,” delved into the widening gap between the affluent and the general populace. Lasch argued that the new elites, buoyed by globalization, have become detached from their fellow citizens, leading to a decline in civic responsibility and community engagement. They’ve “withdrawn from common life,” investing in private services and distancing themselves from public institutions.

Fast forward to today, and that sense of detachment has only intensified. The concentration of connections, wealth and power has fostered an environment where policies are crafted to benefit a select few, leaving the majority to grapple with economic uncertainties diminished opportunities and a sense of marginalization in even the most routine of governance matters like zoning ordinances and local funding priorities.

A Bipartisan Call for Reform

Sanders’ outreach highlights a crucial point: the desire for reform transcends party lines. Both conservative and liberal constituents express concerns about healthcare affordability, job security, and the integrity of democratic institutions. This convergence suggests that while political parties may be polarized, the everyday struggles and aspirations of Americans are strikingly similar.

However, the current political landscape often amplifies divisions, with parties prioritizing donor interests over constituent needs. This misalignment has led to a growing distrust in traditional political structures and a yearning for leaders who genuinely represent the people’s interests.

The Path Forward: Reclaiming Democracy

To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is essential:

1. Campaign Finance Reform: Reducing the influence of money in politics is crucial. Implementing stricter campaign finance laws can help ensure that elected officials prioritize their constituents over wealthy donors.

2. Grassroots Engagement: Encouraging community involvement in the political process can bridge the gap between citizens and their representatives. Town halls, local forums, and participatory budgeting are avenues to amplify grassroots voices.

3. Economic Policies for All: Crafting policies that address income inequality, such as progressive taxation and affordable healthcare, can alleviate the economic pressures faced by many Americans.

4. Educational Initiatives: Promoting civic education can empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable and participate actively in democracy.

Conclusion: Unity Through Shared Struggles

Bernie Sanders’ barnstorming tours serve as a poignant reminder that beneath the surface-level political divides, Americans share common concerns and aspirations. By focusing on these shared experiences and advocating for systemic reforms, there’s potential to unite a fragmented populace and steer the nation toward a more inclusive and equitable democracy.

In the words of Sanders, it’s time to come together to “create an economy and a government that works for all, not just the 1%.”

Tonight's GOP Budget Resolution: A Fiscal Gamble That Risks Ballooning Debt

BLUF: Key Talking Points

• The GOP budget resolution includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts but only $2 trillion in spending reductions, increasing the deficit.

• Medicaid faces an $800 billion cut, impacting 72 million Americans, while defense and border security receive a $300 billion boost.

• A $4 trillion debt ceiling increase signals that tax cuts will drive up national debt.

• The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has not yet analyzed the full fiscal impact, but early estimates predict a higher debt-to-GDP ratio within five years.

• This budget sets the stage for the 2024 election, aligning with Trump’s priorities but lacking a sustainable fiscal plan.

Introduction

The recently passed House Republican budget resolution promises sweeping tax cuts, aggressive spending reductions, and increased defense funding. Marketed as a fiscally responsible vision for America, the reality is far more precarious. If implemented, this budget will likely drive the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio higher, undermining claims of economic sustainability and setting the stage for future financial instability.

The Core Components: Tax Cuts and Spending Reductions

At the heart of the resolution are $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over the next decade. These cuts include extensions of the 2017 Trump tax policies, reductions in taxes on overtime, tips, and Social Security benefits, and a higher cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. While these provisions will be popular among taxpayers, their fiscal impact is another story.

To offset the revenue loss, the resolution proposes between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion in spending cuts. The most controversial component is the $800 billion in reductions to Medicaid, affecting over 72 million Americans. These cuts will disproportionately impact low-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals who rely on government-supported healthcare programs.

Defense and Border Security Get a Boost

In contrast to cuts elsewhere, the resolution increases funding for defense and border security, allocating $300 billion for military expansion and immigration enforcement. This move aligns with the GOP’s strong stance on national security but raises questions about whether these priorities justify cuts to essential social services.

The Debt Paradox: Higher Deficits on the Horizon

Despite its claim to fiscal conservatism, this budget includes a $4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling, a tacit admission that the proposed tax cuts will widen the deficit. According to early estimates from fiscal watchdogs, the proposal could add at least $2.8 trillion to the national debt by 2034, with some models predicting an even higher burden.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has yet to release a formal analysis of the bill, but existing economic projections paint a concerning picture. Prior to this resolution, the CBO estimated that the national debt would rise from 99% of GDP in 2024 to 116% by 2034. Given the added tax cuts and spending priorities, this budget likely accelerates that trajectory, pushing the U.S. debt load into uncharted territory.

A Policy Playbook for the 2024 Election

The passage of this budget resolution is as much about setting the GOP’s policy agenda for 2024 as it is about governance. With Donald Trump leading the Republican charge, this budget reflects his administration’s economic vision—prioritizing tax relief, military strength, and immigration enforcement while cutting social programs.

However, the math does not add up. The proposed tax cuts far outweigh the spending reductions, and if history is any guide, economic growth alone will not be enough to offset the revenue losses. The result? A spiraling deficit that future administrations will have to contend with.

