From The Window Seat

Blogging over at Examiner.com today on local politics in Arlington, VA.

http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-arlington/local-politics-redefined

Week In Review: Who Loses in Budget Cut Blues?

Three items in the news this week caught my eye: speculation about the trickle-down impacts of the so-called "Supercommittee" failure; a measure to freeze replacement of out-going federal workers; and the retirement of the "Mr. Speaker!" man.

Failure of the deficit reduction Committee to reach consensus on cost-cutting or revenue-raising measures is a blow on many levels, particularly for state governments. As legislative bodies gather in early 2012 to begin hammering out their 2013 budgets, they do so with little to no information on what they can expect from Washington in terms of funding for major discretionary or entitlement programs. 

Many states operate under balanced budget rules. With no guarantee on revenues, the eventual deep program cuts and eliminations anticipated at the federal level will likely begin at the state and local level. As my sports commentator friend Jack often says, "This will not be pretty." 

While punting on the big issues about deficit reduction, the Senate did debate how to find savings within the federal workforce itself, considering a proposal to replace only every second or third departing worker.  Not that the government has ever been quick to release non-performers, but the threat of losing FTE slots when an employee leaves could have the perverse affect of keeping these individuals in their jobs longer than appropriate.

Finally, we learned this week of the retirement of one highly regarded federal employee.  Bill Livingood who retires after serving as the House Sergeant-At-Arms for 17 years.  Though few know him by name, many recognize his familiar call to attention, "Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States!" This brief moment of pomp and circumstance, preceding the often less classy behavior by Members themselves, is always my favorite moment in a Congressional address by a President. 

In addition to this protocol duty, the Sergeant-At-Arms is responsible for providing security to the Members of the House, their staff and visitors. With all the talk of cutbacks and hiring freezes, it's safe to say that's one government job that won't be eliminated.  

Black Friday Undercuts Sustainable Economy

Though nearly 11 months out, the Black Friday which precedes the Presidential election is a sign of the strength or weakness of the incumbent. Sales figures are a measure of consumer confidence, closely tracked and reported by financial, consumer and political media.  What's the verdict for Obama?

Early reports in the wee morning hours were dim, but as the morning sun began to rise, news reports looked a bit more hopeful.  While the typical stories of shoppers gone mad dominated the online headlines, the below the fold story of an expected 10% increase in sales of 2010 are a good sign for the White House. The final analysis will more likely show single digit improvements.  One could predict a similar storyline next November 6th, though with much tighter margins.

The measure of consumer spending as a sign of an improved economy is, however, an unfortunate indicator.  At at time when our nation is deep and debt, as are our citizens, do we really need to scramble on top of one another to grab the latest game console like savages?  Spending has become synonymous with "good economy."  But a sustainable economy should emphasize rationale spending and even some serious savings.  

Sure, one can argue that Black Friday is in fact about savings, and I'll buy that to a point.  But just once, I'd love to see a presidential candidate come out on Thanksgiving and encourage everyone to "sleep-in" the next day, as opposed to racing to the big box stores fighting for parking spots and a place in line.  Get some real exercise (not the kind where you run down the aisles) to shake off the extra calories heaped on during the holidays; spend time with family discussing how we can do more with less as a society - because that is the reality we live in. 

Instead of waiting on a presidential candidate to emerge with all the solutions, we must take personal responsibility for our health, our pocket books, our neighborhoods and our future.  My husband says, gleefully, I sound like a Republican.  But I call this Sound Citizenship  - something neither of the parties has yet grasped.