Sequestration Cuts Even Deeper

Military tuition isn’t the only thing on the line as sequestration cuts hits our defense budget. Although some aspects have been exempt, such as pay and health, many are finding that the budget is going to target their everyday lives, making things almost impossible to manage while balancing a military career. Things like childcare, advocacy against domestic violence, tuition assistance, and scholarships for children of those who’ve died. Budgets must be cut, and rather than leave America defenseless(as the defense budget covers a lot of very important aspects of our safety), we must cut where there is a surplus, and lack of need. You don’t cut where it already is hurting. Our defense budget covers a lot of necessary ground, it is not just the insanely expensive, decade+ war. It is also research, surveillance, employment, and well, defense.

There seems to be a new normal in Congress. This act of allowing the country to scramble in order to prove a point is in the same fashion a four year old might throw a hissy-fit. What would we say to the child? “That’s not how you get what you want.” “Use your words.” My dear representatives, your job is not to stick your fingers in your ears and whistle Yankee-Doodle. Your job is to represent the people by creating legislation and budgeting the country’s needs. One of the foremost issues should always be “to care for him, who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.” Sequestration must stop. I won’t echo the overwhelming sentiment calling for Congress to cut their salaries, their budgets, and their care. They’re given that money because they have an important and intense job. Do it, or find another job. Good luck in this economy.

By: Courtney Kidd, LMSW
SJS Staff Writer