The Case for Fiscal Responsibility

For voters and policymakers alike, the question is not whether tax cuts are desirable but whether they are sustainable. With debt already at record highs and interest payments on that debt growing, America cannot afford another round of unfunded tax cuts without a clear plan for balancing the budget.

As the Senate considers an alternative budget framework, it is crucial for lawmakers to demand a full fiscal impact analysis. Otherwise, the country risks embracing a policy path that exacerbates economic instability rather than strengthening it.

Conclusion: A Conversation Worth Having The GOP budget resolution is not just a set of numbers—it is a reflection of national priorities and economic strategy. With billions at stake and the potential for long-term financial consequences, this is a debate worth having in the public sphere. As experts and analysts continue to dissect the details, one thing is clear: fiscal responsibility must remain at the forefront of policy discussions.

Call to Action: If you are concerned about the impact of this budget on America’s financial future, reach out to your representatives and demand transparency. Ask for a full CBO analysis and ensure that economic sustainability, not just short-term political gains, drives fiscal policy decisions. Stay informed, engage in the conversation, and share this analysis with others to highlight the stakes at hand.

The UMBC Poll Got It Wrong. Here's Why.

Earlier this week, the UMBC Institute of Politics released a poll claiming that Maryland Governor Wes Moore enjoys a 52% approval rating among Marylanders. But as someone who attended UMBC for undergrad and now studies democracy and governance at Georgetown, I know a thing or two about polling methodologies, and this one is very flawed.

At best, the UMBC Poll presents an incomplete snapshot of public opinion; at worst, it paints a misleadingly rosy picture of Moore’s standing among Maryland voters. A closer look at its methodology and sampling bias reveals why we should be deeply skeptical of its conclusions.

1. The Poll Likely Oversampled Establishment-Linked Voters in Key Counties

The geographic distribution of respondents raises red flags. The poll sampled a fair proportion from Montgomery County (17%) and Prince George’s County (15%), which are home to large numbers of political insiders, and Maryland establishment-aligned interest groups. The Moore-Miller administration has pulled heavily from Montgomery County's legislative lineup in particular to fill senior ranks in the administration. Many of these appointments have been seen as pay-for-play.

However, these two counties are far from monolithic. Montgomery County’s UpCounty region is majority-minority and heavily immigrant, yet it routinely experiences voter turnout below 25% in Democratic primaries. These residents—many of whom have experienced government repression in their home countries—tend to be more skeptical of government agendas and unlikely to engage in web-to-text polling. Moreover, Scientific American published an insightful article in October 2024 that highlighted that American election polling has become significantly less reliable.

Yet, the poll does not adjust for the low primary turnout rates in these communities or their historical distrust of establishment-backed politicians like Moore. This self-selection bias likely tilts the sample in favor of white, establishment-linked respondents while sidelining a more representative cross-section of Maryland’s electorate.

Source: Montgomery County Board of Elections Turnout Data

2. Self-Selection Bias Favors Pro-Governor Respondents

The mode of data collection is another major issue. The UMBC Poll used a mix of live-interviewer phone calls (17%) and text-to-web responses (56%), a format that skews toward politically engaged, higher-trusting, and establishment-aligned respondents.

Why does this matter? Immigrant-heavy communities, particularly in UpCounty Montgomery and many parts of Prince George’s, have long histories of over-policing, government surveillance, and political repression. As a result, residents in these communities are likely to be wary of responding to government-adjacent surveys—especially through traceable digital platforms like text-to-web, which was highly relied upon by the pollsters.

This creates a massive self-selection bias, where the respondents most likely to trust government and approve of Moore are overrepresented, while those more skeptical or disengaged are effectively excluded.

Source: Pew Research on Digital Polling Bias

3. The Question Order and Wording Skew Responses

Even before considering the sample issues, the way the survey questions were asked could have inflated Moore’s approval rating.

• The poll asked whether respondents approve of how Moore is handling his job—but without specifying what aspects of his governance were being evaluated.

• Respondents were not given a neutral option, meaning those who might otherwise say “I don’t know” were forced into an approval/disapproval binary, which inflates approval among disengaged voters.

• The only option available to reflect neutrality were “Don’t Know” or “Refused to Answer”. This again suggests an inherent bias by those conducting the poll.

• Pollsters often prime respondents by placing approval questions after more neutral or positive framing. Without seeing the full question order, we can’t rule out order effects artificially boosting Moore’s approval.

Source: American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) on Question Bias

4. The Poll Contradicts Economic Sentiment and Misrepresents Working-Class Voters

Perhaps the biggest reason to question Moore’s supposed 52% approval is that it doesn’t align with economic sentiment in the same poll:

• 67% of Marylanders say the economy is poor or fair.

• 49% say the state is on the wrong track, compared to just 42% who say it’s moving in the right direction.

• The majority of respondents earn over $75,000, with 32% making over $125,000. Lower-income voters—who are most impacted by economic downturns and tend to be more skeptical of establishment politicians—appear underrepresented in the poll.

