February 28, 2013
Little else dominates the news right now besides the sequester. I have to wonder if anyone has calculated the costs associated with calcuating the costs of cuts linked to the sequester. Here is just one example: http://astho.org/Advocacy/Sequestration-Fact-Page/ The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials has taken the time from their already overloaded and underfunded docket to explain the effects of the impending cuts as envisioned. The picture is not pretty.
Besides the lost dollars and lost work hours, the lost productivity across all kinds of spheres associated with this ‘event’ relates to emotional tolls and the anxiety within families created by such uncertainty. These events turn into physical and mental health problems, including diseases associated with stress and depression. Interpersonal violence increases in personal and social relationships.
I hardly know what to say. From an ethical perspective, the dilemma linked to distorting and manipulating information for so long leaves so many with feelings of distrust. I like a good debate probably even more so than the average citizen, but the time is long past for beating the drums of authority and power, and instead to lead by example.
