Everyone agrees that America's astronomical federal deficits must be brought under control, so the nation won't sink into ruinous insolvency. But the budget-balancing shouldn't be done at the expense of average families needing help.
14,000 teachers and other school employees would risk layoffs.
4,000 workers would be furloughed every day at the FAA, causing flight backups.
2,100 fewer food safety inspections would be conducted at domestic and foreign plants.
The Times added: "These cuts, which will cost the economy more than 1 million jobs over the next two years, are the direct result of the Republican demand in 2011 to shrink the government at any cost, under threat of a default on the nation's debt."
Meanwhile, regarding the military, the national newspaper concurred that Pentagon spending "should be reduced substantially."
Everyone agrees that America's astronomical federal deficits must be brought under control, so the nation won't sink into ruinous insolvency. But the budget-balancing shouldn't be done at the expense of average families needing help.
The preamble to the U.S. Constitution says government shall "promote the general welfare," which means improving life for all Americans. With less than two weeks remaining, we hope Congress finds a deficit-reduction compromise that won't damage the general welfare of everyday folks.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Unless congressional Republicans and Democrats agree on a long-term federal deficit-reduction plan before March 1, the government will suffer automatic slashes under the looming "sequester" plan passed in 2011. It will cut 8 percent from U.S. military spending and 5 percent from people-helping domestic spending.
As we've said before, downsizing the military is wise, because international warfare is fading, so there's no need for America to remain the most militaristic nation on Earth -- costing taxpayers $1 trillion per year for gigantic forces that other democracies don't support. However, it will be a shame if humane, family-friendly U.S. programs are curtailed.
A list of pending domestic cuts was compiled by The New York Times, including:
70,000 children would lose Head Start.
125,000 families would be put at sudden risk of homelessness because their rental assistance would end.
373,000 seriously mentally ill adults and severely emotionally disturbed children would most likely lose their treatments.
600,000 women and children would lose nutrition aid from the Women, Infants and Children program.
14,000 teachers and other school employees would risk layoffs.
4,000 workers would be furloughed every day at the FAA, causing flight backups.
2,100 fewer food safety inspections would be conducted at domestic and foreign plants.
The Times added: "These cuts, which will cost the economy more than 1 million jobs over the next two years, are the direct result of the Republican demand in 2011 to shrink the government at any cost, under threat of a default on the nation's debt."
Meanwhile, regarding the military, the national newspaper concurred that Pentagon spending "should be reduced substantially."
Everyone agrees that America's astronomical federal deficits must be brought under control, so the nation won't sink into ruinous insolvency. But the budget-balancing shouldn't be done at the expense of average families needing help.
The preamble to the U.S. Constitution says government shall "promote the general welfare," which means improving life for all Americans. With less than two weeks remaining, we hope Congress finds a deficit-reduction compromise that won't damage the general welfare of everyday folks.
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