'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because He loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton

08 April 2011

Government Shut Down

I'm betting most of you have heard more then I have about the possible shut down as my news is limited to that which I get online. However, how many of you are aware that the active duty military won't be paid till a finance bill is passed? The members are being paid today about half of a typical mid month pay.

"If a funding bill is not passed, resulting in a government shutdown, the Department of Defense will have no legal authority to pay military members or civilian employees for the days during which the government is shut down."

As I understand it, there will be retro active pay after the end of the budget crisis, or so says Gates. However, if that isn't the case, and the above reads true, my husband and most all my friends will be working for free, and while it is admirable that they will do so in a professional manner and will sacrifice yet again to keep this country safe, the bottom line is that we have bills to pay and mouths to feed. Congress and the President will still be receiving their paychecks, and yet the men and women protecting and defending this nation are left in the lurch.

This shut down has also affect the Commissaries (the grocery stores) and the BX's (our little walmarts) on bases, including those overseas. As in the Commissaries and BX's are being closed as of tomorrow, and will stay closed until a budget is passed. Those here in Europe stayed open quite late tonight in an attempt to allow people to stock up before the shut down goes into effect.

Now, I do understand that there are more people affected here then just the military. The main issue is one that I believe most readers here understand: the federal clerk down the street will suffer as much as I will while this budget crisis is ongoing, yet it will be the only time she suffers for her nation. My family chose to put our lives, our safety, our security and our comfort on the line in defense of our nation. We send our husbands, wives, fathers and mothers to fight for the freedom of out country, and for the rights of the world. That those in Congress and the President would so shamefully disregard that price that we pay with yet another hardship is shocking.

Hopefully this issue is short-lived and my rant can be trashed in the garbage heap 0f history. Once certainly can hope.

~The DO

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Of course, Zero, The Empty Suit Snake Oil Salesman, has declared that he would "Veto" any resolution or bill that would allow DoD to be funded and pay, I suppose, AD troops during the shutdown. He, too, has lectured Members of Congress about playing politics or idology during "this crisis." Alemaster

Kanani said...

Excellent writing, DO. I'm with ya.

Sarge said...

As of 11:00 PM the shut down has been averted. They funding to get us through the fiscal year. Then they will have to battle it out in an election year. Should be interesting??

All is well here as far as I know.

Love You

The DO said...

Well well, the did it! That's great. To the garbage heap this post goes:)

The DO said...

They, not the... One should not type in the first 20 minutes of being awake!

Home on the Range said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Home on the Range said...

(I need coffee before typing).

Yes, I got word I'd be working, just not paid. I'm older and have a little saved, I'd be fine, but what I was seeing among the troops and the younger families was not good to watch. A lot of fear, how do we put food on the table, gas in the car if there is no check.

I'm glad it passed, but the fact they were willing to sacrifice the well being of those who serve our country in harm's way was beyond shameful.