-
It's that time of year again - our ISP is asking for money. If you have some spare change, please click the Donate link... Thanks!
- About Us
- Search
- Need Help?
- Donate
- Login/Register
Latest Entries
Actions Menu
Blog Roll
- 4F Facebook Page
- Turn Up The Night with Kenny Pick
- Stephanie Miller Show
- The Tim Corrimal Show
- The Rachel Maddow Show
- Angry Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
- Thom Hartmann Program
- Turnips! Fans of Turn Up the Night Facebook Page
- Snopes.com
- Factcheck.org
- Official White House Page, if you must.
- The Brad Blog / Green News Report
- The Poorly Written Political Blog (Joe Santorsa)
Non-Essential
Author: BobR
Date: 2013-10-07 11:04:11
As of Oct 01, the funding for our government effectively ended. What this means is that government workers had to stop working, because legally they couldn't be paid. Well - not all workers had to stop working exactly... The phrase used was "non-essential" government workers. That is really a bad way to word it, but that's the common wording:
If you recall, it was 1995 when we had our last shutdown. That was because Newt Gingrich had his feelings hurt. He felt disrespected. As it happens, that seems to be the same reason this time:
Regardless of the reason, and regardless of the "preferred" term, the pols and pundits still refer to those furloughed as "non-essential" workers. Unfortunately, this plays into the hands of the drown-the-government-in-the-bathtub crowd, who immediately wonder loudly why these people are even employed if they aren't essential to government (followed by a smirk). The definitions as to what is meant by "essential" are at the first link above. It's really a bare bones arrangement.
That's why they pay a single guard for say the Lincoln Memorial, rather than several wandering around, janitorial staff to pick up trash, rangers to answer questions, etc. People complain that their vacations are impacted; meanwhile, people who have done nothing to deserve it are seeing their paychecks stop. I have friends and neighbors who are affected. They are not nameless, faceless bureaucrats living fat on the taxpayer's dollar. They are real people going to work and doing what they can to make America a better place in which to live.
Referring to them as "non-essential" while cutting off their pay is a double-whammy. Is the lab scientist who tests the water for poisons and pollutants non-essential? Is the office manager who maintains the records non-essential? Is the lawyer who protects the small business guy from a deep-pocketed Big Business non-essential? It depends on what you expect from your government, I suppose. I expect that these are all people I want on my side, making America the great to live in that it is. To me, they are ALL essential.
Republicans are pretending to agree. In reality, they only care in that it causes them some pain because their constituents are complaining. Since the Senate has been very clear that a budget bill that doesn't fully fund the government (including Obamacare) is a no-go, the Republicans are trying to do it piecemeal, funding the parks and military to pacify the voters. That is not going to fly in the Senate, as well it shouldn't. Daryll Issa is trying to get a shutdown exception for his pet lawsuit, and is not getting that either.
It's like a union strike. It only works if the pain is great enough. That is why it's a little disheartening that over 300,000 civilian defense workers are being called back to work. It's mixed emotions for sure - I am glad that those workers will be able to work and get paid. But that will also likely make it harder to press the Speaker of the House to put a clean bill up for a vote. It also reinforces in the minds of those who remain furloughed that they are still considered "non-essential".
Boehner has stated that there will be no clean bill unless President Obama negotiates with him. I find this a bit odd because the Senate Democrats will need to approve anything before the President can sign it. Boehner is also apparently reneging on a previous statement that he would not allow a default regarding the impending debt limit increase. Were that to happen, either we would crater the world economy, or President Obama would have to issue an executive order to increase it anyway, paving the way for impeachment proceedings. Which may be what the Republicans are secretly hoping for.
Perhaps that will require a new definition to "non-essential".
Does a shutdown mean everyone who works for the federal government has to go home?
Not exactly. The laws and regulations governing shutdowns separate federal workers into "essential" and "non-essential." (Actually, the preferred term nowadays is "excepted" and "non-excepted." This was tweaked in 1995 because "non-essential" seemed a bit hurtful. But we'll keep things simple.)
