The sequester (Hussein's idea) hits the poor especially hard

MSN ^ | 3/04/13 | Jonathan Berr

[Libloather]

The $85 billion in federal spending cuts triggered by the sequester will hit low-income Americans dependent on government assistance especially hard, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive-leaning think tank.

According to organization, about 3.8 million long-term unemployed workers with federally funded benefits will see about an 11% cut in those weekly benefits. The Women, Infants and Children nutrition program will have to turn away as many as 600,000 to 775,000 women and children by the end of the year. More than 100,000 people will lose housing aid.

"There is no way to cut $85 billion in a single year, mainly from discretionary programs -- which include most defense spending as well as medical research, education, help for low-income families, food and water safety, law enforcement, and so on -- and not see real impact," writes Sharon Parrott, on the think tank's blog.

[KittenClaws]

Thanks for saying what was on my mind.

It bothers me especially, about government interference in religious charity work.

Why shouldn’t the poor, for a meal, hear the name and message, the reason, that their benefactors were compelled to give?

The government, along with some individuals call it “demeaning” I call it “under conviction”. Conviction can certainly be uncomfortable, but, if left to stew, can bring some might flavorful concoctions.

Although nearing the age for SS I agree it should be phased out. I think anyone who has paid in, should be refunded that exact amount, with minimal interest, yes, I think that would be fair.

I don’t think anything should be spent on the illegals as far as repatriation is concerned. Of are you talking about repatriation to their home countries? I could go for that.

I don’t think any illegal entrant should ever be given citizenship. Ever. I also think all immigrants should be tested for disease . Should have a skill we need, should be able to provide for themselves or a responsible mentor.

Further, I think voting should be disallowed to ALL new entrants according to presidential election cycles. IOW, one full cycle must pass before voting is allowed. A FULL cycle. So, you arrive in 2014? The middle of a cycle? Too bad, 2016 is not your year. Try 2020.

[Smokin' Joe]

I think anyone who has paid in, should be refunded that exact amount, with minimal interest, yes, I think that would be fair.

Offered their choice that or their pick of some of the considerable Federal Landholdings, to develop as they choose, with guaranteed access rights of way. Mine it, farm it, cut timber, all of the above, it's up to you. It not only would not cost the Federal Government any money, it would put land back into production and help boost the economy. That option would not be for everyone, but is another possibility.

I don’t think anything should be spent on the illegals as far as repatriation is concerned. Of are you talking about repatriation to their home countries? I could go for that.

Send them home. If they overstayed a visa, they don't get back in for a period not less than 5 years. If they arrived illegally and aren't a political refugee, there is no path to citizenship here: they have already shown contempt for our laws. They can stay out.

As for testing, yes. It was so at Ellis Island, it should be so today, especially when most tests can be conducted fairly rapidly.

Useful skills (or the spouse of someone with them) would be a reason for admittance and being able to provide for themselves and any family would be a requirement.

We have seen what can happen here in North Dakota when the vast majority of people who came here to work in the oilfields were here to work. There are always a few hellraisers, but most are here trying to rebuild their lives elsewhere, save their homes and feed their families, or will eventually put down roots right here. Despite the nonsense in much of the media, crime has not risen in proportion to the population--most folks are here to make a living, and those who didn't bring a skill were willing to learn one.

If you aren't a citizen, you shouldn't be voting anyway. Let the path to naturalization take long enough for someone to establish their pattern of behaviour and learn how things are supposed to work before conferring citizenship on those willing to pledge their allegiance to our Constitutional Republic. If they don't pass muster, send them back.