Slowing Air Traffic Is Serious Sequester Hardball From The White House

[babylonsister]

http://www.capitalgainsandgames.com/blog/stan-collender/2716/slowing-air-traffic-serious-sequester-hardball-white-house

Slowing Air Traffic Is Serious Sequester Hardball From The White House
22 Feb 2013
Posted by Stan Collender


The Clinton administration didn't play as much hardball as it could have during the 1995 and 1996 federal shutdowns because it decided that the air traffic control system was a critical government activity.

Doing the opposite -- and it definitely was a discretionary presidential decision rather than a legislated mandate -- likely would have ended the shutdowns much faster because of the outcry when planes were grounded and everything from Fed Ex to business trips to honeymoons were affected. The economic damage and anger would have been immediate and intense.

The Obama White House appears to be going in a very different direction with the sequester. As this story by Matthew Wald in today's New York Times shows, not only will the air traffic control system be included if the sequester occurs, the administration clearly is not reluctant in the slightest about making it clear that flights will be canceled or seriously delayed...or both if the sequester happens.

The article also makes it clear that a federal function that didn't exist in 95-96 -- the Transportation Security Administration and the security screenings it conducts at airports -- will also be seriously affected.

This is why I keep saying that the politics of the sequester will change almost immediately after it starts. Slowdowns at U.S... airports, national parks closed one day a week, slower-than-usual tax refunds -- all of which are likely to happen starting on March 1 -- almost change how voters view the situation and the pressure on members of Congress to deal with it.

[babylonsister]

1. So no thoughts on this? I'm not traveling

in the near future, but suspect things will change immediately when travelers are inconvenienced.

[littlemissmartypants]

2. I am all for grounding the one percent.

Now if we could just figure out how to take away their gas guzzling limos.

Love, Peace and Shelter. lmsp

[newfie11]

3. I am flying to Ireland THURSDAY

I hope this over before coming back. Oh well if I am stuck in Ireland that's ok with me.

[babylonsister]

4. Dammit! Lucky you!!!

Tell us all about it if you ever get back!

[newfie11]

5. Lol

I am kind of hoping to get stuck there for a couple of weeks.

[babylonsister]

6. I don't blame you! Take pix!

And bon voyage!!

[Thor_MN]

12. I hope that doesn't turn out to be "self deportation" for you

At least not for too long...

[Drahthaardogs]

7. Good!

It is time federal employees are appreciated. Let the GOPers stand in line, let them not get their social security check, let their tax returns be month slate.

[EastKYLiberal]

8. I hope it lasts at least a month.

It will completely sink the Republican Party.

[Zorro]

9. The sequester is serious business

but the Republicans think it's a winner for them. That's why they're called the Stupid party.

It won't only be air travelers that will be impacted. CBS News also talked about how the lack of federal inspectors at meat and poultry plants will slow down production and lead to shortages and higher prices.

I think the country will be furious if sequestration happens, and it will be the Republicans that will be recognized as the source of the problem. It's as if they want to punish the American people for re-electing Obama.

[babylonsister]

10. Thank you, and you are correct.

The more people are discomforted by what's going to happen, the more the gop will reap what they sow.

[babylonsister]

11. In a nutshell, yes, they can't STAND that Obama is our Prez.

Too bad.

[Bake]

13. Actually, it'll be FedEx and UPS screaming when their planes can't get off the ground.

That ought to get the GOP's attention.

Bake

[Amonester]

15. It's more the lack of donations (bribes) their CEOs will be sending them...

next time the tearorists will call for 'fundraising' methinks...

[Gorp]

14. It can get slower than it already is? That's news to me.