Just Another Brick in the Border Wall

It would have been nice starting off the New Year on a positive note.  Unfortunately, the world is not a positive place.  Approximately 800,000 of my fellow federal civil servants are either sitting at home not getting paid…or working…without getting paid.

The reason…over a border wall that will be ineffective and therefore a complete waste of money.

It’s pretty clear the Republican Party did not learn from the last major federal government shutdown.  They bore the blame of that one…just like they will bear the blame of this one.  Yes, Donald Trump is not a “true” Republican.  However, the “Greedy Old Party” GOP sold their soul to the Devil when they brought President Trump into their fold just so they could secure the majority in everything.  Therefore, the Republican Party is guilty by association. 

It’s time to reap what they sowed…

The Democratic Party will own the 2020 elections…as long as they don’t screw it up.  They’ve already taken advantage of the situation.  The now majority Democratic House of Representatives wasted no time in drafting/passing bills to end the impasse.  Many say it’s nothing more than a political ploy.  It probably is.  However, it looks like the Democrats are doing something.  While the Republicans sit on their asses doing nothing.  Perception is everything.  Perception is truth, even if it isn’t.

However, that’s not the point here…

Unfortunately, it feels like shutting down the federal government has become nothing more than yet one more ploy utilized by the closed-minded to try and get their selfish ways.  This is wrong.  A government shutdown should never be an option.  It makes the United States of America look stupid…incompetent…incapable.  What does it say to the world when arguably the greatest Democracy in the world can’t even keep their own government up and running?  We as a people should be embarrassed when our federal government shuts down. The ignorant that support it should be embarrassed of themselves as well.

And that isn’t even the point here…

The point is federal government workers are the backbone of this country.  Many are behind the scenes…unseen…unheard…doing the mundane things that keep this country operating safely and efficiently.  The average American has no idea just how much federal employees impact their lives.  Federal employees do not deserve to bear the brunt of the ineptness of our so called “leaders” in Washington D.C.

I believe if we are going to shut the federal government down, we should do it properly.  First, anytime all or any part of the federal government shuts down, our “leaders” in Washington D.C. get furloughed as well and report to work without pay.  After all, they are federal employees as well.  If other federal employees aren’t getting paid, why should the idiots that caused the shutdown in the first place be paid?

Then, instead requiring “mission essential” federal workers to report to work, shut it completely down.  No FAA, no TSA, no Border Patrol…nothing.  Then let the chaos ensue.  How many minutes…hours…do you think it would take for this country…the world… to come to a complete standstill?  It’s only when every American is adversely impacted, that shutting down the federal government no longer becomes an option in the silliness that has come to define today’s American politics.

Naturally, we know this won’t happen.  Our “leaders” in Washington D.C. would never vote themselves out of a paycheck.  I mean…they have bills to pay dammit (apparently the federal workers that are currently being furloughed don’t)!  As for shutting it down completely, we know that won’t happen either.  Thankfully those mission essential employees that are forced to work without being paid have the moral compass and work ethic to do the right thing…unlike our “leaders” in Washington D.C.

Hopefully this latest federal government shutdown will come to a close sooner than later.  I’d like to believe that lessons will be learned from this…but I know better.  As our “leaders” in Washington D.C. continue to view compromise as a dirty word, it’s only a matter of when the next shutdown will occur.  Once again, federal employees will pay the price for the ineptness of our so called “leaders” in Washington D.C.

I’d be smilin’ too if I was still getting paid!!

And It Finally Happens

 

This one’s for you Republican Tea Party!

Well it is official, after 43 attempts to undermine “Obamacare”, the Republican Tea Party has finally succeeded in shutting down the federal government.  Truth be told it should come as no surprise.  The Grand Obstructionist Party has been working diligently to achieve this lofty achievement. Ensuring the sequestration was but only an appetizer to the shutdown main course.  I have no doubt Ted Cruz and the rest of his band of merry radicals are quite proud of their “accomplishment”.

I commend the more moderate House Republicans for having the courage to make a last minute attempt to break ranks and restore some semblance of sensibility.  Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pennsylvania and Rep. Peter King, R-New York will certainly come under fire within their party for their efforts to stand up to the inept few.  Their efforts show there are still some within the Republican ranks that have smartly chosen not to drink the Tea Party Kool-Aid.

Naturally the finger pointing has begun.  The GOP led House blames an unyielding Democratic led Senate.  Yet the House was told repeatedly any attempt to undermine “Obamacare” would be met with rejection.  You would think after 43 attempts the Republican Tea Party would get the hint.  Yet a small radical faction, driven by overblown egos, continues to advance its own personal agenda and re-election aspirations.  At the expense of the entire country.  If only the same effort and zeal would have been dedicated towards running the federal government effectively.  Perhaps we wouldn’t be in this position.

