The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Paraguy on September 30, 2013, 07:27:32 AM

Title: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: Paraguy on September 30, 2013, 07:27:32 AM
With the shutdown of the government certain, I am not concerned very much, it might actually make our country better but I do feel bad for the employees who will feel the pain.  My primary concern is whether or not the already slow process of approving BATF&E applications will slow down worse that it already is.  Waiting 9 months for them to give birth to a tax stamp is tough enough!
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: billt on September 30, 2013, 08:49:23 AM
I've long said a government "shutdown" is a solution, not a problem. As Will Rogers said, "Be thankful we don't get all the government we pay for."
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 30, 2013, 11:55:27 AM
The only thing that will hurt federal employee's is that their pay will be DELAYED.
Other than overdraft fees for those who have automatic online bill payment no one will actually LOSE anything.
As for whether they will be doing anything, I can't say, but since they are all on salary any closings or lay offs will be purely political theater.
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: jnevis on September 30, 2013, 12:25:58 PM
The only thing that will hurt federal employee's is that their pay will be DELAYED.
Other than overdraft fees for those who have automatic online bill payment no one will actually LOSE anything.
As for whether they will be doing anything, I can't say, but since they are all on salary any closings or lay offs will be purely political theater.

Not true.  Our GS's have been told there will be no back pay during the shutdown.  That is different from the last time that they were told they would get a "make-up" check.  Military will get paid for the shutdown but the rest will not.  Also most offices I work with are being told to cut permanent staff, incuding GS and contractor, by 25-50% by the end of the FY.  Our office will be down almost a quarter just this week, with the contract changes being put in effect.  It's like a funeral procession here.  So much for improving the unemployment numbers.
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 30, 2013, 02:36:36 PM
Keep in mind that the number one message in preparation for a shut down is that "the other side is going to make this as painful as possible."  I have seen a lot of these at all levels of government, and I have yet to see one where the employees who were retained (not cut and did not leave on their own) were not made up for in one way or another for the lost pay.  True, it will most likely be a reduced level, but there will be something.
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: billt on September 30, 2013, 03:01:31 PM
The 1995 shutdown was so epic, no one even remembers it.    ::)
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: TAB on September 30, 2013, 03:44:15 PM
i hope its so bad every single one of them gets voted out.
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: santahog on September 30, 2013, 08:43:31 PM
I know it's pathetic to have to ask, but I wonder if VA Disability will be shut off. or "back-payed"..
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: billt on September 30, 2013, 09:31:08 PM
I know it's pathetic to have to ask, but I wonder if VA Disability will be shut off. or "back-payed"..

I doubt it. Social Security, government retirement pay, VA Disability, etc. won't be effected. They'll use it as a tool to fear monger with. But it would be political suicide if any of them allowed it to be cut off or delayed. The people at the Mint running the printing presses will be paid overtime, not sent home.
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: santahog on September 30, 2013, 11:05:33 PM
I checked the VA site after I mused about that.. It seems that tomorrow will be fine. They expect to run out of Benefits $, just before the end of October..
I just want them to WIN! STOP running (budgets?) in the RED! Kill that socialist monstrosity and start acting like it matters if .gov lives within it's means!!
If that means I end up homeless, and they WIN, I'll call it good. If they put me through all that comes from no money, food, power and HAVE NO INTENTION OF WINNING, I won't wait for the "popular uprising". I'll bring the pitchfork and do it myself...
This is why I'm done with the "Republican" party. I know it's not in them, as far as it rests on those who've been there longer than four years, at least.. Even then, those who get overwhelmed by the amazement of it all will be tools of the career staffers, (who know where the power lies in the first place)..
It's time for a change in "Party". If it must be a "Party" system, it needs to be a new one.. The two in place now are rotten to the head. (The GOP conservative "core" is fine, if at times a little uninformed, or misguided..)
Its got to change.
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: 1911 Junkie on October 01, 2013, 08:23:05 AM
So if .gov is "shut down" and not paying anyone, then that means they don't need my tax dollars, right?  ;D
Title: Re: Gov't Shutdown - Primary Concern
Post by: JoeG on October 01, 2013, 08:32:18 AM
So if .gov is "shut down" and not paying anyone, then that means they don't need my tax dollars, right?  ;D

I think you need to cut back on your medication a bit! :)