Federal Gov't Shutdown Should Affect Everybody EQUALLY

[BlueDemKev]

You know, what's sad about the federal government possibly shutting down is that only a limited number of people will suffer: people like my parents won't get their Social Security checks, laid-off federal employees who make between $20,000 and $40,000/yr, and those who are waiting on a passport application to get processed or a new social security card.

If the federal gov't shuts down, I think we need to shut down most, if not all of it. Essential services should be limited to Homeland Security and our federal prisons. Everything else should be closed and NO services provided--that includes closing down the interstate highways and the weather service. :wow:

Let people see what it would be truly like without public services: no freeway travel, airports closed (due to FAA being closed), not being able to get a simple weather forecast, all parks and other popular vacation destinations off-limits, our troops overseas not receiving full meals.....shit, let the American people see once and for all just how "bad" the federal gov't really is. :think: Maybe they'll actually start thinking with their heads instead of listening to tea-bag trash.

The Average American's Motto: "Cut my taxes and cut someone else's spending!"

[Ozymanithrax]

1. Actually, the military will not get paid...Happened when they shut the government down under Clinton

I was there.

Anyone working for the U.S. government will work without pay or be furloughed. It isn't just Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. etc.

Now, the Congress could pass a bill to fund "Essential Services." If they don't, people work unpaid or don't work at all. That is all government departments. The DOD is the largest single employer for civilians in the U.S. All without pay.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

2. I remember it differently.

I was active-duty military at the time, and all service members continued to get paid, but our civilian workforce didn't. I think that was the result of an "essential services" bill as you described.

[Ozymanithrax]

3. I was active duty Navy and we were told we would not get a paycheck..

after a specific date, until Congess passed the bill, which they did. Paychecks were delayed, and I went to the Navy Relief to get a temporary loan.

And that point is moot, because Congress passed the http://fcw.com/articles/2011/01/07/obama-signs-defense-bill.aspx">Defense Authorization Bill for 2011, which funds the military. So the Defense budget seems exempt from the rest of the budget if Republicans decide to shut it down. It would be non-defense spending that is affected.