TCTI: Too Crazy Too Ignore
 Dave Ross
AP: b34acfa1-09cc-491c-a4cb-ee7f127bb78f
House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio walks away from reporters outside the White House in Washington, Friday, March 1, 2103, without taking questions, after a meeting with President Barack Obama and Congressional leaders regarding the automatic spending cuts. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

When politicians shrug

BY Dave Ross  on March 4, 2013 @ 5:47 am (Updated: 5:59 am - 3/4/13 )

CBS Correspondent Major Garrett put it perfectly - before now, spending cuts were theoretical. "Now they're going to start to get real and the public will have a real voice."

We Americans, as a group, agree that Congress wastes a lot of money - but individually we all want our government checks.

Along with a doctor for our children, a dignified retirement for our aging parents, a way to feed the destitute so they don't riot, trained rescuers in case the hurricane hits or the waters rise or the sinkhole opens, and above all, a general sense of order so we can build a good life that can't be arbitrarily snatched away.

But now the political system designed to balance all those things against the taxes needed to pay for them has broken down.

The noise from the lobbyists and alarmists and every little group with a finger in the pie and a website on the Internet has grown so loud that no one can figure out what's true and what's not. So we're going to run the experiment and see what happens.

"I don't think anyone really understands how the sequester is really going to work," said Speaker of the House John Boehner.

Not even the Speaker of the House knows because it's been a while since we've tested what happens when you make real cuts - cuts where federal workers actually stay home.

"We're out of road to kick the can down. I spent the last two-plus years trying to bring this town to address this problem. And it is going to be addressed," said Boehner.

And this means that what happens next depends on how you and I react in the coming weeks.

We're the lab rats; they've dropped us into the maze, and they've taken away $85.4 billion dollars worth of cheese.

Now they're waiting to see whether we cope or rebel. And if my metaphor is correct I believe at end we all get a free autopsy.

Dave Ross, KIRO Radio Talk Show Host
Dave Ross is co-host of The Ross & Burbank Show on KIRO Radio (weekdays 9-Noon) and never too far from the spotlight.
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Comments (146)


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  • cdbtx wrote...
    And who are the two groups largely
    March 4, 2013 5:14 am
    responsible for misleading the public... The Politicians and the Media.... my, my, my...

    Although lately.. I've been thinking... so if you want me to feed, educate, house, pay for childcare, and take care of your childrens medicals needs... don't I deserve some say initially if you even have children... I mean.. as a parent.. or potential parents.. for some reason I thought these issues were discussed prior to having children... but since the Liberals have decided it's best that I function as the sole provider for their children... I'd prefer to politely ask them to defer from having children for 40 more years...

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  • SickofSeattleite wrote...
    @cdbtx......how about
    March 4, 2013 5:30 am
    if they don't pass a drug test they don't get their "assistance"
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  • logical open mind wrote...
    But Dave Ross-there is no worries cause we now have gay marriage!!!
    March 4, 2013 8:49 am
    and please dont get off the gay marriage topic. We want a daily commentary cause there are so many million gays in Wa state that want to marry.
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  • SickofSeattleite wrote...
    individually we all want our govt checks?
    March 4, 2013 5:28 am
    according to whom? I don't want ANY govt check! I want a smaller govt with LESS spending. The govt should be handing out LESS checks! What do you expect to happen when the govt gives out to many of those expected checks? The money runs out. Crazy...it's like reality.
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  • SickofSeattleite wrote...
    Hey Dave.....
    March 4, 2013 5:31 am
    individually how much is your government check?
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  • ron prevost wrote...
    When the PUBLIC shrugs
    March 4, 2013 5:35 am
    Day three of Armageddon and the fire departments and police are still functioning. .. The sun goes on shining and the birds go on singing.

    Well, that's because (I guess) the REAL Armageddon is a few MORE weeks away.

    Lots of Luck.

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  • ron prevost wrote...
    By the way, Dave. That $84B 'cheese' is just about the same as releaf for Sandy.
    March 4, 2013 6:58 am
    And we were able to afford PAYING that - so how is the sequester cut such a disaster? ..... OH - it's because the cuts are TO the children, rescuers and retirement - NOT the federal administrators of presidential and congressional pay checks.

    Didn't work this time, Mr. Wizard. The lab rats (us) have learned if we poke our heads UP - above the maze wall - we can't be confused and fooled any more.

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  • messiah101 wrote...
    ronp You surprise me
    March 4, 2013 7:56 am
    The money spent on Sandy relief at least stimulates the economy in that region of the country but the same amount of spending cuts pulls $$$ out of the economy.Don't get me wrong I'm glad to see the cuts but very unhappy of the gutless innefficent way the Politicians went about it. A rocket was recently shot into space to bring supplies Mainly fruits and veggies) to a space station the cargo wt was about 1500lbs the trip cost the tax payers over $100,000,000 (part of a $1.6 Billion 12 supply trip contract)I would bet that each orange cost the taxpayers as much as a new F-150
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  • ron prevost wrote...
    correction, messiah - was supposed to be for Sandy victums.
    March 4, 2013 8:11 am
    And apparently any pork for any other part of the country not caught before passage (oh, but that's ok because pork stimulated SOME part of the country).