If you recall, it was 1995 when we had our last shutdown. That was because Newt Gingrich had his feelings hurt. He felt disrespected. As it happens, that seems to be the same reason this time:
"We're not going to be disrespected," conservative Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., [told the Washington Examiner]. "We have to get something out of this. And I don’t know what that even is."
Regardless of the reason, and regardless of the "preferred" term, the pols and pundits still refer to those furloughed as "non-essential" workers. Unfortunately, this plays into the hands of the drown-the-government-in-the-bathtub crowd, who immediately wonder loudly why these people are even employed if they aren't essential to government (followed by a smirk). The definitions as to what is meant by "essential" are at the first link above. It's really a bare bones arrangement.
That's why they pay a single guard for say the Lincoln Memorial, rather than several wandering around, janitorial staff to pick up trash, rangers to answer questions, etc. People complain that their vacations are impacted; meanwhile, people who have done nothing to deserve it are seeing their paychecks stop. I have friends and neighbors who are affected. They are not nameless, faceless bureaucrats living fat on the taxpayer's dollar. They are real people going to work and doing what they can to make America a better place in which to live.
Referring to them as "non-essential" while cutting off their pay is a double-whammy. Is the lab scientist who tests the water for poisons and pollutants non-essential? Is the office manager who maintains the records non-essential? Is the lawyer who protects the small business guy from a deep-pocketed Big Business non-essential? It depends on what you expect from your government, I suppose. I expect that these are all people I want on my side, making America the great to live in that it is. To me, they are ALL essential.
Republicans are pretending to agree. In reality, they only care in that it causes them some pain because their constituents are complaining. Since the Senate has been very clear that a budget bill that doesn't fully fund the government (including Obamacare) is a no-go, the Republicans are trying to do it piecemeal, funding the parks and military to pacify the voters. That is not going to fly in the Senate, as well it shouldn't. Daryll Issa is trying to get a shutdown exception for his pet lawsuit, and is not getting that either.
It's like a union strike. It only works if the pain is great enough. That is why it's a little disheartening that over 300,000 civilian defense workers are being called back to work. It's mixed emotions for sure - I am glad that those workers will be able to work and get paid. But that will also likely make it harder to press the Speaker of the House to put a clean bill up for a vote. It also reinforces in the minds of those who remain furloughed that they are still considered "non-essential".
Boehner has stated that there will be no clean bill unless President Obama negotiates with him. I find this a bit odd because the Senate Democrats will need to approve anything before the President can sign it. Boehner is also apparently reneging on a previous statement that he would not allow a default regarding the impending debt limit increase. Were that to happen, either we would crater the world economy, or President Obama would have to issue an executive order to increase it anyway, paving the way for impeachment proceedings. Which may be what the Republicans are secretly hoping for.
Perhaps that will require a new definition to "non-essential".
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 10/07/2013 12:47:33
Raine on 10/07/2013 12:47:33
I am listening to WTOP and it's rich that the morning host is interviewing the lying sack of shit Newt about the CR and the Debt ceiling.
and he's lying his effing ass off.
and he's lying his effing ass off.
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 12:54:34
Raine on 10/07/2013 12:54:34
Amen to the post today, Bobber. 
good morning!
good morning!
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 13:08:37
Raine on 10/07/2013 13:08:37
We are going under a tornado watch until 5 pm. 
blech.
blech.
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 13:34:25
Raine on 10/07/2013 13:34:25
From Maddow Blog:
Speaker John Boehner: (1) if Democrats refuse to negotiate on the debt ceiling, Republicans will hurt Americans on purpose.
And (2) if Democrats enter negotiations, Republicans will accept no concessions.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 13:43:52
Have I mentioned in the past few days the the governor of Florida is a monumental piece of human offal?
Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 13:43:52
Quote by Raine:
NOT THE ONION.