If nearly half of Marylanders think the state is heading in the wrong direction, why would a majority approve of the governor’s performance? The answer likely lies in the sampling and response bias discussed earlier. Moore’s real approval rating may be far lower among the broader electorate, particularly among working-class and immigrant communities who feel left behind.

Source: Scientific American on Polling Accuracy

5. The UMBC Poll Is a New and Unproven Operation

The UMBC Institute of Politics only launched its polling operation in August 2024, meaning this is only their second statewide poll.

• Their methodologies and sampling techniques are still being refined, and with such a limited track record, it’s difficult to assess their reliability.

• This lack of historical polling data makes it hard to determine whether their margins of error and weighting techniques are sound.

Conclusion: A Poll That Misses the Bigger Picture

Polling is only as good as its methodology, and the UMBC Poll fails to capture the full reality of Maryland’s political landscape. By oversampling party loyalist hotzones, underrepresenting skeptical immigrant communities, and relying on a response-biased methodology, the poll creates an illusion of broad support for Wes Moore that likely does not exist.

If UMBC wants to be taken seriously as an institution producing credible political research, it must acknowledge and correct these deep methodological flaws in future polling. Until then, take its 52% approval rating with a tablespoon of salt.

Source: UMBC Poll Methodology Statement

Apple’s Geopolitical Gamble in MENA & Pakistan: Risk, Reward, and Resilience

Apple, the world’s most valuable company, is no stranger to navigating geopolitical minefields. While the company’s core manufacturing remains anchored in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), along with Pakistan, have emerged as critical consumer markets. Yet, expanding in this region comes with unique risks—political instability, regulatory crackdowns, cybersecurity threats, and economic volatility all threaten Apple’s operations and brand.

Can Apple sustain its growth in MENA and Pakistan without becoming entangled in the region’s complex power struggles?

Why MENA & Pakistan Matter to Apple

Despite not having manufacturing operations in the region, Apple sees MENA and Pakistan as high-growth markets.

• Rising Consumer Demand: iPhone sales continue to grow in Gulf states, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia among Apple’s top-performing markets.

• Expanding Fintech & Services: Apple Pay adoption is surging, and the App Store is a key revenue driver.

• Tech Talent Hubs: Egypt, UAE, and Pakistan are emerging as digital economies, fostering app development and IT services.

But while the region offers strong potential, it also presents unique geopolitical and regulatory challenges that Apple cannot ignore.

Apple’s Top Risks in MENA & Pakistan

Apple must tread carefully in a region rife with uncertainty. Here are some of the biggest risks facing the company:

1. Government Regulation & Compliance Risks

Apple’s commitment to user privacy and an open internet often clashes with government demands for data control.

• Digital Censorship: Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt routinely pressure tech companies to remove apps or restrict content critical of their regimes.

• Data Localization Laws: Countries like Saudi Arabia require companies to store user data locally, complicating Apple’s iCloud operations.

• Backdoor Access Requests: Governments in the region may push Apple to provide encrypted data access—a direct conflict with its privacy-first stance.

Potential Impact: App removals, legal disputes, and reputational damage if Apple complies with censorship.

2. Political Instability & Geopolitical Tensions

The MENA region and Pakistan are no strangers to political upheaval. Below is a quick summary of threats:

• Civil Unrest & Conflict Zones: Yemen, Syria, Libya, and Lebanon remain unstable, limiting Apple’s market reach.

• Pakistan’s Volatile Political Climate: Leadership changes, civil-military tensions, and protests can disrupt operations.

• US-China Tech Rivalry Spillover: MENA’s growing ties with Huawei and China’s AI sector could create diplomatic headaches for Apple.

Potential Impact: Disruptions to local sales, regulatory unpredictability, and security concerns for Apple employees and retail partners.

3. Economic & Currency Risks

Economic instability in key markets threatens Apple’s pricing strategy.

• Severe Currency Devaluation: Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan have all seen their currencies lose value, making Apple products less affordable.

• Sanctions on Iran: Apple products remain in high demand despite U.S. sanctions, fueling a lucrative gray market.

• Tariffs & Trade Barriers: Some Gulf states impose high import duties on foreign electronics, cutting into profit margins.

Potential Impact: Loss of market share to more affordable competitors (Samsung, Huawei) and unpredictable revenue streams.

4. Cybersecurity & Reputational Risks

As Apple expands its digital ecosystem in MENA and Pakistan, it faces growing cyber threats.

• State-Sponsored Spyware: Governments have been known to use tools like Pegasus spyware to target iPhones.

• Content Moderation Controversies: Apple faces pressure from both activists and authoritarian states regarding app removals.

• Human Rights Scrutiny: Apple’s presence in countries with labor and human rights concerns (e.g., UAE’s treatment of migrant workers) could spark backlash.

Potential Impact: Cybersecurity breaches, loss of consumer trust, and PR crises over ethical dilemmas.

How Apple Can Mitigate These Risks

While these risks are significant, Apple has strategies to manage them.

• Regulatory Engagement: Strengthening government affairs teams to navigate evolving laws while advocating for digital rights.