Today marks the pinnacle of dysfunction that has come to define our federal government.  It is also marks a defining day for the Republican Tea Party.  The Republican Party used to be a bastion of the working man and woman.  Today, it is nothing more than a puppet of the Corporate Masters that pull its Tea Party purse strings.  It has become a party controlled by the radical few that only hold their own interests at heart.  It has methodically alienated the majority of this country and is completely out of touch with the changes that are taking place in this country.  Has the Republican Tea Party finally reached the tipping point of no return?  I have a feeling this latest Grand Obstructionist Party “accomplishment” will go far towards determining that.  It will certainly be on my mind when I report to work today to sign my furlough paperwork…again.

Same ol’ Story, Same ol’ Song and {Tired} Dance

 

The Republican Tea Party in a Nutshell

The House led Grand Obstructionist Party (aka the GOP), declared “victory” by passing a short-term government spending bill which attempts to cut funding for “Obamacare”.  Senate Democrats, as well as President Obama, have already stated that any such provision will ensure that the bill will have no chance in hell of passing the Senate, much less the President’s desk.   This sets up yet another party-ideology fueled battle between Republicans and Democrats.  This sets up yet another potential for a federal government shutdown. 

House Speaker John Boehner was quoted as saying, “The American people don’t want the government shut down, and they don’t want Obamacare”.  Fora change, Mr. Boehner is partially correct.  Rational, responsible American people do not want the government to shut down.  Individual opinion regarding whether or not the American people are for or against “Obamacare” varies greatly.  What Mr. Boehner misses however is the ultimate point.  The American people are sick and tired of dysfunctional federal “representatives” that are more concerned with their political ideologies (and re-election) than making the decisions that are in the best interest of this country.

This is the 41^st attempt to undermine “Obamacare”.  While I am normally a great admirer of tenacity, there comes the time when one must recognize that the brick wall they are ramming themselves into repeatedly is not going to fall.  Priceless energy, time, and resources have been wasted by the Republican Tea Party’s efforts to thwart “Obamacare’s” implementation.  Yet again, Congress has shirked one of its most important responsibilities.  It is September 21, 2013.  Fiscal year 2014 starts in 10 days.  Our Congress, who is responsible for drafting the federal budget, has barely even begun to address this issue.  Instead, the Republican led House spent its time drafting a half-assed continuation bill that they knew had no chance of passing the Senate.  Once again the Grand Obstructionist Party has ensured the likelihood of a federal government shutdown.  Once again, our elected “leaders” have failed us.

The Republican Tea Party says it’s changing its ways, yet its actions suggest otherwise.  It is completely out of touch with the changes occurring in this county.  Just when it seems like they can’t possibly alienate the American people any further, they find a way to do so.  Such is the case with this recently proposed spending bill.

If the federal government shuts down, I will be furloughed yet again.  Furloughed due to ineptness.  For those that believe they won’t be adversely impacted by a federal government shutdown, think again.  Who do you think will be paying our “leaders” their six-figure salaries during that shutdown (guaranteed by the 27^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution)?  Your tax dollars.  So much for not being impacted.

 

An Open Letter To Congress

Dear Congress,

 

It’s only fitting and proper that on my first furlough day I take the time to thank those responsible for taking away from me.  Thank you Congress for taking 20% of my paycheck.  Your irresponsibility and indifference regarding sequestration will go far towards negating my efforts to maintain my quality of life.  I appreciate you adversely impacting my current financial stability.   

In addition, since the amount of money going towards my retirement is based on a percentage of my base pay, your ineptness will also adversely impact my future financial stability.  Since I will no longer have any “disposable” income to speak off, I will also no longer be able to contribute to the additional Roth IRA I established.  Unlike you, I planned responsibly for my future.  Thank you for negating my efforts. 

Despite your efficiency in adversely impacting both my current and future financial stability, I will sleep well at night knowing each and every one of you, my “leaders” in Washington, will continue to draw every penny of your six-figure salary. 

I’d also like to thank you on behalf of the local businesses I will no longer be able to frequent due to my furlough status.  Thank you for taking away from those small business owners who’s every dollar means the difference between success and failure.

Rest assured though, since I have to put gas in my vehicle for the days that I am not furloughed, feed and clothe myself, and pay my mortgage, I will continue to support the big business, “Capitalist Masters”, that fill your re-election coffers.

Thank you Congress!  Thank you for taking from me…your constituent.  Thank you for taking from my local small business owners…so much for that whole “job creation thing” you talk so much about.  Come Election Day, you better believe I will remember.  I will remember those that took from me!!!!