Have I mentioned in the past few days the the governor of Florida is a monumental piece of human offal?
Comment by 
Scoopster on 10/07/2013 13:47:57
Scoopster on 10/07/2013 13:47:57
Morning all... 
So yeah.. it seems the shutdown is threatening one of my guilty pleasures - DEADLIEST CATCH IS ON THE ROPES!
So yeah.. it seems the shutdown is threatening one of my guilty pleasures - DEADLIEST CATCH IS ON THE ROPES!
Comment by Scoopster on 10/07/2013 13:51:24
Scoopster on 10/07/2013 13:51:24
Comment by 
wickedpam on 10/07/2013 13:54:02
wickedpam on 10/07/2013 13:54:02
Morning
*sigh* back at work
*sigh* back at work
Comment by wickedpam on 10/07/2013 13:54:43
oh that's good to know - no shark's though, right?
wickedpam on 10/07/2013 13:54:43
Quote by Raine:
We are going under a tornado watch until 5 pm.
oh that's good to know - no shark's though, right?
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 13:56:43
Raine on 10/07/2013 13:56:43
This Shit is really starting to suck.
Sunday afternoon, Metro identified the contractor as Harold Ingram, 41, of New Jersey. He worked for Holland Welding, which is based out of Illinois, and died at an area hospital. Two WMATA employees are being treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
An NTSB spokesperson tells ABC7 that, due to furloughs in the government shutdown, the agency will not send investigators to the accident site and NTSB officials will not be available to talk about the WMATA incident.
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 13:58:46
No sharks... however there is a 50% chance Republicants
Raine on 10/07/2013 13:58:46
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
We are going under a tornado watch until 5 pm.
oh that's good to know - no shark's though, right?
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 14:06:43
Mala, there was a "Sharknado" reference in the credits for the "Tree House of Horror on "The Simpsons" last night.
Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 14:06:43
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
We are going under a tornado watch until 5 pm.
oh that's good to know - no shark's though, right?
Mala, there was a "Sharknado" reference in the credits for the "Tree House of Horror on "The Simpsons" last night.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 14:07:45
Sharks, Republicans, same difference. The Republicans might be more vicious than sharks.
Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 14:07:45
Quote by Raine:No sharks... however there is a 50% chance RepublicantsQuote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
We are going under a tornado watch until 5 pm.
oh that's good to know - no shark's though, right?
Sharks, Republicans, same difference. The Republicans might be more vicious than sharks.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/07/2013 14:08:58
I think sharks have more ethics
wickedpam on 10/07/2013 14:08:58
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:No sharks... however there is a 50% chance RepublicantsQuote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
We are going under a tornado watch until 5 pm.
oh that's good to know - no shark's though, right?
Sharks, Republicans, same difference. The Republicans might be more vicious than sharks.
I think sharks have more ethics
Comment by wickedpam on 10/07/2013 14:09:51
I never get to see Simpson's anymore Mom is not an animation fan.
wickedpam on 10/07/2013 14:09:51
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
We are going under a tornado watch until 5 pm.
oh that's good to know - no shark's though, right?
Mala, there was a "Sharknado" reference in the credits for the "Tree House of Horror on "The Simpsons" last night.
I never get to see Simpson's anymore
Mom is not an animation fan.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 14:13:36
You're really not missing much.
Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 14:13:36
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
We are going under a tornado watch until 5 pm.
oh that's good to know - no shark's though, right?
Mala, there was a "Sharknado" reference in the credits for the "Tree House of Horror on "The Simpsons" last night.
I never get to see Simpson's anymore
You're really not missing much.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/07/2013 14:15:34
that's what I hear, they may have beat the funny out that show
wickedpam on 10/07/2013 14:15:34
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
We are going under a tornado watch until 5 pm.
oh that's good to know - no shark's though, right?
Mala, there was a "Sharknado" reference in the credits for the "Tree House of Horror on "The Simpsons" last night.
