Neither of these is about politics but what makes sense.
The budget bill passed by the U.S. House last week would cut Kevin's paycheck considerably. While this may seem insignificant to some, I would like to stress that we're middle class. Somehow some people, particularly some politicians, seem to think the Foreign Service is one big dinner party. Far from it. I don't talk much about the real-life aspects of it, in terms of sacrifices and drama and trauma, but none are in short supply. You doubt me? Go read this or this or any of the recent news stories about embassy evacuations from Tripoli or Cairo or Tunis. Then go and call or write your senators and congresspeople. It's unlikely the Senate will take up the House bill -- read on for more on that -- but people need to be educated.
The lack of a federal budget means the possibility of a total government shutdown is real. That would mean no paychecks for federal employees, a huge issue for many of us. But again, it's about what makes sense, and how does preventing work from getting done make any sense at all?
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3 comments:
We've been caught up in the Army's downsizing. In fact, quite a few of our friends have, too. Congress hasn't approved the military's budget so it's running on fumes (so to speak). It's making a lot of us pretty anxious... And for some reason, folks think that b/c we're military, we get paid some fabulous wage and have a 'free ride' for everything. Not even close...
It's funny, but people think diplomats begin at $100,000 and move up quickly. If only they knew just how low their salaries were!!
I linked to your post. Of course if you want me to take it down I will.
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