I don't think "care" feels quite right. I think 95% believe that Feds are lazy and get too good of a deal in benefits at some level so they think shutting the Govt down screws over the Feds that they believe didn't get hit by the recent depression. I don't think they are all at the same level as Cruz, but I think most are okay with Feds getting screwed around with some.
Yup. There was a sign at a farm on MD's Eastern Shore that said something like "good! Shut them down forever." My mom and I have not stopped there since.
But point being, yeah a lot of Americans think the govt being shut down is just karma for all the government perks.
A farm? A farm?! How much do you want to bet that farm receives some kind of government subsidy? Ugh. The stupid, it burns.
I don't think "care" feels quite right. I think 95% believe that Feds are lazy and get too good of a deal in benefits at some level so they think shutting the Govt down screws over the Feds that they believe didn't get hit by the recent depression. I don't think they are all at the same level as Cruz, but I think most are okay with Feds getting screwed around with some.
But if you give everyone back pay, whether they were working or not, then really what was the point. And yes, many people were screwed in the waiting process, but eventually everyone got paid. And some agencies gave the people who were actually working comp time hour for hour. So they got paid and got tons of leave. So again. What was the point? Did the Feds really get screwed?
I will say that I would MUCH rather work than be off for an unknown period of time with no idea when I will get paid and if I will get paid for the time I didn't work.
Last time, I wound up with 6 days off and eventually got back pay. But I was FREAKING OUT because we really did not have the savings to stay afloat for very long. It was incredibly stressful.
We are in a better position to weather the storm this time, with more in savings and lower rent.
It does suck for those who have to work. But I'm not going to oppose back pay for people who can't work through no fault of their own.
But yeah, the whole thing is stupid and Cruz can suck my metaphorical balls with his shut down threats.
I will say that I would MUCH rather work than be off for an unknown period of time with no idea when I will get paid and if I will get paid for the time I didn't work.
Last time, I wound up with 6 days off and eventually got back pay. But I was FREAKING OUT because we really did not have the savings to stay afloat for very long. It was incredibly stressful.
We are in a better position to weather the storm this time, with more in savings and lower rent.
It does suck for those who have to work. But I'm not going to oppose back pay for people who can't work through no fault of their own.
But yeah, the whole thing is stupid and Cruz can suck my metaphorical balls with his shut down threats.
Oh I definitely agree. H and I are both Feds and I was on maternity leave last time. So I was definitely stressed. Like I knew he would get back pay because he is essential, but I had to run around and get reinstated fully 3 weeks postpartum because I had no idea how long it was going to last. I was thinking I was going to have to come back to work when I had a 1 month old at home just to get paid.
My point is shutting down the gov't didn't save it any money on paying the "overpaid govt employees" because everyone got paid even if they weren't working and some agencies gave comp time to those who were at work (which is money too).
Oh, abso-freaking-lutely. It's INSANE. The whole thing is completely sucky.
Last time, I went to visit my parents for part of the shutdown because I'd previously booked the trip. I stayed with my dad for a night or two. One morning, I got up and walked into the living room to get my coffee. Sarah Fucking Palin was on Fox News, bemoaning the WWII vets who couldn't visit the memorial and referred to them as political pawns. I fucking LOST IT and started screaming at the TV about political pawns. Are you kidding me?! Yes, I'm sorry those vets couldn't visit the memorial. That is unfortunate. But OMG, to paint them as the biggest victims in the whole thing was ludicrous when there were hardworking people wondering when the fuck they were going to get their next paycheck. My blood boils just remembering that.
Oh I definitely agree. H and I are both Feds and I was on maternity leave last time. So I was definitely stressed. Like I knew he would get back pay because he is essential, but I had to run around and get reinstated fully 3 weeks postpartum because I had no idea how long it was going to last. I was thinking I was going to have to come back to work when I had a 1 month old at home just to get paid.
My point is shutting down the gov't didn't save it any money on paying the "overpaid govt employees" because everyone got paid even if they weren't working and some agencies gave comp time to those who were at work (which is money too).
Oh, abso-freaking-lutely. It's INSANE. The whole thing is completely sucky.
Last time, I went to visit my parents for part of the shutdown because I'd previously booked the trip. I stayed with my dad for a night or two. One morning, I got up and walked into the living room to get my coffee. Sarah Fucking Palin was on Fox News, bemoaning the WWII vets who couldn't visit the memorial and referred to them as political pawns. I fucking LOST IT and started screaming at the TV about political pawns. Are you kidding me?! Yes, I'm sorry those vets couldn't visit the memorial. That is unfortunate. But OMG, to paint them as the biggest victims in the whole thing was ludicrous when there were hardworking people wondering when the fuck they were going to get their next paycheck. My blood boils just remembering that.
Ugh.
Also, the "overpaid cushy job" stereotype is a bit much. I love my job, but I could make 2x my salary in the private sector. I'm not here for the pay. Sure, I'll eventually get back to my private sector salary with grade increases, and my health benefits are good, but they sure as hell aren't free either.
it was such a cluster last time. my guess is that agencies are preparing earlier b/c it kind of caught everyone by surprise that it would really happen.