I never get to see Simpson's anymore
You're really not missing much.
that's what I hear, they may have beat the funny out that show
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 14:19:17
Raine on 10/07/2013 14:19:17
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 14:43:25
to caller -- you stupid phockknob.
Raine on 10/07/2013 14:43:25
to caller -- you stupid phockknob.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/07/2013 14:43:47
wickedpam on 10/07/2013 14:43:47
oh lord 
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 14:44:42
Raine on 10/07/2013 14:44:42
People like this make my skin crawl. It feels like I am wearing lace.
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 14:45:09
Raine on 10/07/2013 14:45:09
No he's entering tin foil land.
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 14:50:57
Raine on 10/07/2013 14:50:57
I know you have all seen it -- but I swear -- this is maybe the best political (parody?) SNL has done in forever. I actually give Cyrus credit for letting her song be parodied like this.
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 14:51:30
Raine on 10/07/2013 14:51:30
And yes, I watched it again -- it perfectly illustrates the House GOP.
Comment by Scoopster on 10/07/2013 14:52:00
Scoopster on 10/07/2013 14:52:00
Taking a big step today.. I'm switching to Chrome from Firefox full-time at work.
Even tho it looks like a memory pig in the task manager, it runs so smooth!
Even tho it looks like a memory pig in the task manager, it runs so smooth!
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 10/07/2013 14:57:19
trojanrabbit on 10/07/2013 14:57:19
I'm afraid at this point that, in the interest of saving the global economy, Obama is going to have to do something that gets him impeached. And I don't trust the Senate to not convict. Democrats aren't ruthless enough to bring the pain that Boehner and the the Tealiban deserve.
And I don't think the world should wait until the 17th to downgrade our credit rating again. They should do it first thing next Monday morning.
And I don't think the world should wait until the 17th to downgrade our credit rating again. They should do it first thing next Monday morning.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/07/2013 14:58:00
Will in Chicago on 10/07/2013 14:58:00
Good morning, bloggers!!
BobR, I am not sure that the GOP can be reasoned with. I fear that the GOP is perfectly capable fo failing to act on the debt ceiling.
BobR, I am not sure that the GOP can be reasoned with. I fear that the GOP is perfectly capable fo failing to act on the debt ceiling.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/07/2013 15:01:13
In which case, I doubt that the public will stand for an impeachment.
In some good news, I believe that my interview on Friday went very well. I should know soon. The main hassle is that the drive there from here takes about an hour.
Will in Chicago on 10/07/2013 15:01:13
Quote by trojanrabbit:
I'm afraid at this point that, in the interest of saving the global economy, Obama is going to have to do something that gets him impeached. And I don't trust the Senate to not convict. Democrats aren't ruthless enough to bring the pain that Boehner and the the Tealiban deserve.
And I don't think the world should wait until the 17th to downgrade our credit rating again. They should do it first thing next Monday morning.
In which case, I doubt that the public will stand for an impeachment.
In some good news, I believe that my interview on Friday went very well. I should know soon. The main hassle is that the drive there from here takes about an hour.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 15:08:43
Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 15:08:43
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jacksonto Darrell Issa, fuck off, I've got your Fast and Furious lawsuit right here.
Well she didn't say that, but she did bitch slap Issa.
Well she didn't say that, but she did bitch slap Issa.
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 15:12:08
Raine on 10/07/2013 15:12:08
We've used Uber -- it kinda rocks.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/07/2013 15:16:25
trojanrabbit on 10/07/2013 15:16:25
More roller coaster emotions with my little furball.
I got his fluids refilled on Saturday but I was a bit concerned that he vomited what I fed him that morning. Though it's possible that he was just screwed up because without knowing it, Mrs. Rabbit fed him almost the entire container of treats the day before. Vet prescribed Science Diet a/d for him, which is very rich and just needs to be blended to go into the syringe.