    And I guess it was more stimulating than helping directly, as some are STILL living in hotels or in their homes without service. - But a recovery snafu 1s only bad when Bush can be blamed.

    Surprisingly you accidently make a point, however. There are priorities and there are priorities. Whatever and whoever determined the cuts, they are definitely NOT across the board.

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  • messiah101 wrote...
    ron p
    March 4, 2013 4:26 pm
    I don't do things accidently.But you do surprise me that you caught that point in my post perhaps their is hope for you
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  • Lonestar wrote...
    What?
    March 4, 2013 8:18 am
    We have to pay $ 84B to put the leaves back on the trees? Won't they grow back by themselves?
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  • ron prevost wrote...
    ;) . gotcha
    March 4, 2013 8:22 am
    ;-)
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  • RareClarity wrote...
    Taken cheese...
    March 4, 2013 5:36 am
    It's interesting that it's described as the politicians are taking back some cheese. Well, they get all of their cheese from US. Even the additions to the money supply are devaluing our cheese with each new dollar. I have a simple life, house, two boys, married, one car payment. I think typical. However, my single largest expense is the price of government. Federal, state, county, municipal, with income, FICA, sales, Excise, phone, property and on and on. THE COST OF GOVERNMENT ISN'T SUPPOSE TO BE OUR LARGEST MONETARY COST IN LIFE!
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  • wsualumn wrote...
    rareclarity
    March 4, 2013 5:57 am
    Many of us love to complain about taxes. My home tax is just over $5,000 a year. We have no mortgage. I also have 2 girls, a wife that works, and no car payments. Yes, there are many more taxes that I pay. I am glad that the roads that I drive on are adequate(I-5 north of Marysville needs fixing). My home taxes go to numerous services, primarily The Stanwood School District. That is where my kids go to school. People love to complain about public schools. I think our kids are getting a great education. My tax dollars benefit me in many ways. We like our public library(it's a bit too small for our growing community, but it works for now). Our emergency and fire districts are a necessity. So we can complain about taxes, but I'd rather pay them, than lack services.
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  • RareClarity wrote...
    Wsualumn...so you agree.
    March 4, 2013 6:07 am
    I'm in the road building equipment business and few segments were hit harder that that over this past recession. 37% unemployment at the worst in '09-'10. Still near 25%. The point is that as a 'people' we form a government to what we can't do as individuals. We as a people do collectively like build libraries, built and maintain roads, construct and man aircraft carriers and yes, take care of those who can't themselves. However, we need to examine just how much is too much. I believe in a government of, by and for the people but, we can't be all things to all people. If the government can't account for every billion, they have too many billions.
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  • wsualumn wrote...
    Agree
    March 4, 2013 6:15 am
    We have to re-evaluate what is more important. How about no longer policing the world? How about no more aid to countries that hate us? How about about government mandated birth control for those that are on welfare and have kids? That is just a start.
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    wsualumn
    March 4, 2013 8:06 am
    But US gov aid to foreign countries is an attempt to get them to love us (love means we get MORE out of the relationship then we give in aid ) Mandated Birth Control WILL NEVER HAPPEN so drop that off the table.Its morally wrong (put on your thinking cap and think about why its morally wrong) and the Catholic Church is against Birth Control.I agree 100% on your view on the US Gov policing the world.However we do it so other nations will fear us.But obviously they don't
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  • wsualumn wrote...
    Messiah
    March 4, 2013 5:07 pm
    I agree with you on a number of things, but I don't believe that it is immoral to require those that are on welfare(and have kids) shouldn't be required to be on government mandated birth control. If they aren't responsible enough to plan ahead(numerous times), then don't expect the tax payer to support you lifestyle. There is a separation between church and state. I say let The Catholic Church pay for those unplanned pregnancies for those that say they can't use birth control because of The Laws of The Catholic Church. Face the facts, many catholics use birth control.
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    wsualumn
    March 5, 2013 3:17 am
    Do you understand that poor folks often have lots of children in order to ensure they will be taken care of in their old age?And don't you believe that since a high percentage of welfare recipients in certain areas are minorities and that a government program to limit births in their community might be looked at differently by them?Bottom line though is that if baby's result THEY MUST be cared for and the child should not be penalized for the actions of their parents.Why isn't the Christian Right (that includes BOTH Catholics as well as Protestants)who are anti abortion step up and offer to pay for the care of unwanted children until they reach 18 (health care,food ,shelter and education)
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  • wsualumn wrote...
    Messiah
    March 5, 2013 5:28 am
    I also understand that a lot of people(poor and uneducated)have kids because they are careless and look at another child as a bigger welfare check. I also don't think that they are planning to have these kids to ensure that they will be taken care of in old age. Many of those young mothers aren't thinking that far down the road. Yes these kids need to be cared for. I don't argue that point. The problem is that many of these kids aren't being properly cared for when these young mothers have multiple kids at a young age and create generations of more welfare recipients. It seems simple enough to me, you want a welfare check and have kids? Take your birth control. It's not society's duty to pay for the kids that you can't afford. There is, unfortunately, a backlash from The Religious Right, from teaching birth control in public schools. They view this as "promoting sex," when in fact it is teaching kids to be responsible if you happen to have sex. This is probably one of those things that you and I will disagree on. I do agree with you that the child should not be penalized. The parents are the ones that need to be responsible.
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  • RareClarity wrote...
    Agree
    March 4, 2013 8:33 am
    Wsualumn..I'm with you on all those points.
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  • maplefish wrote...
    WSU
    March 4, 2013 8:33 am
    Touché'
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  • Country_Dog wrote...
    Hey Loser
    March 4, 2013 5:46 am
    It is $85 billion over two years. Why can't you report that basic fact correctly?
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  • sohojo wrote...
    These are not cuts
    March 4, 2013 6:04 am
    The definition of a spending cut in Washington is not what most people think. These departments will have to work with their budgets of yesterday without getting any increase. C'mon Dave!
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    sohojo
    March 4, 2013 8:08 am
    Gotta walk before you run jo
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  • sohojo wrote...
    No disagreement here
    March 4, 2013 2:35 pm
    They do need to get spending under control. Just wish they would use some common sense in the process.
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  • It's me! Ha ha! wrote...
    Well Parrots!
    March 4, 2013 6:08 am
    The GOP, at the instructions of the American people, stood up to your Dear Leader, looking him in the eye, and told your Obama EXACTLY where to stick his Sequester, IE Tax increases, and, on top of that, don't stop at one time.