• Diversifying Supply Chains: Reducing reliance on Suez Canal routes by optimizing distribution networks.

• Pricing & Currency Strategies: Adjusting product pricing and leveraging financial hedging to counter currency fluctuations.

• Cybersecurity Enhancements: Strengthening iPhone encryption and collaborating with cybersecurity experts to block state-sponsored spyware.

• Balancing Ethics & Business: Apple must walk a fine line—expanding its market reach while upholding its brand values on privacy and free expression.

Final Thoughts: Can Apple Win in MENA & Pakistan?

Apple’s future in MENA and Pakistan is a delicate balancing act—one that requires careful navigation of regulatory, political, and cybersecurity risks. The company must decide how much compliance vs. resistance it can afford in dealing with censorship, privacy concerns, and government pressures.

With strong demand for its products, Apple can’t afford to ignore the region. But can it protect its brand, values, and users while expanding its footprint?

That remains Apple’s biggest challenge—though far from insurmountable.

DDA Manual Changes: A Threat to Self-Directed Care and Fair Wages

The recent revisions to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Manual—implemented in November 2024—are sending shockwaves through Maryland’s self-directed care community. Following the bait-and-switch tactics on funding we exposed earlier in Maryland’s Bait-and-Switch on Disability Funding: Don’t Be Fooled, it now appears that drastic cost-saving measures are not limited to short-term budget gimmicks but extend to the very core of service delivery: the wages and working conditions of self-directed services (SDS) staff, particularly the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who deliver daily care.

A Cost-Cutting Playbook That Endangers Quality of Care

Under the Moore-Miller administration’s agenda, the latest changes to the DDA Manual threaten to reduce wages for DSPs as part of a broader cost-saving strategy. These DSPs are not unskilled, minimum-wage workers; they are highly trained professionals essential to maintaining the quality and continuity of care for individuals with developmental disabilities.

A recent letter from a respected law firm on behalf of the Self-Directed Advocacy Network of Maryland (SDAN) laid bare the risks inherent in these measures. The letter detailed how reducing wages and curbing cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) could lead to:

• Catastrophic Staff Loss: If wages are cut below the dollar amounts noted below, there will be a sudden, severe exodus of experienced and skilled caregivers, undermining service continuity for thousands of Marylanders with developmental disabilities.

• Threats to Health and Safety: With fewer resources to recruit and retain well-trained staff, the safety and well-being of individuals relying on these services are at risk.

• Increased Operational Costs: Short-term savings may lead to higher long-term expenses through increased turnover, repeated training, and diminished care quality.

What Do These Wage Cuts Mean in Real Terms?

For many DSPs, a “living wage” isn’t just a number—it’s the baseline required to cover housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator for a family of one adult with two children, the estimated hourly living wages in Maryland’s most populous jurisdictions are approximately:

• Montgomery County: $32.00 per hour

• Howard County: $31.00 per hour

• Baltimore County: $30.00 per hour

• Baltimore City: $30.00 per hour

• Prince George’s County: $30.50 per hour

• Frederick County: $29.00 per hour

Assuming full-time work at 40 hours per week (2,080 hours per year), these rates translate into annual incomes of roughly:

• Montgomery County: $66,560 per year

• Howard County: $64,480 per year

• Baltimore County: $62,400 per year

• Baltimore City: $62,400 per year

• Prince George’s County: $63,440 per year

• Frederick County: $60,320 per year

These figures starkly illustrate that DSPs require wages significantly above current baselines to meet the true cost of living for a family. Failure to maintain these levels means risking not only financial insecurity for caregivers but also a catastrophic loss of the skilled workforce essential for quality, self-directed care.

The Real Faces Behind the Numbers

It is crucial to recognize that a significant portion of the caregiving staff are immigrant mothers of color — many of whom are raising one to two children while working these demanding jobs. These women are not only the backbone of self-directed care—they are also striving to support their own families under challenging economic circumstances. The undervaluation of their labor, combined with Maryland’s high cost of living, underscores the profound injustice of any wage cuts. Such reductions directly threaten their ability to provide for their children and themselves while continuing to deliver essential, round-the-clock care.

Comparing Workloads: DSPs vs. State Legislators

In stark contrast, Maryland state legislators have historically earned modest salaries relative to the intensive, full-year work of DSPs. For example, between 2010 and 2014, the base annual salary for a legislator was $43,500—with the Senate President and House Speaker earning $56,500 in 2010. Following recommended increases, from 2015 through 2018, legislator salaries rose incrementally—from $45,207 to $50,330 for general legislators, and from $58,718 to $65,371 for the Senate President and House Speaker. For the period 2019 through 2023, salaries have remained at these 2018 levels, as detailed in the Maryland Manual: General Assembly Compensation

Importantly, these legislative salaries are awarded for a very stressful and demanding yet still part-time role: Maryland’s legislators are in session full time for only about three months each year, with the remaining nine months involving much lighter (yet still significant) duties. Meanwhile, DSPs and caregivers work 12 months a year. Their roles extend far beyond a short legislative session, encompassing round-the-clock care that is both physically and emotionally taxing. DSPs routinely handle:

• Complex Health Challenges: Managing conditions such as severe allergies, seizures, and communication impairments.

