'One Paycheck, Maybe Two': Federal Workers Tell Us How Long They Can Live Without Wages.

[elleng]

As the partial government shutdown drags on and it grows more likely that a payday will pass them by, affected workers describe their sacrifices and preparations.

'The government shutdown that began 20 days ago will become the longest shutdown in American history if it continues through Saturday, and President Trump has said that it could last “months or even years.”

Where does this leave the 800,000 federal employees who are caught up in the shutdown, most of whom will miss a paycheck on Friday?

We asked them to tell us how much longer they personally could endure a shutdown before experiencing financial setbacks, and how they felt about the fight over the border wall that is at the center of the standoff.

More than 200 responded, describing the hardships they face — a sick child, a dwindling supply of prescription drugs, a mortgage in arrears — and the preparations they are making to get by.'>>>

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/10/reader-center/federal-employees-unpaid-during-shutdown.html?

[Wellstone ruled]

1. Okay,try this on for size.

most people when interviewed tend to give a positive response to questions. It is all about projecting a strong image and are afraid of showing weakness. Just plain human nature. Once you break down that image,all hell breaks loose.

[AndJusticeForSome]

2. "I want the wall. I support it totally ... But not at my expense!"

... says

— Elenore Mary Maggio, Treasury employee, New York. Has savings for two months.

Not sure what to think of Ms. Maggio's understanding of how things work... and she works at Treasury! WTF?

[Dem_4_Life]

3. The only walls I care about are the ones that keep the roof over my family's heads.

I am forced to work [during the shutdown] and am making slave wages — nothing. We may have to move in with family. The only walls I care about are the ones that keep the roof over my family’s heads.

— Jim P., Homeland Security employee, Washington. Has a month’s worth of savings.

This is the most realistic quote that seems like it would be associated with the majority of the 800,000.