 

Sincerely,

Civil Servant, Veteran, Your Constituent

 

Sequestration…Eh…What’s a Furlough Here and There

113TH isn’t looking all that promising either!!

Like many federal civilian employees, I’m keeping a leery eye towards the future. Sadly, the sequestration that was never supposed to happen appears more and more likely with each passing day. Once again words cannot describe the overwhelming disappointment I have towards our “leaders” in Washington D.C. They have yet again blown an opportunity to step up and do the job that they get paid (and get paid well) to do. To add insult to injury, it seems most have made the decision to purposely allow the sequestration to occur rather than actually put forth the effort to reduce this nation’s deficit rationally and responsibly.

If the sequestration occurs, I like many federal civilian employees, will be furloughed. This means that I will be forced to take an unpaid “vacation” one day a week until the “Dolts in DC” pull their heads out of their anal orifices and actually make the decisions they have been elected to make. My elected representatives will be responsible for a loss of income which accounts for almost a third of my monthly paycheck. Contrary to seemingly popular belief regarding federal civilian employees, I’m not a millionaire. I make approximately 35K/year. While I’ve taken responsible steps to help mitigate the effects of potential furlough, this loss of income will adversely impact my standard of living.

I’m sure there are some that have read this far and are thinking “blah, blah, blah, whining and bitching”. For those that feel this way and lack the ability to think beyond their immediate self, I’d like to put things in perspective. First of all, can you afford to lose a third of your monthly paycheck? Probably not! If the shoe were on the other foot you too would be up in arms over the degradation to your standard of living. In addition, you’d probably also be rather indignant that no one cares about your plight.

I imagine there are also some that are reading this thinking “well if you want to make more money, get a better paying job”. Brilliant!! Why didn’t I think of that! However, I’m not asking for anything more than what I already receive. I don’t want more money. I simply want to receive the full amount of money I currently make! I feel I get paid well for what I do. Through responsible decision making, my current income enables me the ability to live a rather comfortable standard of living. In addition, I thoroughly enjoy what I do. Do you want to walk away from what you enjoy doing? Probably not! To expect me to do so because of the ineptness of others is simply idiotic.

Ultimately, there are those that may be thinking “well it could be worse, at least you have a job.” I couldn’t agree more! It could be worse. I could be unemployed or I could be furloughed for more than one day a week and lose even more income. I am quite thankful I have a job. I recognize there are others that are not as fortunate. Yet those that take this “be thankful for what you have” approach, as well as those that feel I’m whining and bitching, are missing the ultimate point.

We pay (to the tune of six figures a year) our elected officials to make decisions that are in the best interest of this country. Our “leaders” are simply NOT DOING THEIR JOB and the sequestration is yet one more example of this unwillingness to perform the duties they have been elected to do. If I don’t do my job, I get “written up”. I will ultimately be fired if I continue to shun the responsibilities I was hired to do. What price do our elected officials pay for blatantly thumbing their noses at their responsibilities? What price do our elected officials pay for putting the interests of their Super-PAC’s, special interest groups, and political parties ahead of their constituents’ issues? Absolutely nothing…with a pretty good chance for re-election at the end of their term!! The ultimate point is our elected officials are not doing their jobs and we are not holding them accountable for their inactions.

To add even more insult to injury, I recently learned that Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) introduced bill H.R. 273. This bill effectively aims to eliminate the 2013 statutory pay adjustment for Federal employees. Not surprisingly, this bill passed the Republican Tea Party controlled House and is now up for Senate consideration. While it is uncertain whether or not the Senate will approve the measure, in light of the current political climate, it’s reasonable to assume at this point it will.

So it’s not good enough to steal the money that federal civilian employees currently make. No, let’s make sure federal civilian employees receive less in the future too!! If only Rep. DeSantis and the rest of the 48 obstructionist Republican Tea Party members that co-sponsored this bill could be as thorough when it comes to actually introducing and passing responsible legislation!

While many will view my words as nothing more than bitching and whining, the reality is we have a huge problem. The “Dolts in DC” are not doing their job and we are not holding them accountable for their inaction. This has got to change!! We as citizens CANNOT continue to simply make do with what is given to us. As citizens, it SHOULD NOT be expected that we continually accommodate the ineptness of our elected officials. The free ride is over! Our Senators and Representatives MUST BE held accountable for their actions…or more importantly, their inactions. As citizens we have a RESPONSIBILITY to become more aware and more involved in what our elected officials do. That way come Election Day, we ensure those that have not been living up to their responsibility are finally held accountable and unseated! Perhaps a good place to start is a certain Representative from Florida.