• Essential Daily Support: Providing assistance with mobility, transportation, meal preparation, personal hygiene (including showering and grooming), and household tasks.

• Emotional and Crisis Management: Addressing emergencies and unexpected changes in a client’s health or behavior without backup.

This continuous, intensive workload—often under significant personal risk and with limited support—demonstrates that the value of DSPs far exceeds that of any part-time public service role. While legislators face extraordinary pressure during their short sessions, caregivers, including many immigrant mothers of color, shoulder unrelenting demands every day of the year.

A Manual Without a Public Mandate

The changes in the DDA Manual were introduced without the proper stakeholder engagement mandated by Maryland’s Administrative Procedure Act. Instead of a collaborative review, these revisions—ranging from budget allocation inflexibility to unauthorized restrictions on DSPs’ employer authority—were pushed through with little to no public input. The result is a policy document that not only contravenes the spirit of the Self-Direction Act of 2022 but also places participants and their support teams in a precarious position.

Key issues outlined in the letter include:

• Unilateral Policy Shifts: The DDA abandoned established practices, such as objective criteria for personal supports enhanced (PSE), replacing them with opaque, subjective measures.

• Erosion of Participant Autonomy: By limiting the ability to adjust budgets or set competitive wages, the revisions strip away the fundamental principle of self-directed care: the participant’s right to control their own services.

• Lack of Transparency: Participants are now left in the dark about critical changes affecting their Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) plans, undermining trust in an already strained system.

The Human Toll of Cost-Saving Measures

Behind every policy revision are real people facing real consequences. The threatened wage cuts are not merely a fiscal maneuver; they represent a direct assault on the dignity and quality of life for those who depend on self-directed care. Families and caregivers are already feeling the impact—when a program director recently broke down on the phone while explaining to a client that services would soon be curtailed, it underscored that these are not abstract numbers on a budget, but lifelines for vulnerable citizens.

The administration’s approach—favoring short-term cost savings over comprehensive, participant-driven solutions—reflects a dangerous prioritization of political expediency over long-term care quality. With the looming risk of losing skilled DSPs, the very infrastructure of community-based care is at stake.

A Call for Accountability and Immediate Action

It is time for the DDA to reverse course. The agency must:

• Engage Stakeholders: Reinstate a transparent, collaborative process that involves all affected parties—participants, DSPs, and advocacy groups—in policy revisions.

• Reaffirm Participant Rights: Restore full budgetary and employer authority to participants, ensuring that wage decisions reflect both market realities and the high cost of living in Maryland.

• Maintain the Current Wage Structure: Under no circumstances should the DDA consider any modifications to the established wage structure for DSPs.

• Clarify and Retract Harmful Policies: Provide clear, objective criteria for service determinations and eliminate any practices that resemble unauthorized competency assessments.

Despite repeated attempts to engage the DDA—most notably through the detailed letter from SDAN’s legal team—the agency has yet to respond. This silence, in the face of clear evidence of harm, is unacceptable and must be met with immediate accountability from state leadership.

Conclusion

Maryland’s self-directed care model is under assault. The DDA’s unilateral revisions to the November 2024 Manual, coupled with threatened wage cuts for SDS staff, are not just bureaucratic missteps; they are a direct threat to the autonomy, dignity, and quality of life for Marylanders with developmental disabilities. As we continue to hold the Moore-Miller administration accountable, the disabilities community and its advocates stand united in demanding fair treatment, transparent governance, and, above all, the preservation of a system designed to empower its most vulnerable citizens.

We can do better, Maryland. Contact your state legislators and ask them to protect Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens from the Moore-Miller administration’s money grab tactics.

Maryland’s Bait-and-Switch on Disability Funding: Don’t Be Fooled

The Moore-Miller administration is engaging in a deliberate misinformation campaign regarding their so-called restoration of funding for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Their latest press release claims that they are only cutting funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 by 6%. To the untrained eye, that might seem like a reasonable compromise. But let’s break this down.

Maryland’s fiscal year ends on June 30. This means that this “restored” funding only extends for four more months—until June 30, 2025. What happens after that? FY 2026 begins on July 1, and the Moore-Miller administration has conveniently ignored that looming reality. There has been no commitment to restoring full funding beyond this brief window.

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is Maryland's primary state agency responsible for funding community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established to ensure that these individuals have the support needed to lead fulfilling lives, the DDA collaborates with various stakeholders to provide resources that promote inclusion, participation, and active citizenship. In recent years, the DDA has faced significant financial challenges. Beginning in 2021, the agency started exceeding its annual budget, with notable spending surges in 2023 and 2024. Analysts have struggled to pinpoint the exact causes of this overspending, but contributing factors include new caregiver payment methods, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising program and administrative costs.