He took the Saturday night feeding OK, but Sunday morning he again
everything I fed him. My heart just sank. I gave him an hour to settle down then fed him again, but only 1 syringe instead of 4. I then proceeded to feed him every few hours and by the end of the day I had fed him the entire can. Apparently I have to find a way to do more than 2 feedings a day. Do I have a baby that I have to give 2AM feedings to?
Anyway, he showed up to the morning feeding with the other cats and did eat a bit. Gave him 2 syringe fulls before I left for work and Mrs. Rabbit said he kept it down.
Considering he was eating nothing on his own at one point last weekend, it looks like he's back on the upswing.
I got his fluids refilled on Saturday but I was a bit concerned that he vomited what I fed him that morning. Though it's possible that he was just screwed up because without knowing it, Mrs. Rabbit fed him almost the entire container of treats the day before. Vet prescribed Science Diet a/d for him, which is very rich and just needs to be blended to go into the syringe.
He took the Saturday night feeding OK, but Sunday morning he again
everything I fed him. My heart just sank. I gave him an hour to settle down then fed him again, but only 1 syringe instead of 4. I then proceeded to feed him every few hours and by the end of the day I had fed him the entire can. Apparently I have to find a way to do more than 2 feedings a day. Do I have a baby that I have to give 2AM feedings to?Anyway, he showed up to the morning feeding with the other cats and did eat a bit. Gave him 2 syringe fulls before I left for work and Mrs. Rabbit said he kept it down.
Considering he was eating nothing on his own at one point last weekend, it looks like he's back on the upswing.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/07/2013 15:22:37
Glad to hear it!!
Will in Chicago on 10/07/2013 15:22:37
Quote by trojanrabbit:
More roller coaster emotions with my little furball.
I got his fluids refilled on Saturday but I was a bit concerned that he vomited what I fed him that morning. Though it's possible that he was just screwed up because without knowing it, Mrs. Rabbit fed him almost the entire container of treats the day before. Vet prescribed Science Diet a/d for him, which is very rich and just needs to be blended to go into the syringe.
He took the Saturday night feeding OK, but Sunday morning he again
Anyway, he showed up to the morning feeding with the other cats and did eat a bit. Gave him 2 syringe fulls before I left for work and Mrs. Rabbit said he kept it down.
Considering he was eating nothing on his own at one point last weekend, it looks like he's back on the upswing.
Glad to hear it!!
Comment by 
BobR on 10/07/2013 15:31:18
Yeah, *ahem* I linked to this story in the blog
Not it's not the exact same link, but it is the same story...
BobR on 10/07/2013 15:31:18
Quote by Mondobubba:
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jacksonto Darrell Issa, fuck off, I've got your Fast and Furious lawsuit right here.
Well she didn't say that, but she did bitch slap Issa.
Yeah, *ahem* I linked to this story in the blog
Not it's not the exact same link, but it is the same story...
Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/07/2013 15:31:49
I frequent Fark.com quite a bit - they have a special thread on Saturdays called Caturday and that group has a Facebook presence. They've given some good advice, especially from one who just lost her cat last week due to liver disease. She pointed out to me what syringe she was using (larger than mine), how much she was feeding and offered to send me the rest of the prescription food she has.
A far cry from the "Politics" area which is essentially a sewer full of RW trolls. All to keep the page clicks up, you know.
trojanrabbit on 10/07/2013 15:31:49
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by trojanrabbit:
More roller coaster emotions with my little furball.
I got his fluids refilled on Saturday but I was a bit concerned that he vomited what I fed him that morning. Though it's possible that he was just screwed up because without knowing it, Mrs. Rabbit fed him almost the entire container of treats the day before. Vet prescribed Science Diet a/d for him, which is very rich and just needs to be blended to go into the syringe.
He took the Saturday night feeding OK, but Sunday morning he again
Anyway, he showed up to the morning feeding with the other cats and did eat a bit. Gave him 2 syringe fulls before I left for work and Mrs. Rabbit said he kept it down.
Considering he was eating nothing on his own at one point last weekend, it looks like he's back on the upswing.
