Chance are, by the time you read this, March 1st will have come and gone but the message of this writing is to remind us of something not many probably do enough of; remaining in constant prayer about everything.
Come March 1, automatic, harmful spending cuts will take effect. Many economists see that economic stabilization will be accomplished by enacting 1.2 trillion dollars in spending cuts over the next decade. These cuts will be deep and will have ramifications for us all. I agree with the president on this one: we are harming ourselves with a “self-inflicted wound” if the sequester is allowed to happen.
I take a progressive stance in that I believe the government has the duty to care for its people, especially those who cannot care for themselves, and those with deep pockets should give more to protect, maintain and care for those who are less able to do so for themselves. Conservatives believe that people should take responsibility for themselves and that others should not be mandated into helping those less self-sufficient. They see those being supported by the government as “takers.” I agree that too many in this country are takers but it is a problem we created when we did not initiate enough “watchdog programs” to oversee social welfare programs when they came into being. However, we still need them and unfortunately, progressives do not control the government.
Anyway, here are some numbers of program cuts; 42 billion in defense cuts, 9.9 billion to Medicare, 323 million lost by Centers for Disease Control, border security is cut by 581 million, airport security is cut by 323 million and the FDA is cut by 206 million. One economist predicts that 2.14 million jobs will be lost. Non-discretionary cuts will impact medical research, the Head Start program, meals for seniors and educators who work with the disabled. The list is too long to be all-inclusive, but you get the picture.
I will pray, and I hope you will join me, for the government to come together to work for the common good of its people. It truly is not about control but compromise.
Katie Altobellis