This is a classic bait-and-switch tactic. As someone who has spent my entire adult life working in Maryland politics, I can recognize the playbook: trick the disabilities community into believing that funding has been restored, run out the clock on the legislative session (and therefore the appropriations process), and then, when July rolls around, bury the issue under political distractions—most likely grandstanding against the Trump administration. By then, it will be too late. The General Assembly will be out of session, meaning there will be no immediate way to allocate more money for DDA programs.

I am a Democrat. When I ran for office, I was endorsed by progressive organizations, labor unions, and immigrant rights groups in part because of my fierce advocacy for disability funding and caregiver rights. I also personally know many people working in this administration. In good faith, I have remained silent on many political matters, hoping that—despite being some of the worst people I know—they would at least govern well.

But this is unacceptable. These are real people’s lives. Not being able to pay caregivers a living wage means families like mine will be forced to make impossible choices—giving up careers, sacrificing financial stability, and struggling to provide 24/7 care that no single person can reasonably handle alone.

Just last week, a program director broke down crying on the phone with me for an entire hour. They had to inform disabled clients that their DDA-funded services would soon disappear. Many of these individuals can barely speak, feed themselves, or move independently. They are disabled for life. The programs that serve them are not luxuries; they are lifelines. They provide dignity, community, and inclusion. The Moore-Miller administration is willing to rip all of that away—unless the press and grassroots activists fighting them today continue to hold their feet to the fire.

Let’s be clear: the Moore-Miller administration’s latest announcement is dishonest, manipulative, and condescending. This is nothing more than performative virtue signaling, meant to pacify critics without making any real commitment to our most vulnerable citizens.

We in the disabilities community will not be fooled. Additionally, I fear that by speaking out, my own family may face retaliation. My siblings, who rely on DDA-funded services, could be targeted through bureaucratic neglect or delays as a way to silence me. This would be an unforgivable abuse of power, and I will be watching closely for any signs of retribution.

Do better, Wes Moore and Aruna Miller. Not everything in life is a photo op.

For more detailed information on this ongoing issue, consider reviewing the following articles:

• Developmental Disability Budget Cuts Delayed for Now, but Still Loom for Next Year

• State of Maryland Proposing Historic $200 Million Cuts for DDA

• Moore, Legislators Delay Deep Cuts to Developmental Disabilities Services

• Advocates Fight Cuts to Maryland’s Disabilities Agency

These sources provide comprehensive insights into the challenges facing the DDA and the potential impact of the proposed budget cuts on Maryland's disability community.

Walking in Memphis: A Reflection on the Soul of America in Age of Trump 2.0.

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

• President Trump's agenda has shaken the pillars of American democracy and the rule of law. But we’re not the first generation to face oppression. The key is not to give up simply because he made any of us blink.

• Was the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll a DEI hire? Elvis Presley’s life serves as an unexpected but poignant lens for understanding how Americans can stay true to who we are as a people while confronting the new Pharaoh in town.

• Activism burnout is real. Like Elvis, sometimes we’ll need to forgive others being performative in their solidarity; other times, we ourselves must be ready confront the devil in the flesh.

The New Normal

We are now 21 days into the new presidential administration in the United States of America. So far, President Trump has wasted little time delivering on his campaign promises of quick and dramatic changes to Washington DC, pushing forward his policy agenda with a strong focus on consolidating power and authority. Much like Richard Nixon, whom Trump has openly admired, these early moves reflect a determined approach to reshaping Washington. Many across the land are filled with fear—not only for their future and livelihoods but also for the fate of our great nation. A sense of hopelessness is in the air, as I hear from friends on the left, right, and center alike, all of whom seem resigned to a grim future.

Shock & Awe

Trump Declares War on Dora the Explorer

Many point to President Trump’s harsh approach to foreign relations with some of our closest allies, and others are heartbroken by actions that seem to violate constitutional norms, like shuttering the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the chaos resulting from the dramatic shutdown of USAID. Far from least on anyone’s mind are the Pharaoh-like hunting of children and parents born to the wrong family and in the wrong parts of the world by immigration authorities who are no longer restrained by the formalities of previous administrations, including deportations at sensitive public spaces such as churches, schools, and hospitals.

The fear gripping immigrant families in cities like Chicago—where ICE raids have forced children to stay home from school, and community life has come to a standstill—echoes the cycles of neglect and violence decried in Elvis Presley’s song In the Ghetto. It is a cruel irony that a president who so admires Elvis seems indifferent to the societal wounds that Presley’s music so poignantly captured. In just three short weeks, America’s massive federal government has awakened like a military parade—where goose-stepping is non-optional. Despondency seems to define the mood of our huddled masses, yearning for dignity, integrity, and freedom.

““Even if Judgment Day is upon you and you have a seed in your hand, plant the seed.” ”

— Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

A Moral Reflection

And yet, I am reminded of the wisdom in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): "Even if Judgment Day is upon you and you have a seed in your hand, plant the seed." This serves as a powerful reminder that even amidst despair, our small, hopeful actions can create ripples of change. Perhaps because of my open and public faith in God, I see things differently. Much as the preacher Paul saw beauty in the ugliest of Roman punishments (the crucifixion) for those who loved Christ’s life and words, I see a redeeming American quality in how we respond to the worst impulses of the Trump administration. Rather than allowing America to be defined by the new draconian militancy we see in Washington, I believe we can and should be defined by how we act consciously and collectively to protect our constitution and laws. A defining test for our generation of American policymakers and leaders is how we proactively reach out to those we disagree with, regardless of how vehemently.