Glad to hear it!!
I frequent Fark.com quite a bit - they have a special thread on Saturdays called Caturday and that group has a Facebook presence. They've given some good advice, especially from one who just lost her cat last week due to liver disease. She pointed out to me what syringe she was using (larger than mine), how much she was feeding and offered to send me the rest of the prescription food she has.
A far cry from the "Politics" area which is essentially a sewer full of RW trolls. All to keep the page clicks up, you know.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/07/2013 15:40:54
wickedpam on 10/07/2013 15:40:54
holy crap - frickin deluge out there!
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 15:46:50
I;m waiting for it to hit any moment
Raine on 10/07/2013 15:46:50
Quote by wickedpam:
holy crap - frickin deluge out there!
Comment by Scoopster on 10/07/2013 15:49:56
Scoopster on 10/07/2013 15:49:56
Guys.. I'm so fucking sick of these idiots who push the 'both sides are to blame' meme.
We need to make a clearing house website to combat that nonsense, like HCRM.
We need to make a clearing house website to combat that nonsense, like HCRM.
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 15:54:02
ooOOoo
That is a good idea.
I'll talk to Code monkey later. Scoop would you be willing to help out with adding links etc? Basically -- we have the infrastructure in place --
Raine on 10/07/2013 15:54:02
Quote by Scoopster:
Guys.. I'm so fucking sick of these idiots who push the 'both sides are to blame' meme.
We need to make a clearing house website to combat that nonsense, like HCRM.
ooOOoo
That is a good idea.
I'll talk to Code monkey later. Scoop would you be willing to help out with adding links etc? Basically -- we have the infrastructure in place --
Comment by wickedpam on 10/07/2013 15:55:04
make sure your basement windows are secure
wickedpam on 10/07/2013 15:55:04
Quote by Raine:I;m waiting for it to hit any momentQuote by wickedpam:
holy crap - frickin deluge out there!
make sure your basement windows are secure
Comment by Scoopster on 10/07/2013 15:55:19
ABSO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY!
Scoopster on 10/07/2013 15:55:19
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Guys.. I'm so fucking sick of these idiots who push the 'both sides are to blame' meme.
We need to make a clearing house website to combat that nonsense, like HCRM.
ooOOoo
That is a good idea.
I'll talk to Code monkey later. Scoop would you be willing to help out with adding links etc? Basically -- we have the infrastructure in place --
ABSO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY!
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 15:55:57
Raine on 10/07/2013 15:55:57
WEATHER ALERT: A tornado warning and a severe thunderstorm warning have been issued for Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg, Va., through noon. In addition, a tornado watch is in effect for much of the D.C. area through 5 p.m. Monday. DETAILS: http://bit.ly/1afXwkc
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 16:14:48
Raine on 10/07/2013 16:14:48
This is all I could find. <-- Our NOAA weather radio hasn't alerted all day.
Is it shut down due to the federal shutdown?
Is it shut down due to the federal shutdown?
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 16:25:07
Mondobubba on 10/07/2013 16:25:07
Me: I want you to enter your website address into the address bar of your browser.
Ijit: What is a web browser?
Ijit: What is a web browser?
Comment by Raine on 10/07/2013 16:29:48
Me: do you know why the government is shut down?
Ijit: What's a web browser?
Raine on 10/07/2013 16:29:48
Quote by Mondobubba:
Me: I want you to enter your website address into the address bar of your browser.
Ijit: What is a web browser?
Me: do you know why the government is shut down?
Ijit: What's a web browser?
Comment by 
TriSec on 10/07/2013 16:35:39
<-- meetings from 9am
<-- now trying to finish everything that didn't get done this morning.
TriSec on 10/07/2013 16:35:39
<-- meetings from 9am <-- now trying to finish everything that didn't get done this morning.
Comment by Scoopster on 10/07/2013 16:40:50
Scoopster on 10/07/2013 16:40:50