Economics 101

Well today is the day when the "Sequestration" across the board spending reductions go into effect. I have been astounded and disheartened by all the hype surrounding the impact of what begins today. First of all, I think the "powers that be" deliberately chose a term that most people would stumble over (sequestration) as an attempt to keep people confused and easily manipulated emotionally. Here is the straight scoop. The cuts that go into effect today will NOT mean that our government will spend less this year than last year. What will be cut are the proposed increases. That's correct. No real cuts to any program or agency will take place. We are talking about an extremely small reduction in proposed spending. So when the department of defense sets their budget for 2013 they build in a 15% increase over last year (This is an example because I don't know the exact amount of their proposed increase). So sequestration means that instead of their 15% increase they will only be able to have a 12% increase. Unfortunately most of the people in the U.S. have been subjected to tremendously dishonest scare tactics with threats that meat inspectors will be cut, that we will not have air traffic controllers, and we witnessed the release of known criminals in states like Arizona on the premise that sequestration would result in immediate reduction in law enforcement officers (ICE, DEA, etc.). Nothing is further from the truth. Those in every agency where these reductions to proposed increases will take place have the discretion as to where those reductions go into effect. So just realize that NOTHING is being cut from any budget. Need I remind you that there has been no Federal Budget passed for over 3 years. All that is actually happening is a slight decrease in PROPOSED increases in spending. Secondly, the dishonest emotional manipulation by lawmakers trying to scare people into thinking that vital services are being cut is reprehensible. Finally, specific actions taken that threaten the security of the country and the safety of our citizens (i.e. releasing known criminals on false pretenses) is unacceptable. All of the manipulation, deception, and misrepresentation reminds me in fresh and firm ways that we live in a fallen world and that the hearts of men and women must be changed. Only in Christ are our deepest needs met and we need to humble ourselves as a country, pray, seek God's face, turn from our wicked ways and put our trust fully in Him and not in fallen men.