As Moses confronted the oppression of Pharaoh, Christ condemned the Moneylenders at the Temple, and Muhammad spoke truth the powerfully unjust elites of Mecca, we too now have a moral obligation to directly serve due notice on the policies of the Trump administration. As the Gospel says, “Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Or as God instructs in the Quran, “Speak to [Pharaoh] gently so that he may take heed or show respect” (20:44 – Abdul Haleem Translation).

Elvis, Nixon and…Trump?

“People, don’t you understand The child needs a helping hand Or he’ll grow to be an angry young man some day...”

— In the Ghetto, Elvis Presley (1969)

A few days before Christmas in 1970, the King of Rock-n-Roll came to the White House to meet with one of Donald Trump’s personal heroes, President Richard M. Nixon. It was an odd meeting. A year earlier, Elvis had released the hit single In the Ghetto, openly lamenting America’s failure to invest in the working poor:

People, don't you understand
The child needs a helping hand
Or he'll grow to be an angry young man some day...

The song continues:

And his hunger burns
So he starts to roam the streets at night
And he learns how to steal
And he learns how to fight

The ballad concludes with the young man’s death after a life fueled by poverty, humiliation, hate, and societal indifference. Nixon, whose own farm boy youth was filled with tragedy and impoverishment, was known to lack sympathy for America’s urban poor. Despite this, Nixon received Elvis warmly, and the two discussed ideas on how to influence America’s youthful baby boomers to make better choices for their personal lives than the heartbreak offered by drug addiction. Less than seven years later, Elvis tragically died from his own battle with addiction to prescription drugs. He was only 42. In 2018, during his first term in office, President Trump posthumously awarded Elvis Presley the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Here lies the beauty of American contradictions: two conservatives admired a socially conscious celebrity with a libertine streak. In turn, Presley sought to save others from the dark path that eventually claimed his own life.

Elvis: How Diversity Gave Rise to a King

I see Elvis’s inspiring impact on two Republican presidents and his call to policy action in his last decade of life as an important bridge across the chasms in America today. The quintessential American icon was defined and shaped by his role as the connector of diverse American communities. During his teenage years in Memphis, Elvis helped Jewish families on the Sabbath by performing tasks forbidden to them, like carrying groceries, turning electric lights on and off, and completing physical labor. His deep respect for his childhood home of Tupelo’s black gospel community and later Memphis Jazz musicians influenced his own ballads and melodies. He collaborated regularly with black musicians, and while he was publicly silent during the Civil Rights movement, he recorded If I Can Dream in 1968 as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and message. Like all human beings, Elvis was flawed, but like most Americans, he tried to do the right thing when he could.

A Very American Lesson

Here is the lesson for the rest of us: we need not lead every protest, join every direct action, or challenge every act of institutional terror visited upon us in the days to come. We must simply commit to speaking truth to power on behalf of those who cannot, help those in need when and where we can afford to, and when possible, join forces with one another in public (and private) to do what is right. For perhaps, God will change the hearts of the oppressors. Insha’Allah.

Conclusion

I see today in America a beauty to behold in the painful stations of the collective crosses each one of us is being forced to bear. Like nearly all of Christ’s apostles, we are far from perfect. But even with our flawed approach to goodness, our belated efforts of collective action and lukewarm embrace of social justice and helping our fellow creations, we still keep trying to do the right thing. Elvis knew his addiction was killing him, and he sought save other from his fate. He was silent when John Lewis and other civil rights activists were beaten down on the Bridge to Selma. Yet he released If I Can Dream in memory of Martin Luther King Jr, and often violated segregation laws himself to spend time with his black friends in the Deep South. He never voted in a presidential election, but just as Richard Nixon won the White House, he released In the Ghetto, whose lyrics echoed slain presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy’s concern for the welfare of America’s most impoverished and ignored citizens.

As we face the coming weeks, months, and years, each of us must confront a defining question: how will we stand up to the excesses of the new Pharaoh, speak truth to power, challenge his stark vision for America, and still appeal to people of different thinking than ourselves? This is not just a matter for history books—it is a matter of who we are as a people and what we want America to stand for. We may not have all the answers, and we may not always act perfectly, but like Elvis—flawed, imperfect, yet striving for redemption—each of us has a role to play in making the country we love a better place. E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, we are (still) One.

WAMU 88.5 to Convene Emergency Staff Meetings via Zoom Today.

For those of you not following the shocking developments tonight at WAMU 88.5, the NPR affiliate ordered its online presence frozen, and all of it staff have been summoned to an emergency meeting at 9:00AM tomorrow.

They are financially sound as an organization. Last year they had a 750k surplus, which was the best in several years. They continued to grow membership, and their car donation numbers have been steady for the past decade. Details can be found here.