    Parrots your Dear Leader and your beloved regime is losing to we Americans. And all of you Parrots know this to be the case.

    So Left wing Parrots, get used to more and more staggering defeats of your Messiah at the hands of We the American People!!!!!!

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  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    HAHA, Please, dude, wear your oxygen mask when working in all that smoke
    March 4, 2013 6:26 am
    Thanks.
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  • soo purletiv wrote...
    @ Chuck Gould
    March 4, 2013 6:49 am
    That's good stuff.
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  • circuitfr wrote...
    with these "cuts"
    March 4, 2013 6:29 am
    haha...they basically have to live within the budgets they had in 2010. OH NO, we all didn't die in 2010. WSUAlum is correct in what are taxes are for to a degree. I don't believe in public schools. A collectivists mindset is not what America is about. Tax dollars do not need to fun libraries. If the city and citizens believe its a good idea, than build a library through charitable contributions. Fund Fire, Fund Police. Get us out of every Country in the World. Stop paying billions of dollars to Egypt and other terrorists countries and reform the education system to educate, not babysit. The goal is not to allow the individual to thrive, it's to teach what's best for the collective. I'm not saying collectivism is bad, but if you want that, China, South Korea...those are communists collectivists cultures.
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  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    cicuitfr and "collectivism"
    March 4, 2013 6:54 am
    Sir, or madam;

    While you cry out against collective spending for education, ("I don't believe in public schools")you support collective spending for the Fire and Police services.

    Apparently your problem isn't with collective spending, it's with collective spending for things you consider to be low priorities- such as schools and libraries.

    Unless you privatize the police and fire departments and make these services only available to voluntary "subscribers" (tried during the early years in this country, with disastrous consequences, by the way) any money paid to public police and fire departments will constitute collective spending.

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  • soo purletiv wrote...
    @ circuitfr
    March 4, 2013 6:55 am
    When did South Korea collapse? ;-)
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    circuitfr Do you have your own definition of
    March 4, 2013 8:26 am
    terrorist countries?How does Egypt make your list?How about Israel do they make it also? Charitable support of librarys would be wonderful but would the donations come with Demands that the money be used only for books and material that the donors point of view supports?Using your logic why fund the Fire or Police? Give those services only to people who want to pay for them,or pass the hat and give as much services as the voluntary contributions can pay for."South Korea a communist collective culture? No its not.In fact China isn't a true communist collective either,lots of capitalism going on there
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  • messiah101 wrote...
    haha No side lost
    March 4, 2013 8:10 am
    Both got exactly what they wanted. Now their job is to convince the American public that the other party is to blame if you lost your job (or hours) because of the cuts.Thats Politics sonny
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  • Drool wrote...
    "at the instructions of the American people"
    March 4, 2013 8:38 am
    Uh, not exaclty. Polls and the last election say otherwise.
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  • nevetssnikpoh wrote...
    Top Down
    March 4, 2013 6:29 am
    The cuts should start at the TOP not the bottom. Cut overhead so you stay in business. Don't punish the consumer. And this state want to continue receiving pork only adding to the problem. Someone needs to get a grip on reality.
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  • mnpat wrote...
    "The noise from the lobbyists and alarmists", AKA the Media
    March 4, 2013 6:41 am
    But you folks are just fulfilling your role for the administration I guess.
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