Massive US Government failure

The word "Sequestration" doesn't evoke visions of widespread calamity today, but it is a disaster in the making.  This will be a worst-case outcome if it isn't reversed soon.  The Obama administration hasn't made a strong enough statement on what effects will be on the poor and disabled.

Homelessness will be more widespread than it already is as HUD's estimate is that approximately 125,000 individuals and families could lose assistance, people living on the edge of homelessness will fall over the edge.  HUD has sent letters to municipal housing authorities, telling officials to expect less funding for Section 8 rental assistance all across the country.    FHA mortgage assistance and housing will also be affected, with a wide ripple effect in the future.

Education programs will be shredded, in Oregon, Head Start preschool, full-day kindergarten and special education are all at risk, officials said.  Crater Lake, forestland firefighting, child immunizations and air traffic controllers at small airports are also likely to be affected.

Up to 766,000 - Number of health care-related jobs that could be lost or eliminated due to 2% cuts in Medicare spending under sequestration.

 The reaction from Republicans is predictable.  "I don't like the sequester. I think it's taking a meat ax to our government, a meat ax to many programs that will weaken our national defense," House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Wednesday. But, he added, "Americans do not support sacrificing real spending cuts for more tax hikes."

We'll see, Mr Boehner, we'll see.