However, 88.5FM is *technically* owned by American University, which houses the legendary news station and public radio outlet on its campus. American University, like many universities save for a tiny segment of elite schools, is seeing dramatically shrinking enrollment. The university has a serious budgetary shortfall resulting from want of tuition dollars. If I had to venture a guess, the announcement set for tomorrow morning likely has to do with that relationship, and how it impacts the future of the radio station.

You can read more about American University's finances in this article by The Eagle.

But, I could be wrong. While WAMU is in a healthy financial position, and is only 7 weeks into the new fundraising year, there could be challenges resulting from rumored layoffs by National Public Radio (NPR) itself. WAMU is an affiliate of the NPR network. Or, perhaps a review or audit of finances has shown WAMU to be in not the healthy financial picture it has reported in its annual reports. Those reports can be found on their website. In the meantime: NPR’s offices will be locked and closed tomorrow, and most their internal systems’ functionality has been locked for all NPR staff. Odd behavior, to be sure.

Either way, we’ll know tomorrow morning.

On Democracy & Governance

It has been over two years since I last wrote here. I am writing today to share some good news. I am now a Hoya.

The Hilltop at dusk

Earlier this month, I began my first semester as a graduate student at Georgetown University. Georgetown is the world’s preeminent school for the study for International Relations. My master’s degree will be in Democracy & Governance, a hybridized program that contextualizes the role of democratic government on a global scale. I was previously a visiting student with the program in 2019.

I decided to attend graduate school for several reasons. Having worked in electoral politics since I was a teenager, as well as legislative advocacy and governmental reform, I have become increasingly concerned with democratic backsliding and corruption here at home in the US. I believe the issues of political corruption, unethical judicial misdealings and political grandstanding with little meaningful policy progress are a clear and present danger to American democracy. Second, freedoms guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are in jeopardy across the world today. Third, I believe that to improve governance, one needs to study the art of governance. Together, those reasons brought me back to Georgetown.

To me, there is little doubt that democracy at home is in serious jeopardy. Abuse of power, corruption scandals and deliberate efforts to silence or intimidate the electorate have become the new political norm across the United States and even in my home state of Maryland. The very political prosecution of the exonerated Adnan Syed and the ongoing corruption sagas involving local governments across the state clearly make the case that democracy must be defended and protected, lest it be hijacked by dubious characters of ill-repute—a phenomenon called “state capture”. America’s place in the world hinges on whether we can master good governance and whether we can truly live up to the words “Land of the Free”. We have a lot of work ahead of us to restore our democracy and usher in good governance.

But, so too is democracy abroad. Earlier this year, Pakistan’s ineffective yet very popular prime minister Imran Khan was brought down and imprisoned by a cabal of Punjabi generals who were desperate to bail out their country’s economy. Several Western African democracies have fallen in recent months due to accusations of French imperialism and mounting domestic disaffection. Indian democracy has never been more imperiled as the ruling BJP continues its assault on freedoms at home, and now abroad (as Canada now alleges). Global democratic change all hinges on whether Americans can restore faith in our own institutions at home.

My brother Hassan is a major Georgetown fan.

He and my sister have insisted I go there for school for years.

I want American democracy to thrive. Here in Maryland, it is not, largely due to corruption. Last year, only half of Marylanders cast a ballot in our gubernatorial elections. Over the past summer, two Montgomery County Public Schools officials were convicted of theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars from the school system. Just last month, the mayor of College Park (home to the University of Maryland) pleaded guilty to dozens of counts of child pornography possession. Less than a week ago, a Montgomery County Council staff person was put on administrative leave for theft of services and abuse of power. Meanwhile, an ongoing investigation continues into dozens of claims of sexual harassment and misconduct by a school principal who seemingly kept falling upwards in terms of promotions. Finally: nearly half of all of Montgomery County’s legislators have been appointed by a shadowy political body with a history of tax scandals.

I am of course leaving out several major scandals involving Maryland in the past year that have made national headlines, mostly because local reporting just doesn’t get enough coverage. The point I am driving at is this: a small, dangerously out of touch political elite is demolishing local democracy across Maryland, and are now bulldozing responsible governance, in order to maintain the illusion that they somehow have power. I believe I need an education in what a strong democracy and good governance looks like from Georgetown to help us right our listing ship back home.

And that is exactly what I intend to do.

This is what bad people do to coffee. #AllBlackMovement

I will be writing frequently going forward about Maryland, public policy ideas and the challenges we face to getting our state and country back on track. From time to time, I will also write about foreign politics and international affairs. I will try and not spend too much time talking about coffee and why Yemeni beans are the world’s finest, but it will come up.

I also will share more about my life, and case studies of my past work in electoral politics, media advocacy, and community organizing. Folks often ask “what is it exactly Hamza does again?” and “where the hell did Hamza disappear to?”. The answers my friend, are not blowing in the wind. They’ll be posted right here on my blog.

Before I go, a special thank you to my friends Asma, Bill, Rachel, Scott, Mike, Roni, Matt, Ashton, Rob and Yamil who have never stopped believing in me. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without you. And finally: Alhamdulillah.